Megan Beaudry’s Post

The Hidden Work Behind a Gap Year Adventure Taking a year off to travel sounds like a dream, right? A chance to “do nothing” and just enjoy life. But there’s so much more to this journey than meets the eye. Quitting a stable job and stepping out of my comfort zone was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. The fear of being out of the job market for too long is real. Add to that the constant need to stick to a budget and the effort it takes to organize life beyond the traditional 9 to 5, and you quickly realize that “doing nothing” actually means doing everything differently. But it’s all about perspective. For me, this gap year isn’t just about taking a break—it’s been an investment in myself. Every moment, every challenge, and even the surprises along the way have made this experience so much richer. Without realizing it, I’ve been drawing on everything I’ve learned over more than 8 years of study and 10+ years of work experience to help me handle the ups and downs. The skills I’ve developed, like adapting on the fly, staying resilient, and solving problems as they come, have been more useful than I ever expected. I’m not just gaining unforgettable life experiences—I’m growing in ways I never imagined. Managing uncertainty, staying focused on the big picture, and embracing new challenges along the way… it all feels like running a year-long project, but this time, the “office” is wherever I park my caravan. Sometimes, stepping away doesn’t mean falling behind. It’s about moving forward, just on a different road.

Has your career path taken an unexpected detour? Have you ever stopped to think about your childhood dream job? The one job you just knew you wanted to do every day? How has that worked out for you?  The chances are, like for many, it didn’t. For many of us, reality takes a different flight path. Take me, I dreamt of being an Air Steward, soaring through the skies and exploring new destinations. Unfortunately, my aspirations came to a hard landing when I learned that height and vision was a must back then. The nearest I got to an Airline was selling their tickets from a smokey office in London, and my first lesson learned then was that I’m great at meeting targets! As we now know having experienced life a little more, life has a way of throwing a swerve ball in front of our dreams (thanks, height restrictions!) and sometimes, our careers take a detour so sharp that it leaves us wondering how we even ended up on that pathway. Maybe you were sold a dream job that turned out to be a boring routine, or you followed the "safe" path only to find it unfulfilling. It's a common experience, leaving many feeling lost and unsure of their next move. But deep down, even though a detour was taken, you know you have a chance to get back on the pathway you knew was your destiny. But, don’t rush into it, if you’re going to change direction completely be sure to take the time to reflect and dig through the weeds you gathered along the way, and recognise those unexpected strengths you gathered along your journey that are a true reflection of your worth. Remember, your career doesn't have to be a predestined path. It's a journey of exploration and adaptation. If you find yourself miles away from your initial destination, and need support in guiding you through a process that will rediscover your passions and chart a new flight path, then I’m here to help lay that new runway! The final boarding call for your dream career hasn't sounded yet! Don’t waste anymore time waiting at the wrong departure gate. Start by booking a FREE Discovery Call today or DM me here. https://lnkd.in/en_iGRah #careerchange #personaldevelopment #careerpath #takecontrolofyourfuture

🌟 Exciting Update: Just returned from my first business trip to Colchester! 🏙️ What an incredible learning experience it was! I wanted to share some insights and reflections from this journey that has significantly impacted my professional growth. Key Takeaways: 1. Adaptability is Crucial: Business trips are unpredictable. Plans change rapidly, meetings get rescheduled, and unexpected opportunities arise. I learned the importance of staying flexible and maintaining a positive attitude when facing last-minute changes. This adaptability allowed me to make the most of every situation. 2. Time Management is Key: Balancing a packed schedule of meetings, work commitments, and personal time was challenging yet rewarding. I honed my time management skills, learning to prioritise tasks and maximise every minute without burning out. 3. The Value of Active Listening: In various meetings and conversations, I realized the immense value of truly listening. It's not just about hearing words—it's understanding context, picking up on non-verbal cues, and showing genuine interest in others' perspectives. 4. Importance of Self-Care: Business trips can be exhausting. I learned the importance of maintaining a balance, ensuring I had enough rest, and taking moments to recharge. This helped me stay sharp and perform at my best throughout the trip. Reflecting on this experience, I'm amazed at how much one can learn in a short time when immersed in a new environment. The skills and insights gained from this trip will undoubtedly shape my approach to future projects and interactions. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity to grow professionally and personally. It's experiences like these that remind me why I love what I do. The enthusiasm and knowledge I've brought back with me are already influencing my work positively. Looking forward to applying these lessons in my future endeavors and sharing more insights as I continue to grow in my career. Here's to many more learning opportunities ahead! 💼🚀 #BusinessTrip #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #Colchester #ContinuousLearning #WorkLifeBalance

It's taken me 40 years to accept that sh*t happens. There is no deeper meaning. It just happens. Turns out our planned 8 week summer vacation in Canada will now be 2 weeks. We fly out this evening. I had planned to catch-up with lots of lovely people, yet life has thrown a wrench in our plans. How do you respond when things don't work out as planned? -Do you complain about how unfair life can be? -Curse the universe? -Get stuck in a 'what-if' loop of better possibilities that could of, should of, would have happened? -Play victim? OR, do you accept that it's beyond your control? I used to do all of these things. I've gotten much better at acceptance. ❔What about you? Catch you on the other side! If you happen to be in Italy, do swing by for an aperitivo :)

Working Life Experience I remember my first day like it was yesterday. Fresh out of college, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed, I marched into my new office, ready to take on the world. I was young, eager, and full of boundless energy. I thought I knew everything, but boy, was I wrong! Those early years were a whirlwind of learning. I made mistakes, lots of them. But I also learned from them, growing stronger with each stumble. I soaked up knowledge like a sponge, eager to prove myself. It was a time of rapid growth, of late nights and early mornings, fueled by caffeine and youthful ambition. As the years passed, I settled into a comfortable rhythm. I knew my job inside and out, and I was good at what I did. But something was missing. The thrill of the early days had faded, replaced by a sense of routine. I started to feel a little... stagnant. That's when I realized it was time for a change. I took a leap of faith, leaving my comfort zone to pursue new challenges. It was scary, but it was also exhilarating. I rediscovered my passion, my drive. I learned new skills, met new people, and grew in ways I never thought possible. Now, as I approach the twilight of my career, I find myself reflecting on all that I've accomplished. I've faced setbacks, overcome challenges, and celebrated triumphs. I've learned that the journey is just as important as the destination. It's about the experiences, the lessons, the growth. So, how strong are we? We are stronger than we think. We are resilient, adaptable, and capable of incredible things. We may face setbacks and challenges along the way, but we have the power to overcome them. We have the power to shape our own destinies. As for me, I'm ready for whatever comes next. I'm excited to see what new adventures await. After all, the best is yet to come. Have a Good Weekend ahead, Cheers! #propertymanagers #propertymanagement #facilitymanagers #facilitymanagement

I spent my holidays walking 300+ km, and it was worth every step. Walking the Camino de Santiago was my first time backpacking alone. No fixed plans, no set expectations — just me, the road, and the people I met along the way. Here are 4 lessons I learned from the Camino that resonate deeply with work, life, and everything in between: ▶ 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐠𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬. Be ready to change direction based on how you feel and who you meet. The “stick to the plan” mindset doesn’t always work — not on the Camino, or life. ▶ 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. Take all the advice, but ultimately, do what feels right for you. There’s no universal path; what’s best is what works for you. ▶ 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞. Like our careers, the Camino isn’t about who gets there fastest. Everyone moves at their own pace, and that’s okay. Stay true to your rhythm, and pursue what makes you feel alive. ▶ 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞. People may seem unconventional or “crazy” at first glance, but don’t let first impressions fool you. Be curious, dig deeper, and you’ll find we all have layers of richness beneath the surface. In the photo? That’s me with Roberto, a Franciscan monk on a 10,000 km journey. In a few hours, he taught me more than many professors did in years. This solo trip was an amazing experience — the first of many more to come. Feeling inspired? Hit the road, take the first step, or just start that new project. Life’s waiting.

You won't find hiking seven mountains in one day on my resume Experiences, like life itself, are always magnified through sharing. So last weekend, my wife and I decided to hike the South Glen Shiel Ridge. It’s an end-to-end mountain traverse that’s technical and spectacular. On a whim, we packed up, drove four hours north, and booked a campsite on the way. We had wanted to do it for a while, but logistics, work, life, and weather had interfered on several occasions. The forecast in the Scottish mountains is hard to predict. Saturday was to be cloudy in the morning, sunshine later in the day. We woke up to heavy rain. Low cloud. Not as expected. We resigned ourselves to a foggy day. But as we started, the rain stopped. The first signs of a blue sky. Sunshine peeked through. I’m in the middle of training for a big mountain race in Italy, in September, and I’d managed to convince my wife to attempt her longest mountain adventure to date. Together we tackled the seven “Munro’s” (Scottish mountains above 3000ft) in one day. Such a cool challenge. The steep terrain and technical ridge traverse was demanding, with sections of scrambling that were fun and exhilarating. The 360-degree views were outstanding and breathtaking, making us feel small compared to the vast mountain ranges, beautiful lochs, and sharp ridges that surrounded us. We brought lunch and ate while soaking in the serene and beautiful. Ironically, one of the biggest challenges of the day was returning to our van which was parked over an hour away. I was planning to run back. Until my wife started chatting with a kind stranger on the same route. He offered us a lift. A genuine act of kindness. This adventure reminds me of a few things: Sometimes, the best experiences come from spontaneous decisions. In business, being open to unplanned opportunities often leads to unexpected successes. Just as we enjoyed sharing this adventure, collaboration and mutual support in the workplace can help tackle challenging projects and achieve shared goals. Enjoying the process and the small moments along the way can be as fulfilling as reaching the end goal. This is true for both personal and professional pursuits. Facing and overcoming difficulties outside work, builds resilience and confidence to overcome challenges at work. Balancing work with personal passions will rejuvenate and inspire you. We drove home full of energy. My advice to other busy professionals or business owners is simple: find time, plan it, or make it happen last minute, just do the things that set your heart racing. Go let yourself smile. When was the last time you did something spontaneous and found joy in the unknown? 💡 Like 💬 Comment ♻️ Repost ➕ Follow me Kevin Banks

October is turning out to be a special month with two things to celebrate. One, it is my birthday month and two, it has been a year since I made the big leap and relocated to a new country. Relocating to a new country for work was a major life decision and has been both exciting and challenging. Here are some key lessons that I have learnt so far: 🍂 Things will be different, from language to cultural norms, food, and even basic routines. Being open to change and being flexible in my approach has made the transition smoother. 🍂 Adapting quickly to a new work culture has helped me establish rapport with my colleagues and integrate better into the team. 🍂 Learning even a few basics of the local language has made a big difference in how easily I can navigate daily life. 🍂 There will be challenges—whether it's learning a new job or navigating the city. Accept that it takes time to adjust, and don’t be hard on yourself for not knowing everything right away. 🍂 Engaging with the local culture has helped me feel more connected to the place and has turned the experience into one of personal growth, not just career advancement. 🍂 Being away from family and friends can be tough. It's natural to feel homesick or to miss familiar things, so it’s essential to stay connected with loved ones back home. 🍂 Some of the most memorable parts of living in a new country will be the unexpected discoveries and surprises. Being open to these new experiences can make the relocation enriching. 🍂 Mistakes will happen, and you’ll likely face challenges you didn’t anticipate. Embracing these as learning experiences can help you grow both professionally and personally. Relocating for work can be a life-changing experience, and it’s an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. The more open you are to the journey, the more rewarding it will be! 'Njut av resan' meaning 'Enjoy the journey' in Swedish😀

How often do we pause and truly appreciate the life we've built? It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but every now and then, I find it important to reflect on the journey. I remember the joy of landing my first job—a milestone that felt like the beginning of everything. The promotions that followed were not just rewards but reminders of growth, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. I’ve moved from sharing cabs to now choosing my favorite airline, a transition that might seem small but signifies how far I’ve come. I think back to the days when I would save up for a bigger mobile recharge, and today, I’m able to select my favorite mobile without hesitation. These moments, though they may seem minor, are powerful reminders of progress. We often measure success by the big milestones, but it’s in these everyday victories that true growth lies. Life is a series of steps, each one deserving of recognition. By appreciating these moments, we not only honor our past but also inspire our future. Let’s make it a habit to celebrate our journey and the progress we've made, no matter how small it may seem. #Weekendthoughts

After six incredible weeks solo hiking the 800km Camino de Santiago, I'm back in the office, fully refreshed and with a renewed perspective on life and work. Below a few takeaways from my summer adventure. 🌎 The world keeps spinning even when you step away. I didn't check my emails for weeks, and guess what? Everything was just fine. This experience reaffirmed that we have an amazing team—capable, supportive, and knowledgeable—who kept everything running smoothly in my absence. 😴 When you're exhausted, thirsty, and unsure of where your next meal or bed will come from, future anxieties like next quarter's revenue or assets under management fade into the background. Being forced to focus on immediate, basic needs brought a clarity that is often lost in the day-to-day grind. ✨ Returning to the absolute basics gave me a new perspective on everything I have and how grateful I should be for even the smallest conveniences. It's easy to take things for granted until you experience life without them. This journey has been a powerful reminder that sometimes, to move forward, you need to step back and reset. I’m excited to dive back into work with a fresh mindset and an even deeper appreciation for our mission at WHVP: helping hardworking Americans preserve and protect their wealth so they can sleep well at night. Here’s to new perspectives, continued growth, and the incredible team that makes it all possible! #Leadership #CaminoDeSantiago #Teamwork #WealthManagement #Gratitude #SummerBreak