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Eduard Martini on Sabbatical: 300 Kilometers, Countless Steps, and a Renewed Perspective

October 28, 2024

Kathy Banach

Eduard Martini, our Lead Software Architect, recently stepped away from the fast-paced world of software to take a sabbatical. What started as a walk became a path to discovering new perspectives on life and work.

At OnTheGoSystems, reaching seven years with the company comes with a special opportunity: a month-long sabbatical. It’s a chance to explore something new, focus on personal growth, or simply take a well-earned break.

We’ve already shared some amazing sabbatical stories from our team and even explored what this time off means from a leadership perspective.

Now, Eduard Martini steps up to share his journey—and, yes, it’s packed with miles of walking.

Eduard, how did you spend your sabbatical?

I embarked on a 300-kilometer trek from Porto to Santiago de Compostela that took 12 days of walking. Every morning at 5 AM, I asked myself, “What do I have to do today?” The answer was blissfully simple: “Just walk.” 

Along the way, I faced cold mornings, hot afternoons, unexpected rain showers, and a mix of stunning landscapes and, let’s say, less-than-thrilling stretches of road (I now consider myself an expert in rating cobblestone paths).

After reaching Santiago and spending a couple of days soaking in the local culture—and giving my feet a much-needed rest—I headed to Madrid for some urban exploration and took a flight back home from there. I picked up my wife back home, and we went on a relaxing vacation to Austria. She was thrilled to hear all about my journey, especially the parts where I assured her that walking was totally relaxing.

Enjoying a peaceful moment of rest beneath a large palm tree, with the serene waves of the Atlantic Ocean stretching out in front

What inspired your sabbatical choice?

After years of navigating the fast-paced world of work, I realized I needed a break to recharge and reflect. 

The idea of walking El Camino from Porto to Santiago de Compostela had always been on my bucket list—perhaps inspired by a desire to swap spreadsheets for spectacular views. So, I decided to trade my desk for a backpack and set off on a journey of simplicity and self-discovery.

Each day began in the quiet darkness, well before the sun rose
Braving a chilly day along the Camino, the cold air adds a crispness to walking the scenic route
Each day began well before dawn, and here, the early morning light begins to touch the path
Fellow pilgrims walk alongside me on the Camino

What impact did your sabbatical have on your life and your approach to work?

The trip helped me clear my mind and taught me the art of focusing on what I can control while accepting what I can’t—like the weather, or the fact that no amount of optimism will make a steep hill any less steep. 

I’ve returned to work with a renewed ability to concentrate on the tasks at hand and not stress over things beyond my influence. Plus, after walking 300 kilometers, the distance from the parking lot to my desk at the co-working space feels like a breeze!

This experience reminded me that sometimes, all you need is a pair of sturdy shoes and a simple goal to gain a fresh perspective. And maybe a good blister cream—because some challenges are best faced with a little humor and the right ointment.

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