suze

6 weeks off is *not* considered a "gap in you job history". Don't think like that. It's simply a long vacation and for the good cause of traveling in Europe. This is not going to hold you back. 6 months or 1-2 years is a gap.

Why don't you get your resume together and apply for some jobs right now? Get a feel for what the job market is like?

suze

Also do you have a roommate? If not maybe consider getting one to help with expense both before, during, and after your trip?

littleuniverse

Oh you mean apply for some jobs without actually taking them? I'm not going to be taking this trip for about 7-8 months though, so I don't know how much the job market will change during that time. But maybe I'll try that, just to test it out.

Nah, I don't have a roommate because I have a little studio apt. But I thought about subletting it out while I'm gone to at least get some cash flow going during my trip.

janisj

I see nothing wrong w/ the idea in concept and those posting above have given you lots of things to think about.

My only comment is IMO/IME $3000 is not nearly enough of a cushion/savings to rely on after you return. Maybe stick w/ the current (hateful ) job until you have a good $5000 to $7000 or even more saved up.

What sort of current salary do you make (not being nosy -- to help decide how much cash you need)? The general rule is you need about 3 months of your normal expenses in saved reserve for emergencies/subsistence. (Older/more established people especially w/ families should have 5-6 months in reserve but you are young and probably don't have a whole lot of large expenses/responsibilities.

I think you should do it . . . just maybe not til you have a little more wherewithal . . .

littleuniverse

Thanks for the tip. I make $15 per hour. Might take me a while to save up for 3-6 months but I guess that it'll pay off when I get back from my adventures.. All good things to think about. Thanks

suze

The last temp I had at my office for our receptionist on vacation, was saving for a 3 month trip to Europe. She was temping office jobs by day and hostessing in a steak house at night. She was fantastic.

<apply for some jobs without actually taking them>

Well actually I mean apply for them to see if you could get called for an interview (haha) It's always good to get your resume out there, see if you can get call backs, doesn't mean you have to take the first job that is offered (if one was). Yes "just to test it out".

Another idea would be to get with a good agency and temp as your permanent job for awhile. Then you could take 4-6 weeks off however often you could save the money for another trip.

You don't necessarily have to quit your job, take this one trip, then get another full-time office job. There are other options. Working a 2nd part-time job right now would be one idea (restaurant or retail hours you aren't at your office job).

littleuniverse

Thanks for the advice and opening my mind to other alternatives

suze

You're most welcome. When/if you REALLY want to do something, there are all kinds of way to make it happen!

theecoquest

When you travel their are lots of networks that you can tap into that will actually make your CV look great when/if you return home.

I'm not sure what your travelling motivations are or if you have thought about help exchanges? Sites such as workaway and help-x, where travellers volunteer their time in exchange for food and accommodation, this not only helps with your travelling budget but can also look good on a CV.

In addition you could continue this when you get back home if you don't manage to find a job straight away and are worried about your living expenses, there are some amazing volunteering options all over the globe, where you get to meet amazing and very interesting people, learn new skills and keep you overheads down.

Who know's it could even set you on a new path/career and maybe you won't even think about going home

thursdaysd

If you are a US citizen in Europe on a tourist visa it almost certainly illegal for you to participate in these programs. A tourist visa does not permit you to work, whether the payment is in cash or in kind.

janisj

>><i><blue>have thought about help exchanges? Sites such as workaway and help-x, where travellers volunteer their time in exchange for food and accommodation, this not only helps with your travelling budget but can also look good on a CV.

In addition you could continue this when you get back home if you don't manage to find a job straight away and are worried about your living expenses, there are some amazing volunteering options all over the globe</i></blue><<

As thursdaysd says, stay away from these sorts of programs. Years ago -- generations really -- one could work/volunteer/bum across Europe no problem. That is simply not legal/possible in today's world

suze

I wanted to mention about the "gap in my resume" as you mentioned. On your resume you should put the dates and "Independent Travel in Europe" and list the countries/cities you visit. Don't think of it like you are unemployed or missing something, include your trip like you would if you'd gone back to school or whatever.

crellston

"Is it worth it?" Absolutely. If you wait until you have "enough" money, the chances are it will never happen.

As a wise man once said, "In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took"

A few things to consider:

1. Why Europe? It is probably the most expensive continent in which to travel. You could travel for longer for less in say Asia or South America
2. Why only six weeks? If you are giving up a job you don't enjoy do you believe you will find anything better/ different upon your return.
3. Other than Europe there are many opportunities to get free accommodation along the way helpex is worth a look for some ideas. WWOOF is another way of getting free board an lodging whilst travelling for longer.

I totally agree with Suze's comments re resumes. In my experience, extended period of travel will be a positive on your CV showing independence and spirit and upon your return many employers would look favourably on this. 6 weeks looks like you have just given up a job and could not think of anything better to do.

The better alternative, if you want to stick with six weeks is to find a job you want and stipulate that you will start in 6-8 weeks or whatever period works best.

The only danger is that travel can become addictive. We up took a year out back in 2008 - we just never went back..

theecoquest

I've met many US citizens on these volunteering projects in Europe over the past couple of months. I'm speaking from experience in that recently I gave up my career to travel around the world and also had the same worries about what do I do when I have finished and how do i get a job again etc etc. I have found "these sort of programmes" to not only help facilitate my travels, but also give me a different perspective. I can only suggest that before it is dismissed, you read through the site. workaway.info and understand how/if this will effect the visa in which you apply for to enter, travel and volunteer through Europe. There are many many US citizens who are using and travelling through workaway in a legal and safe manner and like suze said, as a former recruiter, detailing this on your CV will make you look more much interesting to a potential future employer.

thursdaysd

The US citizens you have encountered may, or may not, have been working legally. But you should have mentioned the possible legal issues when you first suggested following in your footsteps.

The OP should make her choice with full knowledge.

theecoquest

Absolutely couldn't agree more. Europe is a large continent with many different countries which have different visa rules and regulations.
Given little universe isn't planning the trip for another 7-8 months lets not assume she is applying for a tourist visa or close doors to options that provide great opportunity. But simply give seeds of info and provide links that will allow her to carry out her own further research.
Little Universe I'm not suggesting at all that you travel in my footsteps, but it does sound like you have a lot of reading and thinking to do, it's sounds like an exciting time for you.

littleuniverse

I would love to travel longer than 6 weeks but it's all I can really afford right now.

littleuniverse

"
"Is it worth it?" Absolutely. If you wait until you have "enough" money, the chances are it will never happen. "


Thank you!! This is exactly what I've been telling my parents. Not necessarily the money thing but that waiting for things to happen only ensures that they won't. I don't want to regret not doing this because I kept coming up with excuses as to why it won't work out

littleuniverse

"I wanted to mention about the "gap in my resume" as you mentioned. On your resume you should put the dates and "Independent Travel in Europe" and list the countries/cities you visit. Don't think of it like you are unemployed or missing something, include your trip like you would if you'd gone back to school or whatever."


Thanks Suze. But do you agree with what someone else said, that 6 weeks traveling vs longer looks bad on a resume?

suze

<But do you agree with what someone else said, that 6 weeks traveling vs longer looks bad on a resume?>

No I absolutely do not agree.

I think travel to Europe for 4-6 weeks is perfectly legitimate on a resume (especially for a young person doing receptionist office work). I think it shows intelligence and independence.

There are few things more educational or helpful to personal growth than traveling on your own in foreign countries.

As far as affording the trip, if 6 weeks is too much of a stretch at this point, just go for 4 weeks the first time.

Don't treat this as if it is a "trip of a lifetime" and you'll never go again. Rather look at it as your FIRST trip!!