I’m Leaving My Job! My 2025 Sabbatical & Travel Plans

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All views expressed are my own and are not those of my employers or their clients.

About me:
Currently working full time in Insurance Consulting as an actuary - I've officially completed all my IFoA professional exams! I studied Physical Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge 2017-2020, and specialised in Astrophysics.

Check out my playlists:

[aleksandraweronika]

Love that you didn't quit your job! Being adventurous but still responsible is my fav duo!

[onitram]

Wow! I didn t expect this, but great plan! You don't live to work, but work to live. Some people regret at the end of their lives having worked too much, never the opposite!

[vb]

Your hard work certainly paid off, Paige! I've been following your channel since your University days, and your positivity always inspires me. Almost 20 years ago, I took the same sabbatical and it forever changed my life. That's also how I met my husband (although this wasn't part of the itinerary! ;) so who knows what other wonderful experiences lie ahead? Wishing you a wonderful time. I'm looking forward to watching your travel vlogs.

[luisina]

I did the same 6 month career break. 11 countries later I can say It was the best decision I've ever made. Helped me so much to deal with people, to be friendly, the skills that I've learned through traveling made me grow both my personal and professional lives.

[oliviabeth]

I just did 8 months solo across Australia, New Zealand and SEA! I qualified as a chartered accountant at the end of 2023 so extremely similar experience! It is genuinely the best thing I have ever done (your career is always there). It will really change your perspective on things - you won’t regret it for sure !! Look at doing the kiwi experience in NZ that was my absolute favourite thing I did! It’s also easy to meet people don’t worry at all

[miriamc.]

Hi Paige! From a fellow backpacker, congrats on taking such an incredible step towards making your dreams happen!!! You asked for advice, so here's mine. Very few people talk about travel burnout, but it's quite common when you start a long-term trip if you've only experienced short-term vacations. Give yourself permission to take breaks, to not do everything all the time. There'll be a lot of incredible things to explore and a lot of people who may seem like they are experiencing much more than you and making the most of their time there, but try and not compare yourself. Everyone has their own pace and rhythm while travelling, the most important thing for me was listening to my body and giving myself permission to rest, to reflect, to write and even to do mundane things that make you feel closer to your home. And that includes allowing yourself to discover that this is not what you want to do even if you had everything planned out and told everyone about it! Wish you the best of lucks and hope you find everything you were looking for in this trip 🥰

[angelique]

Tips for traveling alone:
Always keep a digital copy of your most important documents (passport, credit card, insurance card, biometrical fotos in case someone steals your passport, some important phone numbers) in a cloud, so that you could reach them from someone else’s computer.

Get a very good travel health insurance, because you never know what might happen.

Pack lightweight, you can almost always buy everything where you are going ;) even clothes, so don’t worry about forgetting something (except your passport).

When you are traveling alone, trust your gut feeling, if someone gives you a bad vibe, or a street looks unsafe to you, avoid it or the person.

And last but not least: Be present in the moment, and be prepared that traveling will change you.
And that talking about your adventures afterwards with friends and family will feel a bit awkward and unfulfilling because they mostly can’t relate to your stories, so they can’t really feel the excitement you felt. 😊

Have fun and be safe! 😊

[sacrilegiousbee]

Hey Paige! I think it's about time to drop a comment. I've been following you since your first year of cambridge when I was still in school, now I am in my 3rd semester of uni. You've always been a role model for me with your positivity and diligence. I feel happy for you coming so far and I wish you all the best for your travels and this new year! 🎉😘

[basically_ramen]

Damn Paige. I feel proud of you. I came across your videos during the pandemic, and even though I needed to take time off education I’ve been back. Getting myself back on track on developing my career. Respect to you. Also, fun fact I have a friend in the U.K. Whom I’ve known for nearly 10 years, so even though my profile picture is of Birmingham, I’m not from the U.K. Anyway, wishing you safe travels, and that you experience things that open your mind to new things. Maybe you might get some business ideas, or who know you might find something you may want to impact positively. Again, best wishes.

[aradhanavarma]

Paige, you're one of the hardest working people I have ever seen. You deserve this! So proud of you!!!

[anabarrancogonzalez]

Proud of your decision Paige, I have travelled around the world for more than 5 years as a cabin crew and I highly recommend it to everyone. All the best in this new chapter 🤞

[shazmeenkhan]

Paige, I am so excited and happy about your journey💓20s are one of the most important parts of our lives where we spend our time building our careers and making a path for the future but we often forget that we are working to lead a good life not living to simply work. I went through the same burnout myself and took a three-month break from everything and when I returned to my work, I was a totally refreshed and new person✨ So, I am really glad that you took this decision. You totally deserve this🥰and I am sure this will be the best adventure of your life❤ Good Luck and can't wait to join you through your vlogs😍🎀

[MishkaUK]

Great call Paige. When if not NOW! You will have a time of your life.

[alijtaylor]

Hi Paige. As someone who did the 'travel thing' during the uni holidays and afterwards many years ago I am absolutely delighted with your decision. Good on you for being 'grown up' and 'sensible' and getting a qualification and a house BUT this isn't really what makes life worth living. You will find the world full of travellers of all ages and it will be the best, best time. AND if you decide when you return to do something completely different then that's exciting and fine too. I am beyond excited and proud of you. Go and enjoy xxxx

[raquellopez-lozano]

I’m doing the same! I finished my PhD late 2024 and am so ready to be in another country! Love that loads of us are on the same career boat

[maxkp]

I finished my degree last year; After 6 1/2 years of medschool I took a gap year.
BEST DECISION EVER!
I also went to Australia, Sydney, Tasmania, Melbourne, New Zealand, Brisbane all the way up the coast to Carins and further from Singapore to Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.
Loved it!
SO worth it! Have fun and QUEEN! 🥳

[RaeTheActuary]

Hope you enjoy it and congrats on qualifying, you really really deserve it ❤

[uditadas]

So excited for you! May you have a life-changing experience! Happy that we get to be a part of this part of your life with you through your videos. ❤

[Sannwise]

You go girll!! You absolutely deserve this after all these years of study. ❤

[srijanipal]

I am so happy for you and wish you a safe and fulfilling journey. I hope you're able to enjoy this break to the fullest!! ❤️