Beyond the 9-5: Rediscovering Life and Purpose Through Travel

In this inspiring episode of the "Taking Back Humanity" podcast, our host, Aaron Shade, delves deep into his personal travel journey, emphasizing why he believes traveling at a younger age is not just desirable but essential. Aaron shares his early misconceptions about travel, believing it required vast amounts of money and was exclusive to the wealthy with yachts and luxurious lifestyles. However, his experiences taught him that travel could be both affordable and profoundly enriching, challenging these initial perceptions.

Aaron recounts his first international trip to Japan with his wife in 2015, a pivotal moment that expanded his world view and sparked a desire to explore more frequently and more broadly. The cultural immersion in Tokyo and the historical beauty of Kyoto left a lasting impression, inspiring him to advocate for travel as a means of personal growth and cultural connection.  

Throughout the episode, Aaron reflects on the limitations imposed by conventional work environments, like limited vacation time in the U.S. compared to Europe. He contrasts this with his sabbatical travels, where extended trips allowed him to explore various countries and cultures deeply. These experiences, he argues, are not just vacations but essential journeys that can lead to significant personal and professional clarity and transformation.

Aaron is candid about the challenges he faced transitioning back to work post-travel. He shares his struggles with returning to a 9-to-5 job, feeling it was soul-sucking and uninspiring. This led him to explore entrepreneurship as a way to align more closely with his values and passions, a journey he is still navigating.


The episode is a call to reconsider how we view work, life, and the opportunities for fulfillment beyond the conventional paths. Aaron encourages everyone to think about travel not as a luxury but as a crucial element of life that can lead to greater happiness, understanding, and connection.


 Aaron’s story is a compelling reminder of the transformative power of travel and the importance of pursuing experiences that enrich our lives beyond material success.

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