I think most people who have stepped out of the rat race for any extended period have experienced the challenge of re-entry.

Interestingly enough, one of the greatest struggles for me after our last sabbatical was the feeling I had that we had done our daughter a disservice by bringing her back home – that returning to a stable life and security perhaps wasn’t the best thing for our family at all. Those feelings fade, but they do give you some real food for thought.

For me, that kind of dissonance – where what you feel and think and believe is suddenly at odds with how you’re living – is, in the end, a great tool for change.

The idea that a sabbatical is more than it seems – that it’s “something bigger than just a relaxing year abroad” as Jarkko aptly puts it – was certainly a large part of our motivation for writing Escape 101. There’s this lasting effect that trickles down through your life. It’s not just about the escape, it’s about how the escape changes your perception of the rest of your life, and gives you some leverage to make the important changes.

But I don’t think it means we can’t explore the world as well. I might of course still be a bit idealistic, but I imagine that kids would love doing an escape like this, too…

What you say about the downside makes a lot of sense, but does it really have to lead to depression? I mean, couldn’t getting used to living on little become something to carry on after you return home from the sabbatical? This way, the sabbatical would lead to something bigger than just a relaxing year abroad.

There could be a downside though to taking a sabatical. My friend spent a summer hiking from Mexico to Canada. He struggled with depression when he came back. He got used to living on so little and then came back to all the pressures of having so many material things and having to work so much to afford everything.

I wish it was easier, but on the other hand – it’s good: if we manage to keep up the motivation level, we’re way ahead a big part of the competition.

Deron Sizemore’s last blog post: Not Having a Niche – The New Niche?

And, as you can see from the review, I did like the book. So, I wrote about it :)

@Deron: I hope this book can be one of the first steps that will make you like reading – and finally love it ;)

What you say about dreams is really true. It interesting how reading books like this one makes you get past the excuses for a while, but once you put the book down they start haunting you again…

It’s a funny thing how a simple thing like can be such an inner battle.

@Timo: Well said!

I think that the most important lesson here is that there is more to life than just 9 to 5. There are so many wonderful experiences waiting for us and beautiful places to see in this world that it would be a shame to waste those opportunities. And, I think thats the essence of life, to see and experience those in fully!

I’m looking forward to read this book. And thanks Jarkko for the review!

Deron Sizemore’s last blog post: Not Having a Niche – The New Niche?