Ian Robinson, 32, Single Date of Travel: February 2010 – October 2010 Occupation: Supermarket Senior Manager Programmes:South Africa Wildlife Conservation Course, Cape Town Sports Coaching, Nepal Volunteers, Thai Adventure, Malaysia Pygmy Elephant and Orangutan Conservation Tour, USA Ranch Volunteer, Costa Rica Experience and Galapagos Giant Tortoise Conservation.

What was your motivation to take a break and go travelling?
My first real experience of travelling was when I was 21 and went to America. I did a tour and loved it! I had caught the 'travel bug' and since then have visited a number of different places. I took a career break in 2001 and did an overland tour in South America for 6 months. That was the longest period of time I had been away for. I just felt I wanted to do a 'big trip' again.

Does your company have a career break policy in place?
Marks and Spencer does have a career break policy but I have been informed that it has recently changed. When I took my first career break in 2001 you could have up to 9 months off work as long as you found no other employment within this period of time. I think you also had to have worked for a certain length of time before you could take one (I had been with Marks for 4 years at this point). You also had to be doing something constructive within the break i.e. travelling, you couldn't just have time off.

Are you going to take time off work, or leave the company permanently to take your trip?
In regards to this trip, it’s complicated! I have spoken to someone from Marks Regional HR team and she seems to think that it will be possible for me to take another career break. I was under the impression that you could only have one throughout your time with the company but like I say the policy has changed.
Ideally, I was thinking of changing my job anyway. I wish I had done it sooner but upon my return I will look at trying to get into the travel industry. In what capacity I don't know, and whether I need qualifications/training will also be a factor. If it doesn't work out for me at least I have the opportunity of going back to Marks.

The HR lady said I should inform my manager 6 months before I leave regarding my plans so at the moment I’ve told just one other person in the store. It’s a bit of an awkward situation but I’m sure it will work out.
 
How long have you been thinking about going travelling?
Ever since that first trip to America I have tried to get away as often as I can. This trip with Gap Year For Grown Ups I have been thinking about doing for the past six months or so.
 
Have you ever done anything like this before?
I have been away for a similar length of time and spent it with people I had never met before but the idea of voluntary work on different projects is new to me.
 
Why did you choose to travel with Gap Year For Grown Ups?
I looked through the brochure and was impressed with the projects. There was so much variety and so much I wanted to do - conservation, a sports project etc. I went to an open day at a hotel in Tunbridge Wells and got some more information. I then sent a few emails, arranged a meeting with a member of staff at the office to discuss my plans and that, as they say, was that.
 
How do you feel now that you have booked?
I’m really looking forward to it. I don't leave until February 2010 but I’m sure that will come around quickly! I’m pleased that I will be doing something that hopefully can make a difference.
 
What have you had to organise for your trip?
I’m currently living with my parents so the organising part is relatively minor. I will probably be selling my car. It looks like I will be able to take another 'career break' from work, which is great because I was not expecting the opportunity again.
 
What do your family and friends think of your plans?
I have a very supportive family and they said if it was what I wanted to do then I should do it. You only live once and what with having no big responsibilities at the moment now was an ideal time. Some of the projects I will be undertaking are also physically challenging and I’m not getting any younger was also a reminder from them! Friends were not the least bit surprised, as they know what I have done in the past.
 
How do you think you will feel when it comes to saying your farewells to friends and family?
No problems here. Of course I will miss them all but I am doing something I love and they understand that. I keep in touch regularly when I’m away and besides, the time seems to fly anyway. Everyone's emotional when I get back for some reason!
 
What do you hope to achieve during your trip?