Erica Hoff shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Erica, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Some people like their jobs, while others hate it with a passion. I am a little of both. Although I whole heartedly wish I did not have to work, I know that it is the only way I can afford to do things outside of work. It is important to find something outside of your 9-5 that brings you joy, or else life will be miserable. For me, that joy (aside from my family of course) is to travel. I think of work as the reason I even get to travel, because I have been in the position before where I had all the time to travel, but did not have the means to be able to. Being able to plan a trip and experience new places with my little family is my joy in life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erica and I love to travel with a passion. I am a full-time corporate employee, soon to be mom of two, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and traveler. I understand how difficult it can be to step away from our daily responsibilities to travel. This can be stressful, perceived as expensive, seen as unsafe, or too much work, causing people to not want to explore the world. Because of this, and knowing that it is all worth it, I create itineraries for all kinds of trips that get you out of office. I do the research, make the mistakes, and share the experiences with my audience so that they can enjoy the trip to the fullest. All you have to do is pick a location, pack, and go.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Growing up, we did not travel much. I didn’t do road trips each summer with my parents or get to participate in the typical east coast middle school trip. The idea of “travel” I had was that traveling was for visiting family and that was it. Going on “vacation” was never really an option for me for serval reasons, financial, strict parents, etc. However, now that I am older and able to work and make my own decisions, I have discovered a passion for traveling the world and seeing all it has to offer. In my head growing up, I thought that having kids would require me to stay home and would take away the freedom I so desperately wanted, so I did not want to have kids. I felt that it wasn’t worth the hassle. However, now that I am older and am blessed enough to have found a partner that has similar traveling values as I do, I see that it was really possible the whole time. I didn’t have to be who I thought the world thought I should be. I did not have to be single or childless in order to travel.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
If i’m being honest, 2022 was the worst year of my life. I had severe depression and anxiety, and I ended up in a really dark place, physically, emotionally, and literally. I failed miserably. I couldn’t handle getting up in the morning and quit my job out of nowhere. I felt like the world’s worst mom, wife, and daughter and felt I had no purpose in life. However, now that I look back, I realize that it was not all for nothing. It changed my perspective on life. I now appreciate my husband and child more than I ever have and have changed my mind on things I never thought I would have. I am learning to find balance in travel, saying no, saving, and enjoying life on the daily basis instead of waiting for something big to happen in order to feel happy. Having hope and aspirations to travel but not obsessing over it like I used to, has changed my life and mind for the better. Had I not gone through the hard times I did, I do not think I would be at the happy state of mind that I am at today, and for that I thank God.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Every decision we make or don’t make changes our lives. My friends and I talk about this all the time. Had we not decided to accept to attend the university we attended, I would not have met my best friend. Had I not been heartbroken or taken a chance, I would have never met my husband, or my children. It could be as simple as had we decided to go to another winery, instead of the winery that we went to quickly just to “check it out”, I would not have rekindled my relationship with some of my closest friends today. Everything that happens is part of a bigger picture, that we have no control of. I cannot prove this, but I know in my heart that God knows what He is doing and why everything happens, even though we might not understand it.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had 10 years left of life, I would try my best to save up the most money I could for 1 year and then stop working immediately after. I would travel the world with my husband and children. They are my favorite people in the world and traveling makes me happy, so I would spend the remaining of my life doing what I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://out-of-office2.webnode.com/
- Instagram: outofoffice_withloveerica
- Other: Out of Office App: https://getooo.app.link/agqRbUXN8xb
Lemon8 App: @ outofoffice_witherica
