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Taking an Employment Gap: How Hiking the Appalachian Trail Can Boost Your Career

Hello, fellow adventurers!

Employment gap –  the dreaded words that, for whatever reason, make some employers shutter. Here’s the thing though, at some point in our lives, we all dream of a break from our daily routines. Some opt for a leisurely walk in the park or a relaxing vacation, but for some of us, the desire for something more significant arises. If you share this longing and worry about the potential implications of taking a career break, then this piece is for you.

About four years into my professional journey, I found myself craving something different, something challenging. The Appalachian Trail, with its majestic landscapes and daunting length, appeared before me not just as a hiking trail but as the greatest personal challenge I could undertake. I envisioned it as a remarkable journey that could contribute immensely to my personal growth and significantly enhance me as an individual if I could complete it. After all, where else could you truly discover more about yourself than during six months in the great outdoors?

So, at the age of 25, I made the decision to take a hiatus from my early career and embarked on the Appalachian Trail, viewing it as the greatest challenge I could undertake in my life that would help me grow as a person. Of course, it didn’t take long for fate to intervene. Five days into the trail, I met the woman who would later become my wife. Together, we trekked through beautiful, rugged landscapes, supported each other during challenging climbs, and forged an unbreakable bond throughout this shared journey. This wasn’t merely a hike; it was a profound dive into self-discovery, personal development, and, as cliché as it may sound, love

hikers on top of Katahdin

My wife and I on top of Mount Katahdin at the completion of our Thru-Hike

Now, completing the Appalachian Trail is no small feat. A few Google searches suggest that only about 15-20% of hikers manage to conquer the entire trail. It demands physical strength, mental resilience, unwavering determination, and the ability to think on your feet when faced with adverse conditions. Sometimes, things simply won’t go your way. Whether it’s trudging through snow drifts up to your knees, running out of water or food, encountering newly formed rivers due to heavy rain (right in the middle of the trail), or enduring blistering heat on an exposed mountaintop, the AT, or any long trail, will challenge you. However, it is through these challenges that qualities such as strength, resilience, and adaptability are brought to the surface—qualities that are not only crucial for completing the trail but are also highly sought after in the professional realm.

Moreover, completing the trail ignited a newfound confidence and drive within me. If I could conquer the Appalachian Trail, I realized that I could overcome any challenge thrown my way. It transformed my perspective on facing hurdles and equipped me with a can-do attitude that I have since brought to my career.

 

resume

How I represent my hike on my resume!

When it comes to how an employment gap may appear on your resume, it’s important to acknowledge that some individuals may hold reservations, and there’s no denying that. They are entitled to their opinion. However, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect: do you truly want to be part of an organization that looks down upon someone for embarking on a challenging endeavor like hiking a long trail? Personally, my answer to that question is a resounding no. Furthermore, I would argue that a well-spent gap, especially one that contributes to your personal and professional growth, should be seen as an asset rather than a liability. It brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table, which others may not have had the opportunity to acquire.

From my own experience, I have learned that the leaders truly worth working for are those who can understand and appreciate the value of such a transformative journey. They recognize the strength, resilience, and problem-solving skills developed through facing the numerous challenges encountered along the trail. These are qualities that can greatly benefit any professional setting.

In essence, instead of viewing an employment gap negatively, it’s important to reframe it as a period of personal exploration and growth during interviews and on your resume. Those who appreciate and understand the value of such experiences are the ones who will recognize the tremendous potential that you bring to their organization. So, rather than being deterred by the naysayers, focus on finding employers who value and celebrate the diverse paths individuals take in their personal and professional development. 

In conclusion, taking a career break to hike the Appalachian Trail or any other long trail can be a transformative decision. It’s an adventure that demands and cultivates valuable skills, offers unique experiences, and provides a different perspective on life and work. If this is a journey you’ve been contemplating, my advice would be to lace up your boots, hit the trail, and embrace the adventure that will reshape your personal and professional life.

Remember, you’ve got this. I wish you the best of luck on your next adventure.

Have a great hike!

Finger Food

Post by: Finger Food

Post by: Finger Food

Your friendly neighboorhood AT Thru-hiker

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