In this episode of Sabbatical Stories, Iuliana Marchian shares her transformative journey from a teaching assistant in Romania to a travel coach and writer. She discusses her first long-term solo trip to Morocco, the impact of travel on her personal development, and how Couchsurfing helped her connect with her inner courage.
Together, we explore:
How taking a sabbatical doesn't have to be a year-long commitment.
Solo travel, the challenges she faced, including language barriers and self-doubt.
Why transformative experiences often come from stepping out of comfort zones.
How traveling regularly helps maintain personal growth and prevents regression.
The challenges that come with a shift in career and how to overcome them.
The importance of taking baby steps and listening to oneself and not rushing into big changes.
Why ignoring negative opinions from others is crucial for personal growth.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Sabbatical Stories
01:59 luliana's Transformative Journey Begins
10:30 The Power of Solo Travel
17:36 Life After Morocco: Embracing Change
20:34 Overcoming Challenges in Career Transition
25:06 Balancing Work and Travel
32:54 Lessons Learned and Tips for Future Travelers
Guest bio: Iuliana Marchian is a certified transformational solo travel coach and the founder of Authentic Travels - a community of people who connect to their authentic self through solo travel. Iuliana went from codependency and a depressive personality to traveling solo over the world for +10 years to completely transforming herself on a mental, emotional and psychological level. She strongly believes that each of us has their own authentic travel style and that solo travel is the fastest and most efficient way to find that, including personal and spiritual development. This led her to becoming the first certified travel coach in Romania, and managing the first business in Romania with a focus exclusively on travel coaching.
As a travel writer, she has written for various worldwide outlets such as Inside Himalayas, Matador Network and Culture Trip. Her transformational memoir “Balak! Balak! - Six weeks in Morocco'' is the first one in a book series planned to be continued with more motivational and inspirational stories from her solo trips.
Connect with Iuliana on LinkedIn
Get in touch: If you are interested in sharing your sabbatical story, we would love to hear from you. Buzz us a DM on Instagram - @Sabbatical_Stories or reach out on LinkedIn - Bex Thomas.
Career transition, sabbatical and career break coaching:
As a career transition, sabbatical, and career break coach, I inspire, challenge, and support people like you to create a life that feels deeply aligned with your values, dreams, and authentic self.
Whether you’re craving a new direction, a chance to pause, or the courage to pursue what really matters, I’m here to guide you toward your own version of success on your terms.
Together, we’ll break free from societal blueprints, rewrite the rules, and design a future you’re excited to wake up to.
Learn more here
💫 Ready to make the most of your time away from work
Download my free guide, "5 Ways to Maximise Your Career Break", packed with practical tips and soulful insights to help you pause with purpose and return with clarity.
Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already on sabbatical, this is your essential companion.
👉 Grab your free copy here
With special thanks to:
Aunty B at the Flaxen, our amazing, talented and patient producer whose expertise helps make this podcast shine.
Joanna Cooke, whose soulful blend of smooth vocals we are lucky enough to use throughout the show. Listen and connect with Joanna via your favourite medium:
Website - https://joannacooke.co.uk
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/joannacooke
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joanna.cooke/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joannacookemusic/