Category: The Gap Year Movement

  • Three Lessons From My Blog’s First Feedback

    Three Lessons From My Blog’s First Feedback

    Buckle up for some real talk about the early feedback on my Gap Year With Amy (GYWA) blog. It’s been a learning project putting this blog together, and gathering reactions was a fun next step. I’m excited to share the love, laughs, and light bulb moments that came from my family and homies diving into my posts. Let’s unpack the solid gold they dropped, and how it’s fueling my mission to help others create their own big, beautiful lives.

    Heartfelt Thanks for the Feedback Love

    I’m bursting with gratitude for my closest peeps who didn’t just skim my blog but read it, like, multiple times and gave me their unfiltered thoughts. That’s love. Giving honest feedback isn’t easy—it’s like grading your best friend’s homework. Their love and wisdom handed me three electric takeaways: my storytelling’s hitting home, my CTAs need work, and my gap-year glow-up is surprising even to my inner circle. Here’s how it’s shaping the Gap Year Movement.

    The Power of Storytelling

    Stories are the best. They’re like time machines, letting us soak up the wisdom of authors from centuries ago. Sometimes they help us relive (and review) our own highs and lows with fresh eyes. But the real magic? Stories connect us, sharing messages that stick and spark something deep.

    Writing from the heart isn’t always easy. Baring your soul means risking the “What if they hate it?” spiral. What if it’s too much? Too braggy? Too me? And sometimes you get feedback that feels really personal because you’ve put your person out there to be judged. Frankly, I put my person out there to be judged about a million times a day in my corporate career so this shouldn’t be a new type of scary. But it IS because this story is about me and how I’m living my life rather than about clients, crew, and spreadsheets. But hey, screw the spiral—hit publish anyway, because the ones who vibe will stick around for the ride, and the haters? They can keep scrolling. You got this, heart on sleeve and all.

    I’m just finished reading The Holographic Universe and it has me thinking: If life is just a projection or hologram of my own imagining, why not make mine effing spectacular? I’m here to listen, write and tell some epic stories that light up souls—mine included.

    P.S. 10/10 recommend The Holographic Universe and reading books in general.

    WTF is a CTA?

    Two of my favorites asked, “What are your CTAs?” and I was seriously like, “WTF is a CTA”? Turns out it means “Call to Action” in case you were also in the dark. Y’all, I legit don’t recall hearing that term, which is comedy gold after 25 years in the corporate grind. Guess my gap year brain has officially unsubscribed from the business jargon newsletter.

    Regardless, the CTA question is a damn good one! My blog’s all about inspiring you to live big, so here’s the Call To Action: Sign up for my weekly newsletter to get fresh stories and tips, and follow me on your fave social platforms for new post alerts. It’s your ticket to joining this gap year adventure and snagging ideas for your own epic life blueprint.

    The Many Faces We Wear

    This feedback threw me for a loop. I got a couple of laughing tone shocked questions about things I had written. It was like they were trying to figure out if I exaggerated my face off in these posts, or if I really was this person having a whole new set of experiences.

    Here’s a wild realization: Everyone’s got their own version of you in their head. It’s like Don Miguel Ruiz shares in The Fifth Agreement, everyone in your life sees you as a different version of yourself because they are looking at you through their own personal lens and experiences in the world. This means that your mom sees you as one person, your dad might see you totally differently, your sister has yet a different idea, and your husband might not recognize any of those versions. 

    The New and Improved Version

    So when my crew was shocked to learn new things about me, it hit me—obvi, they don’t know this Amy, truly-living-and-enjoying-life Amy. For 25 years, I was Corporate Amy and Mom Amy, juggling kids, pets, family, and a demanding full-time job. Free time? Ha! I was lucky to sneak in a workout a couple times a week, pick up my dry cleaning before it went to dry cleaning jail, and not let the dogs starve. My reading list was all business, leadership, and finance sales books. Snoooooooze. 

    It tracks that folks didn’t know that I loved to read, write, and develop language skills. Friends were surprised by my new interest in weight lifting and CrossFit (in their defense I was a regular attendee at happy hour with a plate of nachos). My parents were stunned to learn that I had changed my eating habits so much that it rewired my taste buds and created a new enjoyment of worldly cuisines. 

    Forging ahead to new dimensions!

    So yeah, now I’m obsessed with learning new languages, getting that first strict pull-up, and delicious new flavors like Thai Food, crab cakes, and green olives stuffed with jalapenos. Why? Because I’m not the same Amy who played it safe and stuck to a predictable routine. The gap year experience has been a revolution—new places, new perspectives, new passions. Why stick to the same old when I’ve rewritten the script? I’m out here sipping brews in new cities, hiking trails I’d never heard of, and saying yes to flavors I used to dodge. It’s not just change; it’s a full-on reinvention.

    Hot tip: If you’re feeling stuck in your “old version,” try one small change this week—like trying a new food or hobby. It sparks that inner revolution. 

    Chasing That Big, Beautiful Life

    At my core, I believe everyone deserves a life that’s big, fat, and unbelievably beautiful. To me that’s time and financial freedom to live your way, soaking up new perspectives and finding magic in the everyday. I didn’t always live like that, though. Corporate Amy was all about the hustle—climbing the ladder, leading teams, mastering the inbox, and trying to deliver workplace psych without it being cringe. It was a great experience… until it wasn’t. One day, that Corporate Amy character closed her laptop confidently and said, “Fuck it, I’m done with this chapter.”

    Now, I’m all about chasing what lights me up—spending time with people who vibe with my energy, noticing the Universe’s little winks, like a perfect sunset or a stranger’s kind smile. Take last month, for example: we got on the wrong train in Germany cursing our error, only to meet the kindest drunken strangers on their way home from Oktoberfest. We spoke broken English, German, Spanish, and got a few Czech lessons. We ate delicious Indian Food in the middle of the night and spoke German to train attendants serving beers to console us on our rookie mistake.

    That’s the kind of magic I’m talking about. This gap year’s shown me that life’s too short to play small. Whether it’s trying painting, booking a last-minute trip, or savoring a slow morning coffee, I’m here for it all.

    Your Turn to Spark a Revolution

    So, that’s the scoop from my blog’s early feedback—stories that hit home, a crash course in CTAs, and a reminder that we’re all works in progress. My gap year’s taught me to lean into the scary, soul-baring stuff and embrace the new versions of me popping up. What’s one step you’re taking toward your big, beautiful life? Drop it in the comments—I’m here to cheer you on like a hype squad at a pep rally.

    Oh, and don’t sleep on this: Join the newsletter for weekly doses of gap year inspo, and follow me on socials to catch new posts. Let’s make our hologram projections epic together!

    xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and grateful feedback seeker

  • Mini Gaps: Your Secret Weapon Against Burnout

    Mini Gaps: Your Secret Weapon Against Burnout

    Ever feel like the daily grind is sucking the soul right out of you? You’re chained to your desk, drowning in deliverables, meetings, and that never-ending ping of Slack notifications—whether you’re in the office, working remote, or schlepping through an airport for a “quick” business trip. It’s a one-way ticket to burnout city, population: you, with a side of piss poor results. But what if I told you that stepping away for just an afternoon could flip your perspective, calm your frazzled nerves, and make you a happier, sharper human? Let’s talk about mini gaps—your new best friend for dodging burnout and rediscovering the magic hiding in plain sight.

    Why You Need to Hit Pause

    woman checking emails on her phone with backdrop of beach vacation sunset
    Do you insist on checking email during your vacation?

    If you’re the type who can’t take a week-long vacation without sneaking a peek at your inbox to make sure your team hasn’t accidentally set the office on fire (or, worse, missed a deadline), this is for you. I get it—corporate culture worships the hustle. It’s all about staying plugged into the company’s breathing internet life force, 24/7, no matter where you are. But here’s the deal: working yourself into a zombie state doesn’t make you a hero. It makes you tired, cranky, and, frankly, less effective. Taking a break isn’t slacking—it’s strategic. It’s about shifting your perspective so you can come back clearer, smarter, and ready to crush it.

    Plus, stepping away gives your team a chance to flex their muscles. Let them handle your responsibilities for a hot minute. Trust them. Set clear expectations and deliverables before you bounce—think of it as a gift to your colleagues and a masterclass in leadership. You’re not just saving your own sanity; you’re showing everyone else it’s okay to unplug. Be the example, not the martyr.

    The Rut That’s Killing Your Vibe

    Let’s be real: doing the same shit day after day at a breakneck pace is a recipe for disaster. You’re not a robot, even if your calendar makes you feel like one. The relentless cycle of emails, Zoom calls, gym sessions, and adulting tasks like grocery runs or wrangling kids creates stress, anxiety, and performance that’s about as inspiring as a soggy sandwich. Most of the work we do—whether it’s solving problems at the office, pushing through a workout, or navigating family life—requires creativity, quick thinking, and people skills. When you’re stuck in a rut, your brain turns to mush, and your edge? Gone.

    Taking time to step away isn’t just nice—it’s mission-critical. It shakes up your thinking, recharges your batteries, and reminds you there’s a world beyond your laptop screen. Without it, you’re not just burning out; you’re shortchanging your potential.

    Start Small, Win Big

    Okay, I hear you: “A vacation? In this economy? With this workload?” Chill. You don’t need to jet off to Bali for two weeks to feel human again. Start small. I’m talking a long weekend—snag a Friday or Monday to give yourself two short workweeks. Or take a single day. Hell, even an afternoon can work wonders. These mini gaps (yep, I’m sticking with that term because it’s dope) are like hitting the reset button on your mind, body, and soul.

    Think of it as a mini vacay, no passport required. The goal isn’t to check off some bucket-list adventure; it’s to break the monotony and let your brain breathe. One well-timed afternoon off can make you feel like you’ve been gone for a week—in a good way.

    Hiking in the Desert
    Take a weekend getaway in nature to gap on a time budget!

    Company “Fun” Isn’t Your Reset

    Your boss already knows breaks are powerful. Why do you think they organize those team-building events? Ever been to a company volunteer day, a spring training game with your work crew, or a fancy team dinner on a business trip? If you’ve got cool coworkers, those can be a blast. But let’s not kid ourselves—they’re still work. You’re still “on,” networking, making small talk, and probably checking your phone for updates. It’s not the same as a true break where you get to call the shots.

    No haterade here for team events—they’ve got their place. But they’re not your reset. Your employer gets the value of shaking things up, so take a page from their playbook and prioritize your own mini gap. You deserve a break that’s all about you, not the company agenda.

    Your Adult Field Trip Playbook

    retro bus with a sign on the side reading 'are you ready for your adult gap year?' and a message on the top saying Get In!
    Adult Gap Year Field Trip Bus

    Remember field trip days in elementary school? You’d pile onto a bus, rock your favorite T-shirt, and spend the day exploring something new—maybe a zoo, a museum, or that random farm where you learned to milk a cow. It was magic. Guess what? You can recreate that as an adult, and it’s just as awesome.

    Pick a day next week and treat it like a field trip. Get up early like it’s a normal workday, but instead of logging into your inbox, put on something fun—those sneakers you love or that funny and kinda inappropriate T-shirt that makes strangers smirk. Then get out there and explore. Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

    • Hit up a historical site nearby and geek out on the stories—bonus points if they let you churn butter or try on old-timey clothes.
    • Take a guided tour of a local oddity, like a shoe factory, a brewery, or a creepy abandoned building (if that’s your jam).
    • Go on a food quest: hit the top three nacho spots in your town, rate the dishes from 1 to 3, and post your reviews online for the world to see.
    • Wander a botanical garden, sketch some weird plants, and pretend you’re a Victorian botanist for a hot second.
    • Visit a quirky museum—think vintage arcade games, taxidermy, or UFO conspiracies—and soak in the weirdness.

    The activity doesn’t matter as much as the vibe. It’s about breaking out of your rut and seeing the world from a fresh angle. You’re not just killing time; you’re rediscovering the spark that’s been buried under your to-do list.

    plate of nachos
    Nacho average day off!

    How to Make It Happen

    Ready to plan your field trip? Keep it simple so you don’t overthink it:

    • Pick a day: Next week, carve out a full day, a half-day, or even a few hours. Put it in your calendar like it’s a non-negotiable meeting.
    • Choose your adventure: Pick one thing that sounds fun. Doesn’t have to be fancy—a walk through a new neighborhood or a dive bar with a jukebox counts.
    • Set the mood: Wear something that makes you feel alive. Leave your work phone on silent (or, better yet, at home).
    • Stay open: Let the day surprise you. Chat with a stranger, try something new, and see what unfolds.

    Pro tip: Tell one person about your plan—a friend, your partner, or even your cat. Saying it out loud makes it real, and they’ll probably hype you up.

    What to Notice When You Break Free

    One day can change everything. It’s not just about skipping work—it’s about cracking open your routine and letting the world show you something new. As you’re out there on your field trip, pay attention. Look for synchronicities — the little moments that feel like the universe is winking at you. Maybe you overhear a conversation that sparks an idea for work, or you stumble across a bookstore that feels like it was made for you. These are the signs you’re doing it right.

    Schedule your mini gap now. Don’t overthink it—just pick one thing that sounds like a blast and do it. Then, as you’re out there, ask yourself:

    • Who did you meet? Maybe a chatty tour guide or a random dog-walker with a wild story.
    • What surprised you? A weird fact about your town, a dish you didn’t expect to love, or a view that stopped you in your tracks.
    • What details stood out? The stuff that’s usually background noise in your life—like birds chirping, the smell of fresh pancakes, or a mural you’ve never noticed.
    • How do you feel? Are you still stressing about that project deadline, or can you finally breathe and soak in the moment?
    Find the magic 🙂

    The Ripple Effect

    Here’s the kicker: one mini gap can set off a chain reaction. That single afternoon or day off doesn’t just recharge you for the moment—it rewires how you approach your life. You start noticing the small joys you’ve been sleepwalking through. You get better at saying “no” to the grind and “yes” to yourself. And when you show up back at work, you’re not just a cog in the machine—you’re a human with fresh ideas, clearer focus, and a vibe that says, “I’ve got this.”

    Your coworkers will notice. Your boss might even raise an eyebrow (in a good way). And your team? They’ll see you modeling what it looks like to prioritize your well-being, and maybe they’ll start taking their own mini gaps. You’re not just saving yourself from burnout—you’re starting a quiet revolution.

    Your Move

    So, what’s it gonna be? A nacho crawl? A dusty historical tour? A solo hike where you pretend you’re in a movie? Pick one thing, schedule it for next week, and make it happen. Don’t let your brain talk you out of it with excuses about deadlines or laundry. The world is waiting to show you something new, and your sanity deserves it. 

    xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and adult field trip enthusiast

  • Words, Passions, and Finding Your Soul’s True North

    Words, Passions, and Finding Your Soul’s True North

    Ever feel like life’s a giant jigsaw puzzle with a missing piece that’s probably under the couch? Spoiler: that piece is hiding in the stuff that sets your soul on fire. For me, that’s words—writing, talking, storytelling, reading, you name it. My whole life, words have been my paintbrush, my compass, my slightly-too-loud party trick (sorry, Mom and Dad). Leaning into this passion hasn’t just been fun – it lit up my soul’s purpose, guiding me from corporate communication teams to gap-year epiphanies. 

    But let’s be real: sometimes my wordy superpower goes rogue, landing me in uncomfortable situations every now and then. I believe that those fumbles are part of the journey to finding your true direction. If you don’t mess up a few times along the way, then you probably aren’t living big and boldly enough. Here’s how chasing a passion – my love for words—helped me find my soul’s true north.

    From Kid Scribbles to Soul-Sparking Stories

    As a kid, I was that child—scribbling wild tales about talking zebras, churning out reports on far away lands (some real and some make believe), and devouring books like they were candy. My parents begged me to stop talking some days, citing the offense (their words: “diarrhea of the mouth”). Teachers loved my contributions but pleaded for silence in that other, quiet part of class. (Still working on that one—ask my husband.) Words were my playground, my way of making sense of the world. Fast-forward to adulthood, and that kid with the pen is still in there, whispering, “Hey, let’s tell a story.” Writing—whether it’s journaling, morning pages, or this blog—has become my therapy, my mirror, and my map. It’s how I dig deep, uncover insights, and figure out what my soul’s trying to say.

    • Try this: Jot down a 5-minute stream-of-consciousness about something you love. No editing, just flow. What pops up? That’s your soul waving hello. 

    Words That Opened Doors (and taught me balance)

    In my corporate life, words were what I used every day to do my job. They were the currency for everything that meant success in that business; emails to clients and internal teams, sales pitches, performance reviews, fee schedule changes, interviews, the list goes on. We painted pictures with emails, sold ideas with well-placed questions and positioning of benefits, and left strategic silences that made folks think. But here’s the kicker: those skills weren’t just for boardrooms. They were practice for my true calling—writing to inspire, connect, and light the way for others.

    • Pro tip: Next time you’re in a convo, try listening more than you talk. Drop a thoughtful question, really listen to the answer, and watch the magic unfold.

    The Gap Year Epiphany: Writing as a Portal

    When I ditched the corporate grind for a gap year, I didn’t just rest—I rediscovered my passion for writing. Journaling became my morning ritual, spilling out dreams, fears, and random musings about life. I started this blog, Gap Year With Amy – A Guide for Professional Adults, to share the magic of hitting pause to rest, reset, and explore. Writing about everyday moments—collabing with my husband on a gourmet meal, challenging teenage parenting situations, gardening fights with birds and bugs, or laughing over craft beers—helped me see life from a new angle. It’s like stepping through Alice’s looking glass: suddenly, the world’s different, and your purpose feels closer. My words, once scattered in emails and random meetings, now weave stories that spark joy and nudge others toward their own soul-pull work.

    • Reflect: What’s one passion you’ve shelved? Dust it off for a week. Write about what it stirs in you. That’s your compass pointing true north.

    Passions Aren’t Just Fun—They’re Your GPS

    Here’s the wisdom I’ve earned through a few decades of word-wrangling: passions like writing aren’t just hobbies. They’re your soul’s GPS, guiding you to your intended work. My love for words led me from chatty kid to corporate executive to gap-year blogger and author, and now to dreaming up a micro bakery that’s as much about mental health as it is about bread. Every story I tell, every connection I spark, feels like a step toward greater purpose. But those times I’ve overshared, misspoken, or rambled? They’ve taught me humility, mindfulness, and the art of a good apology. Your passions—painting, hiking, whatever—work the same way. Lean in, embrace the wobbles, and let them guide you to who you’re meant to be. No pressure, just play.

    • Challenge: Pick one passion and spend an hour on it this week. No goals, no “it has to be something.” Just let it lead. Where does it take you?

    Keep Chasing the Sparks

    Your soul’s purpose isn’t some far-off treasure—it’s in the stuff that makes you lose track of time. For me, most of the time it’s words: the stories I hear and get to tell, the laughs I share with all kinds of amazing people, the moment when a coaching queue or question lands just right. My gap year taught me to stop chasing “practical” and start chasing alive. So, whether you’re writing, dancing, or perfecting your sourdough game, lean into what lights you up. Your passions are trying to tell you something. Listen, play, and let them guide you home. Oh, and if you’ve got a story to share? I’m all ears (or eyes). Drop it in the comments—my chatty soul can’t wait to connect.

    • Your move: What’s one passion that’s tugging at your heart? Give it some love this week, then write a sentence about what it taught you. Share it with someone—at the very least your dog. The universe is cheering you on.

    xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and lifetime lover of words

  • Gap Year Movement – The Backstory

    Gap Year Movement – The Backstory

    Gap Year for Adults: My Burnout Rebellion and the Movement to Rediscover Life’s Magic

    For 25 years, I poured my heart into a finance career, tackling challenges, working with amazing colleagues, and building a career I was proud of. I was good at it—sharp, capable, and trusted to get things done. But the corporate grind started snuffing out my fire with endless tasks, predictable routines, and a cycle of tasks that no longer felt meaningful. I knew there was more magic and wonder waiting out there, but my job wasn’t where I’d find it. Fading into the background wasn’t an option. I realized the cubicle life was a cage, not a calling, and I was done playing small.

    For my sanity, I made the boldest choice of my life: I quit my big, fat, important corporate job. I walked away, head held high, ready to chase the magic and wonder I knew was waiting beyond the 9-to-5. That leap into the unknown accidentally sparked creation of The Gap Year Movement—a call for grown-ass adults to ditch soul-draining routines, rediscover what sets their hearts on fire, and chase adventure without apology.

    Hiking in the Desert

    My first year, lovingly dubbed Gap Year Hard by my husband, was a wild, transformative whirlwind. Now, I’m diving into Gap Year Harder, and it’s an odyssey I can’t wait to share. Crave more from life or feel stuck in a job that dims your spark? Join the movement!

    Gap years aren’t just for kids bridging high school and college. They’re a powerful tool for anyone craving a life shift, no matter their age. It’s a chance to step through the looking glass and see the world—and yourself—from a wildly different angle.

    Quitting the Grind, Finding the Magic

    My 25-year run in finance was a hell of a journey. I worked with brilliant folks, traveled coast to coast, and made friends I’ll keep forever. But over time, the shine wore off, and the grind turned into a full-on career shitstorm. The work wasn’t even that hard—just relentless, thankless, and understaffed. Everyone and their sister chimed in with opinions on how to get shit done. My body started rebelling, getting physically sick the second I thought about work. I’d stand in front of the mirror, slapping on makeup while conference calls droned, crying silently so I wouldn’t smudge my mascara. Why the hell was I forcing myself to keep going? Bills, kids, savings, that “professional image” bullshit—I had a million excuses, but my soul was screaming, “Get the F out!”

    Those endless meetings were torture—meaningless action items piling up, bullshit talking points I had to conjure up on a moment’s notice, and the constant dread of some new volun-told project. I couldn’t even fake it anymore. My intuition was yelling, but I kept trying to shut her up, pushing through like a robot because who would I be without a big, fat, important corporate job?

    Sound familiar? If your job’s sucking the life out of you, you’re not alone. I hung on way longer than I should’ve, thanks to some amazing colleagues who made it bearable. But eventually, my body and soul said “were done”.

    One day, I listened to my soul and the relentless signs from the universe. I quit. And guess what? The sky didn’t fall. Turns out after 25 years of grind, I’d earned the right to hit pause. The world kept spinning, and I was free to chase new horizons. It wasn’t just about finding escape velocity—it was about reclaiming my sanity and feeling alive again.

    Chasing What Lights Me Up

    Quitting left me staring at a big, scary question: What do I actually love to do? For years, I’d been faking it in finance, drowning in busy work and constant travel. Now, I had time—glorious, wide-open time—to explore. Hells yes! We hit the trails in Sedona often, those red rocks waking up something wild and ancient in us [check out this guide from AllTrails to get started]. I baked about a million crusty sourdough loaves, and became a (bread) dealer for family and a few friends. Our CrossFit gym became a place of refuge for building strength, healing our bodies and crushing goals with our friends. These were things I’d never had space for truly doing and enjoying, and they cracked my world open.

    Then there was Thailand—holy shit, what a game-changer. I experienced my first Muay Thai lesson in a dope Hua Hin gym, that was also a CrossFit gym [Elite Fight Club Hua Hin is a must visit!]. The trainer’s grin and the rhythm of the pads lit me up, reminding me I was living life as a whole new person. After, we wandered a night market and found delicious creations – som tam’s spicy crunch, khao soi’s creamy, coconutty warmth. Each bite was a little adventure, a taste of a world I’d been missing. Every new experience was a clue, a spark showing me who I could be when I wasn’t chained to a desk. A gap year isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about diving into new places and passions to find what sets your soul on fire.

    I stopped white-knuckling life, trying to control every damn thing. Instead, I surrendered, trusting the universe to throw some magic my way. And holy shit, did it deliver—new faces, epic adventures, and moments of beauty that felt like they were meant just for me. I’m grateful every day, knowing my soul called these experiences to me, that life’s timing is perfect, and there’s no such thing as coincidence.

    Gap Year Movement: Join the Ride

    This is the Gap Year Movement, my friends: grown-ass adults saying screw it to soul-sucking jobs, chasing what lights them up, and trusting the universe to catch them. It’s not about having a perfect plan or a fat bank account. Start small—take a weekend to hike a new trail, sign up for that pottery class, or book a cheap flight somewhere wild. Hell, just say yes to something that scares you a little. That’s where the magic hides.

    The Gap Year Movement is for anyone who’s ever felt trapped, bored, or burned out, knowing there’s more to life than the grind. It’s about rediscovering your spark and living with no regrets. I’m in the thick of Gap Year Harder right now and I’m pumped to share the adventures and the straight-up joy. Come on, let’s chase the infinite together—your odyssey’s waiting.

    xoxo – Amy, your professional gap year guide and undefeated Muay Thai athlete

    https://thegapyearmovement.com/about/