When Maria Laposata and her husband decided to leave their jobs to travel the world for a year, it marked a significant life change. The couple, both feeling the weight of burnout from their careers, committed to an adventure that would ultimately reshape their perspectives on life and work.
The journey began with a simple idea. Burned out from her role at a startup in Los Angeles, Laposata suggested to her husband that they make a list of dream destinations. Their shared love for travel turned this list into a detailed spreadsheet, which became a source of stress relief during their hectic workdays. Laposata, who worked long hours, often found herself daydreaming about far-off places like African safaris and the icy landscapes of Antarctica.
After much deliberation, they decided to take a leap of faith. “What if we quit our jobs and traveled around the world for three months?” Laposata pitched to her husband over a morning cappuccino. To her surprise, he agreed without hesitation. This calm response set the tone for their journey.
Preparing for a year of travel required extensive planning. The couple set a budget of **$75,000** to cover everything from living expenses to storage fees for their belongings back home. Two years of saving and logistical planning culminated in their resignation letters, handed in just before they embarked on their adventure.
Initial concerns about their safety and health were prevalent, particularly regarding potential dangers in various regions. Laposata’s worries included snakes in Africa and tsunamis in Southeast Asia, yet she recognized the irony of such fears considering she lived in Los Angeles, a city situated on the Ring of Fire.
One of Laposata’s primary concerns was the potential impact of a career gap on her résumé. She feared it would be perceived as a setback. However, this worry proved unfounded as her experiences would later enhance her job prospects.
The couple’s journey commenced in Rome, where they enrolled in an Italian language school for two months. Laposata recalls their first night in the city fondly, feeling as though Rome welcomed them with open arms. They explored iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, often before the crowds arrived, allowing them to connect more deeply with the city’s history and culture.
A pivotal moment occurred halfway through their travels. Celebrating her 30th birthday on the island of Gili Air near Bali, Laposata confronted feelings of insignificance away from the usual office celebrations. During a heartfelt conversation with her husband, she realized her priorities had been misaligned. “You mean everything to me,” he reminded her, prompting a reflection on their relationship and what truly mattered in her life.
The last six months of their journey shifted focus towards preparing for their return to the workforce. While traveling, Laposata reconnected with former colleagues and her husband developed an app, ensuring they remained engaged with their professional goals.
As the plane touched down in Los Angeles, Laposata felt a mix of emotions. She had envisioned many moments from their trip but never the return home. Coincidentally, both she and her husband received job offers on their final day abroad, allowing them to transition back into their careers seamlessly.
Reflecting on her experience, Laposata expressed gratitude for the year spent traveling. The time away from the grind of work allowed her to prioritize her personal life and relationships. “I wanted my husband to be at the top of my priorities list,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of balancing work with personal fulfillment.
In August 2022, after being laid off from her job, Laposata embraced the opportunity to pursue a new venture inspired by her travels. She founded **Travelries**, a consultancy aimed at helping adults plan gap years and travel sabbaticals, addressing the lack of resources available for long-term travelers.
Ultimately, Laposata found that the career gap she once feared became a pivotal talking point in interviews, transforming her résumé into a testament of her growth and adaptability. Her story serves as an inspiration for those considering the transformative power of travel and the importance of prioritizing life experiences over traditional career paths.
