Traveling; Resume Gap

So. Just seeing what the opinion here was. And maybe someone can shed some light of a possible issue that I'm just not seeing.

A little back history:
I've saved my pennies and have spent the last 22 months traveling mostly backcountry, through California and the Southwest. I have not held a job in those 22 months.

Before my unpaid sabbatical, I've held steady employment in technical fields of various types, closely tied to electricanry.
The area I live in is exploding with construction jobs, and not enough skilled workers to keep up with the demand.

I know resume gaps aren't what employers want to see.

So my question is: Do I add that unemployed time to my resume? It's possible I may write a book about the trips someday. It definitely added to my personally growth. And I obtained a lot of life experience away from it...
And I'm sure I could (don't want to sound nefarious- but) "spin it"? Because it was beneficial. A certain level of savyness binds to the time from a lack of resources & options, and always the never ending troubleshooting... which is heavily attached to the work I'm perusing.

Or does that sound like a bad idea? Because the unemployed time will show up at some point.

I certainly don't want a future employer assuming I've spent all those months sitting on the couch, eating Cheetos & playing video games. Or worse, like a two year coke-bender!


But like I said. Tons of work available. A lot of trades people in my area are outdoor enthusiasts. And my former job experience speaks for itself.

TIA for any positive input!

 

Simple. Note it on your resume as a gap, but give a brief summary of why and what. I took 2 years off from aviation back in 2005 to do stuff I wanted to do. It has never been an issue.

 

I would put the dream trip sequentially with the work history. Took two years off work, used cash savings for camping trip in desert sw.

It shows discipline that you saved up and paid cash, a good thing.

 

Be upfront you may have to take a cut in pay for the first job back from your “sabattical”. How good are your references?

 

Thank you sirs!

 

I say great for you ! Employer worth having if you post a reason on your resume . They may envy you !

 

I live in a rural area. So pay will never be what it is in a larger city. And I'm fine with that.

I'll have to contact my references. But I'm sure it'll be positive. If that's what you mean.

 

The only thing I'd be wondering is "Is he gonna leave us after a couple years for another one of these trips?". Given how in demand your field is though you won't have any problems.

 

If you can demonstrate personal growth over your journey, especially planned growth that will benefit your next employer, it will be a win/win.