Thanks a lot for your comment on Family Hack. It’s always great to heat the individual stories of families who live a life they designed, rather than one that just happens to them. Your story is an inspiration and I hope some of our readers visit you in Southern Chile.

Best,
Michael

We (my wife and I) have three girls (twin 7 year olds and a 1.5 year old) have tried to make the most of what a place like this offers and create the things that we value which it lacks. We’ve built a small oceanside school and brought over a Waldord teacher from Australia to focus heavily on the stunning natural environment and allow our kids some wonder without the mall-influece of many areas.

Our kids don’t live in a complete bubble, as we travel to the US every year or two and do “normal” things like take ballet class in town with other girls.

But, and this is why I’m writing to Family Hack, we would like to get the word out that there are places where one can do a family sabbatical that are safe, inexpensive, culturally rich, full of nature (penguins, whales) and also full of RAIN!

If people wish to know more, please tell them about us and Chiloe Island in Southern Chile. You’re family is invited as well- Chile has good wine (see my red teeth) and my wife is of the organic bent as is yours!.

There’s nothing wrong with being aware of the challenges ahead and understanding how fragile it all is. But you can’t let that paralyze you. The trick, I think, is to acknowledge your fear and concerns (I find verbalizing them helps) – and then move forward anyway.

And as a practical matter: Telling a few key people that you plan to take a sabbatical definitely puts some starch in your shorts!

I’ve talked to a lot of different people who’ve done this, and I’ve yet to find a single person who regretted it.

As far as picking a place, Dan also covers this problem in his book. He has a great little 5 step system that helps you not only nail down what it is you want, but also how to get other people involved in helping you find the perfect situation for you and your family.

I’d highly recommend the book and good luck on your travels.

This may show a lack of imagination, but one of the difficult things for us is figuring out where to go! When you can go anywhere in the world — how do you decide “where”? (Any suggestions for tools? I’d love a search engine where you can type in: Waldorf school, safe for kids, great weather, interesting food, and primary mode of transportation = bicycle.)

Thanks for the great interview!

I am totally excited about the idea of a sabbatical — it is such a good way to reinvigorate the mind, body and soul, and a stopping point to figuring out a great life.

Thanks for the link to my blog too!

-Pam

Obviously, I’d recommend Dan’s book. Like Tim, he inspires with practical advice. It’s tightly written, not full of filler. A quick read that could change a lot of people’s lives.

Best,
Michael

I was glad Dan’s interview turned us on to your site too. It’s always good to add a fellow cubicle escapist to my RSS feed.

Best,
Michael

@Adam & Mark – thanks for the support!