Case study – Alex

Alex, 27, was an account manager for a financial services company. He has taken a career break and is planning to return to New Zealand to work as a horse trail guide.

"I was starting to stagnate in my career, and I didn't really like the industry I was working in. I hoped that travelling would develop my confidence. I requested a sabbatical from my job, wanting the financial security, but was refused, so I resigned.

I spent 2 months in each Canada, New Zealand and Australia, plus a month in South Africa and a few days in Zimbabwe. To help finance the trip, I remortgaged my house and sold my car. I was hoping to rent out my house but couldn't find a tenant, so I put it on the market just before I left.

A highlight of my trip was doing the world's second highest bungee jump in New Zealand, despite having a fear of heights, then going on to do the world's highest, in South Africa. I also rode a horse which was in ‘Lord of the Rings'. This horse was notoriously difficult to ride, and the fact that I could handle him meant I was able to apply for a job at the horse ranch.

Travelling restored my faith in humanity. I was amazed at the kindness of strangers, and at how quickly I made friends. As a result, I think I'm more open-minded – I'm friendlier and give people a chance before judging them. Also, the break means I have career opportunities that would never have been open to me before."

Update: Alex's job at the horse ranch has just been confirmed, and he flies back to New Zealand in September.