The importance of travelling when it comes to changing jobs
Travelling to change I am passionate about travelling, I don’t know why exactly. My father was a creature of habit while my mum had only left the mountains and come to the city because she had to… (after the War, many moons ago). So I don’t exactly come from a family of travellers, but if you were to offer me the choice of a journey or a designer suit … I’d choose the journey. And I would have made the same choice in the past too, when I was poorer and when status symbols like designer suits were arguably even more important than they are today.
Why am I talking about travelling in a blog about work?
The focus here is not just taking a flight from Milan’s Linate airport (or the airport near where you live) and escaping… No.
I am talking about travelling as an instrument to take a step back, put things in perspective and soothe your mind before making important decisions like taking up coaching, setting new professional objectives, launch a new service or even starting a business.
How often do we lack time for ourselves, to think, reflect and rest?
Lounging at home on the couch is pretty depressing, let’s face it.
Travelling is much more constructive, positive and fruitful.
For me a journey means closing a door behind me and embarking on an adventure.
Even if it’s an organised group trip, there are always going to be problems, risks, people and unforeseen events. Even if it’s just a weekend things are bound to happen...
Years ago I would take holidays of one month or even longer.
Nowadays travelling has changed and very few people stay away for more than a month. But even a week can be very beneficial. In general, towards the end of May/ start of June I take a long week-end or a week off in Italy to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my husband … This allows me to take a breather and makes me more productive in July and August before the summer break.
What about the summer break? I’m not talking about holidays for doing courses, studying, reading, or meeting people professionally. But rather to free the mind, stimulate it differently … to freshen up. New places, different cultures and people to the ones you normally deal with… everything helps to take a step
back from your normal life, put things in perspective - good and especially bad things – recharge your batteries and make room for other ideas and projects.
But you need to leave your usual contacts, reading materials and subject matters at home.
In my work I have often recommended a little journey to people or enthusiastically supported their idea to do so.
How travelling can help you change jobs
Years ago I remember a lady that was in the process of leaving a big software company and looking for a new job. She was also dealing with a complicated personal situation. She went to see a psychologist. Before starting a career coaching process she went on a week’s holiday, in March. When she came back she was ready to start – at least on the professional front.
Recently there was a gentleman that wanted to improve his professional situation. We spoke about it, but since nobody is just going to give you a job, you need to work hard at finding one even if you are using a guide… he agreed (😊) that a weekend away with his wife would be a good opportunity to things through.
The coaching was actually a present from his wife for their anniversary.
What an idea!
And then there’s the time when you’re changing jobs and take a holiday so that you can start the new job relaxed, refreshed, with some colour in your face and the past firmly behind you!
