Advice needed after a year of travel

I could really use some advice. I've been traveling overseas for the past year, exploring different cultures, meeting new people, and experiencing life in ways I never imagined. I've recently returned to the US, but feel a bit disconnected and disillusioned.

The day to day in the states now feels somewhat different. I feel out of the loop and am having some trouble with reintegrating into my old life and unsure about career options moving forward as I've been out of the workforce for a while. Has anyone else gone through something like this? I’d really appreciate any advice or insights you can share.

10 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to readjust; it's normal to feel out of place initially. Gradually reconnect with friends and family and listen to what's been happening in their lives, which can help bridge any gaps. Engaging in familiar activities or exploring new hobbies can create a sense of normalcy and provide opportunities to meet new people. Also, consider joining support groups for returning travelers or seeking counseling if the transition feels overwhelming. Setting new goals and finding a balance between cherishing your travel memories and being present in your current environment can also make a significant difference. Lastly, practice self-care by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking time to relax and recharge

 

I went to Indonesia to travel, but lined up interviews for when I got back. I'd spend a few hours per day applying in an internet cafe. To think you had no plans after traveling is amusing. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
agvk

Nice man, how was your experience there? 

I had some ideas but encounter hurdles sometimes

I surfed Lakey Peak. Was sick. Almost died getting pinned down deep on a wave, but survived.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
agvk

Nice man, how was your experience there? 

I had some ideas but encounter hurdles sometimes

I also played chicken with this dude on a scooter going 60mph. We hit at 60mph in a head on collision and had some pretty brutal ankle and foot derma injuries.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Dolore ratione aut nesciunt reprehenderit fuga. Ea quia voluptates doloribus aut quas nulla. Autem et fuga rerum facilis aut. Qui fugiat temporibus veniam cupiditate. Unde et laudantium accusantium pariatur suscipit. Magnam reprehenderit est soluta soluta qui maxime.

Aut asperiores natus non id et. Nam omnis sit ullam optio illo. Exercitationem ipsam quidem reprehenderit et quidem sunt voluptatem. Aliquid voluptatum sint sequi suscipit.

In optio voluptatibus accusamus autem maxime facere. Ullam ducimus totam necessitatibus ut numquam et non.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”