March 26th was my last day in the office. After working for a corporate for 12 years in various IT leadership positions, a lot of good memories and friendships made it not easy to leave. But I felt it is time to move on and fulfill a dream of a lifetime – to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Mexico to Canada.

A few days before, I sent a good bye mail to the colleagues I had been working with. I received an overwhelming number of positive responses – felt like it was the right thing to do. Thank you to all those colleagues who sent me so kind words – both for the work together as well as respect and encouragement for the journey ahead!

I feel like I have already taken the biggest hurdle on my way to Canada – overcoming the fear to quit a good and well paying job just to fulfill a dream.

Now I am getting more excited every day… April 19th I fly out, on April 21st I will start the trail in Campo, CA at the Southern Terminus of the PCT.

After completing the trail in maximum 6 months (due to weather and visa restrictions), I am looking forward to new professional challenges.