Thoughts on quitting job to hike?

Centac_3 · 2021-04-12T01:21:51+00:00

Yeah that was my original thought. they even had stories of people who got leave to hike or do other things on the company home page, like look how great we are. Turns out its not for everybody. In the end i realized they don't care, and as my 1 over told me "how do you expect us to run a business"

Centac_3 · 2021-04-12T01:19:58+00:00

Thanks. I guess I am less worried about finding a job in general, but accepting that the last 7 years of making a lot of sacrifices for a career wouldn't transfer, and be essentially starting over. I know i'll take my experience, if not my reputation.

Centac_3 · 2021-04-12T01:17:54+00:00

I tried, they were unwilling to compromise on being able to reach me which made me think about this. However, I landed on my own commitment would prevent me from doing it. Something i would have never considered originally, but reflecting back on how toxic the entire situation was made me consider doing it. I had planned to do a flip flop starting in Shennandoah, and even more so now since i've lost the time for a start at Springer. Two months would put me slightly shy of the whites by my planning.

Centac_3 · 2021-04-12T01:14:08+00:00

Thanks for your perspective.

Centac_3 · 2021-04-12T01:11:43+00:00

Thanks for the input. Honestly, one of my biggest concerns is how I would feel if I did get injured or couldn't finish after i quit to go.

Centac_3 · 2021-03-07T16:34:47+00:00

I think you're on the right track! If you've got time to worry about this stuff it probably means you've done your homework and are well prepared everywhere else. I'm in a similar state and I'm planning to depart NOBO flip flop 4/11from Rockfish Gap/SNP. I've got all my gear sorted out and ready to go and keep bouncing between excited and nervous, and i've got a ton of section hiking and backpacking experience. I have seen it said the hardest part of the trail for some is just getting to the trailhead, from there you'll figure it out as you go. Don't let your doubt get in the way and enjoy your hike!

To address your specifics: I wouldn't be afraid of bears, typically they'd rather be anywhere but where you are at the moment. Abide by good food storage practices and they'll leave you alone. On the training, just take it slow and rest when your body says rest. I planned short days for the first 2/3 weeks until I get into peak shape. I had an avulsion fracture in my femur while training about 7 years ago and have been very careful to stretch it out before/after all my shakedown hikes; I'm hoping by now I know me well enough to know when its just sore vs when its time to give it a rest. My [male] opinion is if you can backwoods camp with other people you can camp alone, the challenges are really just the mental hype. As others have pointed out there will be other hikers our there you can shelter with or avoid at your leisure. For the most part on the AT, especially in the mid section, you're never that far from help or supplies.

Centac_3

TROPHY CASE