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Just Jack,After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
I think in your heart you never left it. Buen Camino.I never did ...
I was unemployed before and after my first in 1993 ; after the 1994 I started University ; before and after the 2000 to Rome I was still studying at the post-graduate level plus freelance translating ; before and after the 2005 I was mainly looking after my mother ; as to the 2014 and the current 2019/2021 I've been handicapped and so unable to work (the 2014 required a year of close to full-time training to overcome the physical limitations).
What's referred to as "Real Life" as such had come to what I thought was a temporary end in 1992 & '93 before I ever put my first foot down onto the Camino at Logroño railway station -- little did I know at the time that I would never return to it.
No, I did -- every time I finish a Camino, it's finished and done for, and any new one needs to be its own purpose.I think in your heart you never left it.
Indeed !!You refer to a life-changing experience, and while it is for some ... it isn't for others.
Very wise advice.The camino affects different people in different ways and I would try to let it come to you and see where it takes you rather than assuming that you will have a certain type of experience, because maybe you won't have that experience after all. So my advice would be not to worry about your post-camino at this stage and just let yourself live your actual camino.
After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
You will have noticed the greetingForever,
... it takes forever...
I Ido not think anyone can really answer that question-for you?
For those of us, for example, traveling transatlantic or half way around the world...there may be several factors worthy of consideration.
How long was your journey home and how did the time change impact you?
Since I travel westbound going home, I need almost a week to get just to normal sleeping patterns. Processing the Camino lasted a lot longer.
Other considerations might include the length of time on a camino. I think it may take a bit more time to integrate upon return when one is away for longer periods of time.
3). Support system at home, work and/or school
This issue is not a new one on this forum.
Here is an-article written about the possible impact of the Camino upon you. https://www.caminoadventures.com/blog/transitioning-camino-life-real-life/
Ultimately my suggestion is to live each moment as it comes. Plan,Yes! But after that, be mindful, stay in the moment on the Camino. When you return, if you have a few days to recover and share your experience with others great. Maybe join a camino group in your country or region. Keep a journal of your experience to reflect on later, take photos to process and share at home. And, let the forum members know how you are doing while on your camino and when you return home!
First things first. Listen to the words of Jungleboy:After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
I would take his words one step further. You almost without a doubt NOT have the experience on the Camino that you are assuming you will have before you take your first step. As we all say just let it happen. Any expectation you have is just that an exception not rooted in the reality of what will be.The camino affects different people in different ways and I would try to let it come to you and see where it takes you rather than assuming that you will have a certain type of experience, because maybe you won't have that experience after all.
I'm getting that one big time right now ...a certain far away look in my eyes
No, that really does vary massively between one individual and the next.After a Camino you never get back to what you were before
After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
Well after my first and only Camino Frances I took a month and instead going back to work I have done Camino Portuguese starting from Porto. I was not ready to go back to the real life . Best decision in my life I would say. I never returned to my initial work . Before my first Camino I only worked and worked , these days because of Camino I won’t hesitate quitting my job if it is messing my Camino plans. And yes I still work from 9 to 5 but let’s be honest who is the same person after CaminoAfter 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
I completely agree with this. A transition period between Camino life to regular life is very helpful., my words of wisdom would be that, if at all possible, plan to stay in Spain a few days or a week after you finish. I hopped a train and explored the country a bit and found that buffer/transition to be a lifesaver.
Dumb question as far as I am concerned, life was what it was before my first Camino and as I can remember it was not much different after 11 years of walking various Caminos. Sorry to bust your myth!
Never went back to the so called real world found a better world on the Camino and try to live that way.After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
Thank you, I have been thinking the same all along. I know there’s a danger of setting high expectations, and I’m doing my best not to do so. Life changing is very likely an overstatement. I have a few things that I want to spend a lot of time thinking about, and if I can come to some sort of resolution on those things I will be more than happy when I finish. Your comments are well noted.I'd also caution about thinking too much about this type of thing in advance of your first camino. You refer to a life-changing experience, and while it is for some ... it isn't for others. The camino affects different people in different ways and I would try to let it come to you and see where it takes you rather than assuming that you will have a certain type of experience, because maybe you won't have that experience after all. So my advice would be not to worry about your post-camino at this stage and just let yourself live your actual camino.
Quite right, “real world” was a poor choice of words. Typical day-to-day work life would have been more accurate.First things first. Listen to the words of Jungleboy:
I would take his words one step further. You almost without a doubt NOT have the experience on the Camino that you are assuming you will have before you take your first step. As we all say just let it happen. Any expectation you have is just that an exception not rooted in the reality of what will be.
Secondly I have always pushed back on the assumption that the Camino is not part of the "real world". I do not quite get that. The camino is the real world. You have had real experiences, seen and heard real sights and sounds and met real people. The thoughts you have on the camino may actually be the most real thoughts and feelings you have or will ever have in your life. Are the pressures your boss imposes on you and the arguments and stresses of coworkers at a job and the deadlines and threats more real than the lightness of body mind and spirit that permeate your body as you walk? Is the sounds of yelling people, blaring traffic horns and jet planes roaring overhead more real than a bird chirping or a cow mooing as you walk silently and singularly along an open field? The Camino is reality. The Camino may be the most genuinely real experience you may have on this earth.
You’re not busting anything, no worries. Sorry you find it a dumb question. I assume everyone knows that life itself doesn’t change, but one’s perceptions, priorities and assumptions can certainly change. I think that’s what people are commenting on.Dumb question as far as I am concerned, life was what it was before my first Camino and as I can remember it was not much different after 11 years of walking various Caminos. Sorry to bust your myth!
I do not regard my caminos as holidays, but as my retreat times, times of spiritual renewal. It is difficult to live through this pandemic without any opportunities for this. But, like RJM, I must wait until, "God willing I can hopefully walk it again."My Camino holiday has come to an end and it's time to be practical and move on until, God willing I can hopefully walk it again.
I wanted to find pilgrims in Santiago airport, not really wanting to let go, but I was surprised that inserting myself back into my former life in the City wasn’t that difficult, at least initially.After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
Well, this very much depends on what life you return to and how much this life suits you and your personality.Hate to say this............
But the life you left behind, may lack appeal once you return
It is a choice of words that lots of people have used before you. No biggie. The biggie is not to worry about it now. Just walk and let it happen. The sooner you drain your brain of all your junk that is leading you to the Camino and all your expectations the quicker you can let something new inside. Remember it may be the greatest thing that ever happened, it may be the dumbest thing you ever did, or it may be somewhere in between. Let it be.Quite right, “real world” was a poor choice of words. Typical day-to-day work life would have been more accurate.
I'd also caution about thinking too much about this type of thing in advance of your first camino. You refer to a life-changing experience, and while it is for some ... it isn't for others. The camino affects different people in different ways and I would try to let it come to you and see where it takes you rather than assuming that you will have a certain type of experience, because maybe you won't have that experience after all. So my advice would be not to worry about your post-camino at this stage and just let yourself live your actual camino.
After walking my Camino and then to Finesterre and Muxia I headed up to A Coruna, walked that city, then down to Porto, walked that city, then down to Lisbon, walked that city then returned home and have beenAfter 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
Hi Just Jack, I am a fellow British Columbian who walked the Camino Frances in May/June, 2019. I agree with most when they say that there is a lot to consider when trying to answer your questions. Do you enjoy your "old life and job" now? if the answer is, yes, then maybe you will come home with appreciation, gratitude etc etc for the things you have. If you don't enjoy your life and job then you may find the courage and strength to move on - and there is no doubt that you will have a life-changing experience, it's inevitable. The only thing that I will do differently next time is I would continue walking to Finisterre - I ended up spending an extra day in Paris before flying home and it was such a culture shock to my system. I then went straight back to work and continue to struggle with the balance that I want to see for myself and my life but I don't ever see that as a bad thing. I see it as a gift the Camino gave me - reminding me of all I learned, wished for, decided, cried about, laughed at ( I could go on and on) while I was on my 32 day pilgrimage.After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
The camino is the real world, you return to the fake materialistic world. I walked my first camino 8 years ago. I have never readjusted to the so called real world. Yes you will have a life changing experience. Nothing will ever be the same again but you will enjoy the new perspective on your old life. You will see things with new eyes and priorities may change. As far as work is concerned, I am not qualified to speak about that as I took early retirement 12 years ago so I already saw things with new eyes but the camino was something else. Next to getting married and becoming a father it was the single most important awesome thing I had ever done. So awesome that I went back in 2015, 2016 and 2018. Would have been back this year except for covidAfter 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
Not sure I have got over the camino Frances walk in 2019. Scariest bit was getting on the bus to the airport, couldn't believe how fast it was after 25 days at walking pace. Looking forward to doing the camino Portuguese 2022.After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
Hi JustJackAfter 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
I wonder if your question is on the money. There is a saying that "When we fininsh walking the Camino the Camino continues to walk us." Is it a matter of adjusting from/to or one of integrating the Camino experience into the normalcy of our ongoing lives? My Caminos have had significant impact on my life and I still feel those impacts today - 8 years after my first pilgrimage. Something to reflect on.After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
I walked in 2016, left the office on Friday 23 April? and returned to my desk on the first Monday in June. I managed to last 4 days before something had to change. spoke to my partner on the Thursday, went to see the HR director on the Monday and left for good on the Thursday morning 3 months before my 60th birthday. Best wishes for your walk and good luck with returning to work.After 30-some days walking, being introspective and living mindfully, I have to assume it takes some time to readjust to the real world after finishing. I’m thinking/guessing I will need at least a week before returning to work after the Camino, to reacclimatize.
What have other’s experience been? In particular those who are working regular 9-5 jobs? How soon after finishing did you return to work? Was it difficult? I wonder about having a life-changing experience, and struggling to enjoy my old life and job after it’s over.
I would appreciate hearing if others have struggled with this.
cheers
As an AT thru-hiker (1996), and having walked the Camino (CF3, CP and CI), I can honestly say, I have no desire to thru-hike the AT again. Sure there are the usual expectations: long days with no contact with other hikers, sleeping in a lean-to, a twenty-space lodge, hotel, etc, many, many Scenic Overlooks (they melt into one after #3 because you reach the understanding you need more miles not more smiles), wild animals, wild people, and a desire to finish. For me at Mt.Katahdin that was the end of the trail and the end of the desire to do it again. Sure I still section walk the AT, but it's more to get out and about than walking with a goal.No, that really does vary massively between one individual and the next.
I've found that among those affected the least by it are some American thru-hikers having already hiked one or more of the PCT, CDT, and/or AT.
It's also very different for some Spaniards than for others.
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