Dominique Doron – Finding a Way to Make it Happen

June 8, 2009 by Michaela Potter
Filed under Circumstances, Contemplating

Dominique Doron took a 2-month career break in the beginning of 2009. She shares with us how she came to make this life-changing decision, the anxieties she faced in doing so, and how she ended up spending it volunteering in Ghana.

MAKING THE DECISION
From Alternative Spring Breaks in college, to working for a non-profit in NYC, I have always tried to find time to volunteer. Traveling has also been a hobby of mine, although while working full-time, travel usually means a week of vacation here or there – not the culturally fulfilling experience I long for.

While working at Marie Claire as an events coordinator, I met some filmmakers who gave up their jobs and devoted their lives to making a difference in the lives of young Cambodian women. I was so moved by their bravery and dedication, yet felt a sadness come over me because I didn’t foresee an opportunity in my life to make a similar impact in the world.

I was married, needed to work full-time, and didn’t have any money to travel, but I quickly decided that if travel and volunteerism was important to me, that I would find a way to make it happen. Within a week, I decided I would quit my job to spend a few months volunteering in Africa. I wasn’t sure what I would do, where I would go, or how I would afford it, but I had a plan and started doing some research.

FACING ANXIETIES
Prior to my two-months in Ghana, I hadn’t spent more than one week in any single country. I had vacationed with my husband in Italy, Israel, Egypt, Greece, Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Caribbean. But, I had never traveled alone, and I had never been in a country long enough to immerse myself in the culture. Part of my goal was to be in another country long enough to feel as though I were living there, not just visiting.

My biggest concern was how I would afford the trip. I spent six weeks fund raising, during which I raised over $4000 from family, friends, and co-workers. Having support is definitely helpful.

I was married, needed to work full-time, and didn’t have any money to travel, but I quickly decided that if travel and volunteerism was important to me, that I would find a way to make it happen.

I felt slightly anxious about quitting my job during a recession, finding work when I got back, and being separated from my husband for two months. I left my job on good terms, reached out to professional contacts before I left (letting them know I’d be back and looking for work) spent as much time with my husband as I could before I left, and left my home life in order to ease the responsibilities on my husband. I definitely felt prepared, which eased any anxiety I was having. Mostly, I was excited!

WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO
I did an incredible amount of research. I talked to as many people as I could about countries they had visited, organizations they had gone through, and how they afforded it. One of the biggest decisions for me was deciding what organization to use. I had limited funds and cost was a major issue, yet as a female traveling alone, I wanted to be sure I chose a reputable organization that provided support and guidance. I also spent a lot of time choosing a country. I researched everything from language, customs, and politics, to foods, cost of living, and climate.

I had a pretty good idea that I wanted to work with kids, and chose an orphanage because I wanted to care for young children and babies. And as much as I would have liked to learn a new language, I figured I would have a more fulfilling experience with children if I could communicate clearly with them. I decided on Ghana because it was English-speaking and had a reputation of being welcoming, safe, friendly, and politically stable.

Up Next: Dominique Doron – Feeling Fortunate for Taking a Career Break

Like what you see? Please share with others: