A 30-year-old woman has gone viral after revealing how she quit her job to take an “adult gap year” in a bid to escape burnout and rediscover herself.
Tammy Armstrong (@sorryimascorpio_), a former medical secretary from Scotland, shared her journey on TikTok, where her video has racked up over 156,000 likes and more than 1.5 million views.
“I remember one day driving to work and just bursting out in hysterical laughter, thinking, ‘This cannot be my life.’ I felt like I had been living the same day over and over for years. That moment confirmed for me that I had to make a serious change,” Armstrong told Newsweek.
She said she had been feeling mentally drained and stuck in a monotonous routine. Her work environment had become increasingly negative, which began taking a serious toll on her mental health. As depression set in, she worried that this was all life had to offer.
A split image showing Tammy Armstrong on her travels in Thailand and Vietnam.
@sorryimascorpio_/@sorryimascorpio_
Armstrong recalled the joy of her postcollege gap year at 18, when she traveled and worked in Australia. That experience sparked a love for travel that never left her. But after returning home, she quickly settled into a conventional lifestyle—landing a job, buying a car, and purchasing a flat. Though she took occasional holidays, she always longed for something more.
As she approached her 30s, Armstrong noticed her friends settling down and having children—milestones she didn’t feel ready for. A string of unhealthy relationships throughout her 20s also meant she wasn’t on a traditional path.
Driven by a persistent desire for change, Armstrong spent years saving money with a future trip in mind. She took on as much overtime as possible and worked nights at a nightclub, determined to build up enough savings to cover her bills and keep her flat while she was away.
Armstrong quit her job in January 2025 and spent a month decompressing before jetting off to Thailand and Vietnam in February. She spent six weeks exploring Thailand and three weeks in Vietnam, before returning home in April. Upon her return, she picked up a part-time job and began helping her dad convert a van into a camper—a family project that led to a solo road trip around Scotland in June.
While the journey has brought joy and clarity, it hasn’t been without challenges.
“The lows were probably the uncertainty. I’ve had moments of doubt about if I am doing the right thing. It was scary. It felt risky to quit my job without anything else lined up and living off savings,” Armstrong said.
Coming from a small town, she noted that few around her were doing something similar. “It felt risky to quit my job without anything else lined up and living off savings.”
But the highs have been transformative. “The positive impact this has had on my mental health and the way it has really changed the way I look at life,” Armstrong said. “I’ve seen amazing places, had the best experiences and met lovely, like-minded people. It has really pushed me out my comfort zone, and I’ve gained so much confidence. It’s allowed me to discover so much about myself.”
Now back in the U.K., Armstrong continues to work part-time, help with the van, and take time to enjoy life again. “I’ve been discovering what I like and what truly makes me happy,” she said. With a volunteering trip planned for September, Armstrong added that hopes to continue traveling and is considering seasonal work abroad. “I’m hoping to extend my gap year into many more, and who knows if I’ll ever go back to a ‘normal 9 to 5’ life?”
When asked what she hopes people take away from her story, Armstrong had a message for others who might be feeling stuck:
She said: “I hope my story inspires others in a similar situation. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. You don’t have to take the traditional route and settle down by 30. You can reinvent yourself at any point in life and you are absolutely not behind!”
Armstrong’s story resonated with TikTok users around the world, who flooded the comments with their own stories and dreams.
“I hope that ‘adult gap year’ becomes a thing!!” wrote one user, Marleen.
“I so need this. My mom just passed from cancer. It was always me and her and now I just feel lost. My home is really empty without her. My corporate job gave me 2 grief days and now I’m back at my desk. I so want to drop everything and just live life right now. I’ll try saving money for a year so next time next summer I’m going to be traveling Europe by car,” shared another.
“I don’t see why this needs to be something people do in their 20s. I’m 34 and considering it. I know women in their 50s doing it. Can do it anytime when the circumstances are right financially. Life is for living,” posted one viewer.
Another user commented: “I did this. It’s been a year since I left my 10 year corporate job. I traveled to Philippines, South Korea, Japan, London, Barcelona, Thailand and other states in the US. I don’t regret it one bit. I have so much story to tell now. I’ve healed a little bit of me every adventure I’ve gone to. Now, I’m about to start my new job and I’m happy and at peace.”
“Me too!! Finally took the leap of faith for the adult gap year after a series of betrayals at work and toxic environment. I’m allowing myself to rest as much as I can. I’m not sure what’s ahead for me but I’m sure whatever it is, it’s gonna be the best for me. It will be good for you too!! Sending you hugs and love all the way from Singapore!” wrote a third.
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