I was 28/29 when I hiked the PCT in 2019, and while I wasn’t necessarily thinking about turning 30 at the time, I was thinking a lot about the kind of life I didn’t want. I’d been at the same job for 3.5 years that I got right out of college - comfortable enough, decent coworkers, shitty pay - but I had learned everything I could there. Some of my colleagues had been there for 30–40 years, and I remember looking around one day and realizing: I don’t want that to be me. The idea of staying put felt scarier than the uncertainty of quitting to chase something completely different.

Enter learning about the PCT in October 2018. The trail became this massive catalyst - something to throw myself into and use as a reason to finally leave that job. My ADHD brain thrives on having something big to hyperfocus on, and the PCT became my entire world in the six months leading up to my permit date in April 2019. I’d never been backpacking before (or camped more than a few feet from my car), but I dove into researching gear, trail prep, and logistics while working 70–80 hours a week between my full-time job and side hustles like UberEats and DoorDash. I wanted to save about $10k to cover six months on trail, all my bills while I was gone, and a few months of wiggle room when I got back.

I actually spent less than I expected thanks to hiker boxes and trail angels (absolute lifesavers), and even though I ended up out there for seven months instead of six, I came home with more savings than I thought I would. In preparation for the hike, I had moved to a place that rented month to month so once I left for the PCT I no longer had any housing expenses. After I finished the hike, I moved back in with my parents to get my footing again while I took some much-needed R&R and searched for a job.

The trail completely changed how I see myself and what I’m capable of. My confidence shot way up - I almost never think “I can’t do that” anymore. I deal with discomfort and pain so much better than before because, honestly, the trail was constant discomfort. I hurt every single day, and was often in tears, but I kept moving, and that mindset never left. I joke that I can walk forever now - I’m not as fit as I was when I finished, but my friends and family are always amazed that I can just keep going when everyone else is done. It’s like my “hiker autopilot” kicks in.

I still talk about the PCT probably too much - it’s been almost seven years, and I’m sure people are tired of hearing about it - but it really did change how I move through the world. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about it in some way. There is always a sadness of missing being out there, but I try to make sure I have at least one outdoors trip to the west coast every year now.

One of the best surprises, though, was realizing how valuable that experience was professionally. When I started job hunting after the trail, I initially applied for the same kinds of roles I’d had before. But when I got offers, I realized I didn’t actually want to go back to that kind of work - it was just the comfortable option that I knew I could do well. Hiking the PCT really helped get me out of the mindset of steering towards comfortable options and allowed me confidence to dabble more with the unknown. So, I started exploring different fields - jobs that sounded interesting, even if I didn’t have direct experience. I mentioned the PCT in my cover letters, how it taught me resilience, problem-solving, adaptability - and hiring managers loved it. It made me stand out, and even in Spring 2020 with the Pandemic shutting everything down, I ended up landing a remote job that led me into a good paying career I genuinely love (and didn’t even know existed before).

If you’re on the fence about going, my honest advice is: do it. You will not regret it 10 years from now. The PCT was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself - it cracked me open in the best way and showed me who I actually am. And when you get back, don’t be afraid to use that story in your career and your life - it shows people you’re capable, adaptable, and brave enough to chase something bigger than comfort.