Taking a Leap of Faith : My Stint as a Travel Specialist

Before my current job, I was with another company for five years - bored out of my mind, bound at a desk for 8 hours, doing recurring tasks. I was into backpacking then and like most people who got the travel bug, I wished for a job that paid me to travel. 

The whim turned into an obsession. In my head, I conjured thoughts of getting out of my desk, being asked to go places and getting paid out of it. 

I did not think about the impossible. I knew I wanted it. Nothing else mattered. 

After several months, the universe conspired. While perusing the web, I found a job opening at a local company that specialized in retailing goods for travel and adventure. The position resonated with what I've been envisioning - Travel Specialist. My dream was about to come true and I just needed to meet it halfway! I applied, despite my apprehensions of leaving my comfort zone and possibly lower compensation. 


Everything went by quickly!

Weeks after my application, I was hired. On my first week, I was sent to Nuvali, Laguna to go trail biking. Their sister company organized a duathlon and the route had to be tested before the actual event. After that, I was sent to different parts of the country to test various adventures. 

Just like any regular employee, I had report to the office but half of the time, I was outside - accompanying our marketing officer in press cons, launches, meetings, traversing through waterfalls, ziplining, Facebook marketing, reading travel magazines, whitewater rafting, meet inspiring people who make a living out of their hobby, etc.. etc. It was amazing! 

But it was only half of what I had to do. I had to organize the contacts, create travel itineraries and talk to people most of the time. Much as I was friendly by nature, being an introvert, it exhausted me to be around people all the time. 

Since work involved travel, on weekends, all I craved was to stay home and not talk to anyone. After 6 months into the job, I wanted to quit. Friends I met there were great and our boss is really cool but the job took the fun out of traveling. I realized, I cannot do justice to the role and I had to leave. 

I am now back at a desk job and I found one that was flexible - where I can work from home once a week or when required and with a new boss who's also kind and understood my need to exhaust vacation leaves. On weekends or during VL's, I  hike or do whatever. I am still in touch with my former colleagues who I consider as lifelong friends. 

Although I still have many things I want out of life, for now, I can honestly say that I am settled and it will only take a matter of time for the rest of my dreams to unfold. All I need is to focus hard and work on it. It's not going to be easy but it's the only way to go. 

Everyone should take a leap of faith at least once in their life. You may encounter hardships, go through fire but in the end, it's worth it. You will learn and grow more by getting answers, instead of wondering what could have been.

Past adventures

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