By Julie Cohen, PCC
Last year, as I was approaching the end of my 50th birthday year, I had the good fortune of going to Paris for a week on my own. I left my husband and then 15-year-old son home alone, put on ‘out of office’ messages, booked an AirBnB and headed out. Professionally and personally, I learned. My reflections from this experience:
- Not focusing on work for a week felt good. I did not shut down completely, but work was an end-of-day check-in, and I did not respond to emails or address needs while I was away. There were NO negative repercussions. Everything was fine when I returned, and I felt more energized, focused and creative at work.
- Away messages do their job! Phone, email, social media – use tools so people who may need you understand your absence and silence. You can create a support structure to allow you to be away fully and to enjoy it.
- Jet lag has its perks. Getting up early in a new city allowed me to plan for the day ahead, enjoy quiet, and catch up on reading before I spent 12 hours walking around the city. I let my body naturally adjust to the time zone and enjoyed a week with no alarm clock summoning me to the gym.
- Speaking of the gym, there was no downside taking a week off from my regular workouts (and indulging in dessert every day – oh, the crepes!) Taking good care of myself throughout the year had its payoff enabling me to walk 10 miles each day and not worry about what I chose to eat and enjoy while away.
- Although I traveled alone, I made plans to connect with a few colleagues and acquaintances. It’s refreshing to develop new friendships as an adult.
- I was impressed with the overall feeling that Paris puts its citizens’ well-being above business needs, and that convenience doesn’t necessarily drive every decision. There were no plastic bags in any stores because everyone has agreed that it is good for the environment. No one balked at this.
- A break from my closest relationships made me appreciate them more upon my return. Absence did make my heart grow fonder!
- I’m always a mom to my son, even 3500 miles away. Texts and FaceTime when he wasn’t feeling well or couldn’t find something affirmed that my emerging adult still needs me. On occasion it felt good (I provide comfort and support when he’s not well.) and not-so-good (Don’t interrupt me when I’m walking through an art exhibit at The Grand Palais when you can’t find your sweatshirt when your dad is in the same time zone/house.)
- Technology makes travel so much easier, and it’s easier to become overly dependent. I realized that I had every document, except my passport, on my phone. Plus navigation and communication. I had an excruciating 15 minutes of fear when my phone wouldn’t start as I was making my way to the airport for my flight home. Must have a backup plan if phone dies or is lost, even temporarily.
- Regardless of my age, I always want to be able to carry a 40-pound suitcase on my own.
- What else have you learned from solo travel? How has it enhanced you personally and professionally?
