Rich Bard is a wildlife biologist who began his career as a zookeeper. Having spent most of his adult life moving around the country working with various wild animals, he settled near the coast of Maine in 2004. Amid the striking beauty of this remote region, he passes the time with his family, hiking, snowshoeing, gardening and watching the tide ebb and flow.
| Escape the Cubicle for an Eco Career, Part 2 |
| Saturday, 17 July 2010 | Rich Bard | Blog Entry |
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I stumbled across the book in an airport bookstore, shortly after deciding that I needed a change. My plans for a new life were a barely conscious thought, but something about this book called to me. Six Months Off: How to plan, negotiate, and take the break you need without burning bridges or going broke showed me that nearly anyone, not only Phish-heads and the wealthy can take time away from gainful employment to explore what else life has to offer. Call it a sabbatical, hiatus, pilgrimage, whatever you like, but know that if you want it, you can make it happen. The authors of Six Months Off interviewed hundreds of people who have taken a break from life as they previously knew it, and distilled their experiences down to useful advice to help you plan your escape. They'll guide you in:
The most inspirational part of the book for me is simply that these people had successfully taken a sabbatical and—although many admitted to making mistakes along the way—none of them regretted it. Reading their stories and realizing that someday I could be one of them got me daydreaming about how I could do it. Shortly thereafter, things began to fall into place and the obstacles I thought would hold me back dissolved before my eyes. After leaving New Orleans, I spent a summer in Virginia working for room and board studying bears. I was able to parlay that experience into a volunteer position studying wolves in Arizona, which ultimately led to a full-time job, a new career and a new life path! Without the guidance and encouragement of the people whose stories appear in Six Months Off, who knows where I'd be today. As someone who has taken the plunge to change his life and follow his dreams, I offer this advice: Only you can decide the path that is right for you. If you long for something more from your time on this earth than what you currently have, set your intention to change your direction, be open to the opportunities that arise and hold on for a wild ride! Go to Escape the Cubicle for an Eco Career, Part 1 Further recommended reading: Updated 7/17/10; originally posted 4/27/09.
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Written by Becky Baxter , April 28, 2009
Awesome! You have to believe something is possible in order to make it happen. Don't settle for a mundane existence because that's what we're acculturated to... Focus your thoughts on the positive and create the life you want. I was touched and inspired by your story.
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In 2000, I decided that something had to change. The New Orleans heat was driving me crazy and I wanted to move closer to some mountains—any mountains. The stress of my job and a broken marriage was taking its toll on me. I needed a new home and new career. I also craved some adventure and a fresh outlook on life. If any of this strikes a chord with you, read on and I'll tell you about an inspirational book that can help you begin to chart your life's new course. 
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