Ness' bit of everything

I returned to work on the 3rd July 2018 after 6 months of unpaid leave to travel the world.

Alex and I landed 3 weeks ago back in the U.K, with enough time to ‘adjust’ back to ‘normal’ life. We knew the transition would be hard and rather strange. So, as a distraction, we bought a puppy. We have planned to have a dog for a while and now after travelling it just felt like the right time. Don’t worry I will be writing all about our new canine friend in my next post!

I knew it would be hard returning to reality and my return to work day seemed to come round in no time. BAM! I was back at my desk.

I wont lie. I have found going back to work hard and rather strange. Not because of the reality of it all but simply because I feel like I have started a new job. After being away for a while I had to come to terms with the fact that my team and colleagues have managed without me for 6 months. So feeling like a spare part I guess was part and parcel of this.

After struggling in my first 2 weeks, I looked back on the blog post I wrote before embarking on my trip. And I’m glad I did…

People have said that it is irresponsible to travel when you are doing well in your career. However, this to me is far from irresponsible. Yes my job/career may take a hit in the short term but in the long term I will gain so much from this experience, bettering me as a person.

I have to keep reminding myself of this quote, that yes my career will take a hit in the short term. However, I will come back fighting with all the other experiences I have learnt.

I do not regret my unpaid leave and what I have done in the last 6 months. None the less, if you are thinking of taking extended leave from your employer and returning the same place of work; I must warn you, things will be different and do not be naive and think otherwise.

Different isn’t necessarily bad, just different. Being on the unknown traveling path should aid you into embracing this change. It gives you the motivation for new opportunities and to take on this change more than ever!

Have you had extended leave off work? Let me know what your feelings were!

Ness x