I did it – over 25,000 applications for 75 spots with Remote Year and I was successful!
Now I had to write a brilliant business case to present to my employer and show them how I could continue to do my job remotely from around the world. Business today is done over the Internet and by phone so how hard could it be?
I wrote a thorough case that covered every concern I could think of – time zones, safety, privacy, technology, insurance, then clearly outlined the benefits to my employer and for my personal development.
My manager was quickly on-board and we began the approval process. (happy dance!)
Over the next 30 days we had conversations with Human Resources, Corporate Law, Health and Wellness, Information Technology and Security, and we met with managers, senior managers and directors.
Everyone thought it was a unique idea and they didn’t have any initial concerns. Yahoo!
When the deadline came to pay the non-refundable deposit, my employer decided they needed more time to consider.
I held back the tears, as I thought for sure I had a “yes”. But I was determined to stay strong – at least it wasn’t a “no”, right?
I got an extension on the deadline (thank you!) and over the coming months we continued to have conversations with various staff at Remote Year, with more managers and directors at my company, and things went around and around. Every day getting closer and closer to my scheduled departure.
I didn’t know what to do – did I act in faith and believe I was going? (aka – sell my car, rent out my condo, pay the deposit) Or did I wait until I had an answer?
I tried to stay positive but honestly, there were moments when I simply freaked out. That’s when I leaned on others and borrowed their belief in me.
My final, final, last-call extension arrived, I needed an answer.
And I got it…
The answer was…
“No”.
This time I couldn’t hold back the tears and I quickly hung up the phone with my manager. My hopes were crushed.
How could I be given this amazing opportunity and then say “no”?
It was the end of my big dream, or so it felt.
I allowed myself to be sad for a few days, then slowly dusted myself off. Again, I felt that longing in my heart – I couldn’t give up and walk away from this dream.
Was there any possible way I could make this happen without my employer?
The more I thought about it, the more excited I got.
My new mantra became:
I’m smart enough, I’m strong enough, and everything is “figure-out-able”. (-Marie Forleo)
And so I took that (really scary!) step off the cliff, a leap of faith, blindly believing that everything works out when you’re on the right path, when you’re doing what you’re meant to do.
I asked for a year leave of absence and made a commitment to follow my entrepreneurial dreams.
And I took comfort in the words of Erin Hanson: “There is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky, and you ask ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”
Over to you – when have you taken a leap of faith? Share your comments below – I’d love to hear your story!
This is so inspirational! Good for you, Michelle! I’m working my way towards making that big leap…which I think is going to happen really soon. I’m first working on challenging and changing my beliefs around what work means to me and how I can shift from feeling like something is ‘work’ to feeling like I’m ‘working on my passion’. Will keep you posted 🙂 But for now, you go girl!!!!!!
Way to go, Ashley! Making that shift is huge and once you do, the world opens up to support your dreams! Keep me posted!
Hello Michelle,
I do not know you in person but after reading your story I strongly believe that your decision was absolutely right. JUST DO IT! – would be my honest advice 🙂 You will love the countries you going to visit (I am from one of them) and those experiences will land you a totally fresh and different outlook on life.
One thing is to be a tourist but other (and better) thing is being able to “stay for awhile”. No money can replace adventures, friendships, history, great food and fantastic times. Simply stay happy and positive and all will fall neatly into your life’s puzzle. Don’t get discouraged if any minor “glitches” will cross your path – it will be just a lesson for your better future. Can’t wait to read your blog!
Thank you, Jana! I appreciate your encouragement and support in following my journey!
Looking forward to following your journey!
I am a travel and food blogger from Kelowna and have been writing/photographing with a full time job for 6 years.
Looking forward to your inspirational story. The longest I have been able to travel is 3 weeks due to work.
Thanks Murissa! I appreciate your support and following my journey! I’ll follow your blog as well – this is new for me and I have so much to learn!
When my marriage ended, it felt like a punch in the gut. I was completely unprepared and not at all what I wanted – until it was. Moving forward as a single mother, financially independent, and getting through that grief was the most difficult thing (and possibly bravest?) I’ve ever done.
Oh Janine, thank you for sharing! Getting through to the other side and looking back at how far you’ve come is so empowering. It takes huge amounts of courage and strength to do what you’ve done – very proud of you!