Hiking Toward Change: A Journey of Self-Discovery

It was just a fleeting mention—a friend’s casual reference to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)—that planted a seed of curiosity within me back when I was eighteen. Growing up in Seattle, Washington, the concept of a long walk back home from the southern reaches of California felt exhilarating and almost poetic. Fast forward to 2023, and I made the leap. I was determined to turn that youthful aspiration into a reality.

At the time, I held a consulting position at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a reputable firm where I had cultivated my career. I took advantage of their remarkable program that allowed me to embark on a paid leave while receiving 20% of my salary. In my mind, a thru-hike was a once-in-a-lifetime experience; a chapter to close after five months of exhilarating adventure. Little did I know the journey would be just the beginning of something much deeper.

The hike unfolded over five months, each day merging into the next as I traversed breathtaking landscapes and overcame numerous challenges. When I finally emerged on the other side, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. Yet returning to the corporate world proved to be an unexpected struggle. The transition was hard, almost jarring. Do any of you readers recall a moment when a significant change in your life left you feeling like a stranger in a familiar place?

My team had evolved during my absence, and I found myself grappling with uncertainty regarding my role and future at the company. Once passionate about my work, I felt out of touch, lost among a sea of unfamiliar faces and new responsibilities.

It was then that I made a pivotal decision. This year, I chose to quit my job. My last day of work was a Wednesday, and come Monday, I would embark on yet another adventure—a hike along the Continental Divide Trail, continuing into the Great Divide Trail in Canada.

This new route would guide me through stunning mountain ranges from New Mexico to the serene Kakwa Lakes in British Columbia, spanning a total of 3,700 miles. I planned to undertake this challenge with the ambitious goal of averaging over 30 miles daily, all while embracing the wild beauty of the terrain. After all, isn’t it the fears we conquer that often lead to the most profound personal growth?

The thought of stepping into Canada while continuing the same trail excited me. What a unique experience to traverse the untamed landscapes that shape our continent! As I approached my thirtieth birthday, I decided it would serve as both a celebration and a farewell to one chapter of my life—a real “send-off” into the unknown.

Hiking the PCT Changed Me

I began my journey on the PCT alone, weaving my way through solitary moments that were both introspective and exhilarating. Along the way, I connected with a group of fellow hikers who I would later depend on during a particularly daunting section of the trail.

There was a moment—a tense, unexpected incident—when I attempted to navigate around a snowbank, stepping gingerly from branch to branch. One moment of folly led to disaster when a branch snapped, resulting in a painful injury to my calf. Each twist and turn of the trail served as a metaphor for life itself—reflecting how one small misstep could lead to unexpected, sometimes jarring consequences.

Thankfully, fortune smiled upon me. Among my hiking companions was a Swedish Marine who promptly provided first aid, ushering me back to civilization. With six stitches adorning my calf, I humorously earned the trail name “Stitches,” a stark reminder of that unpredictable day. We often don’t realize the depth of our resilience until we find ourselves in challenging situations, do we?

Eight days off the trail tested my patience, yet when I returned, the experience was almost surreal. The doctor still managed to assist me via FaceTime while perched on the side of a mountain as we navigated the delicate removal of my stitches. As the hilarity of it all sunk in, I couldn’t help but reflect: who else has faced such absurdity in the name of adventure?

Just as a washing machine spins and transforms clothes, so too does the trail work on our spirits. Each step sowed frustration, but ultimately, I emerged transformed—raw yet renewed, somehow less clean yet inexplicably more alive. The trail opened my eyes to life’s inherent simplicity and sufficiency. It dawned on me then how much of life’s clutter I could do without.

However, returning to my corporate life felt like I was stepping back into a shadow—a version of myself that seemed diminished. On the trail, direction and purpose were crystalline; back in the office, I felt adrift and disheartened.

Realizing I Wanted to Get Off the Corporate Ladder

My career at PwC adhered to a linear trajectory: associate, senior associate, manager, senior manager, director, partner. I had achieved manager status, yet the weight of expectation felt unbearably heavy. Months after my PCT journey, I stood at a crossroads, grappling with life-altering questions. Did I envision myself climbing this corporate ladder for the long haul?

Conversations I held with colleagues echoed in my mind as I pondered my future. Would I be content pursuing the partner path? I realized with clarity that the experiences on the trail far surpassed the life I had woven within the confines of cubicles and meetings.

Fortunately, my departure from PwC was amicable. I left with a sense of safety, knowing I could always return if my new path felt daunting. Seeking ways to amalgamate my professional skills with my passion for the outdoors became my guiding vision. I envisioned a space—be it a weekend retreat or weeklong program—where individuals could soak in the wilderness’s beauty, echoing the transformation I underwent during my own hikes.

Admittedly, quitting my job felt like a leap of faith, especially in today’s economic climate. But deep within, I understood this was my moment—a chance to seize the life I envisioned. Staying at PwC for another year would only lead to stagnation, resentment, and ultimately a waste of my potential.

If you find a dream stirring within you, don’t wait. Pursue it now. Today’s excitement may turn into tomorrow’s regrets if we allow fears to dictate our choices. Take a leap; the journey is often brimming with wonders we never anticipated.