From Corporate to Living Abroad

Time to Leave the 9-5 

It’s 6am Monday morning. The alarm is blaring as I jump out of bed and check to see if I ever got around to ironing my work clothes. Nope, of course not. As I shut off the increasingly annoying alarm, pulled out the ironing board which somehow weighs 50lbs, and looked at the slew of blazers and blouses littering the floor, I knew I needed a change. 

Time to Ditch the Suits

Looking back, I wish I hadn't waited so long to take a leap of faith. It was time to say goodbye to the suits and take my walking shoes out of retirement. I remember all of the racing thoughts and concerns I had after I decided it was time for a change. The stability of a job, my own apartment, my family and friends nearby were all things I knew I would be losing. To me though, the sacrifices have been worth it. I’m currently on the bus to Valladolid where I will spend two days with my volunteer group before heading off to my host family. So far, I’m not missing the suits. 

Why Not Now?

I think the over-arching theme for why I waited so long to finally make a change was because I was scared. I was scared to leave everything I knew in hopes of finding something more fulfilling. “What if I don’t find that?” is something that often runs through my head. It took a lot of reflection, research, and time to decide that yes, it was time for a change, and why not now? So, if you are holding out on applying, or even considering applying, do it. Start the application now, what’s the worst that could happen? I reminded myself, and still do, if not now, then when? Life is meant to be lived, not planned to the T. And I know, easier said than done. But usually the best things in life are worth the effort (and can be a little scary). 

Make the Plan

It took me about 6 months to finally put my fears to bed (or at least quiet them) and get to work. I researched various teach abroad programs before coming across the Language and Cultural Assistant Program with CIEE. It wasn’t until I finally stopped procrastinating and put pen to paper that I knew I was doing the right thing. I finally stopped worrying about what could happen or how it couldn’t work out and let the fear of staying stagnant push me to make a change.

In short, I hope you too will take the chance and ditch the suits. For me, it has made all the difference. Learn more about opportunities to change your life with CIEE Teach Abroad.