People who don't understand why you took time out to travel around Asia, are people you probably don't want to work with. Think of it as a culture litmus test.
If you're back and not currently working, you could pick up freelance work or work on your own project or open source. This will give you something to talk about when talking to recruiters. i.e. What are you doing now? "I take freelance work and am also working on this great project which does X, Y, Z".
Also believe in yourself. You are valuable. When speaking to potential companies interview them to see if there's a fit. Be like I am really looking for the right opportunity and X, Y, Z. I'm not willing to jump on anything....(even if it is not the case, play hard to get. People want things that are hard to get.... not things that come easily)
When you start interviewing you'll see plenty of recruiters who think it's awesome what you did and will want to know all about it And you'll meet those who look down on it for some weird reason ("what do you mean you want to be free/control your own life?").
But the inspired ones will help you all they can to see if you and the company are a match. The best recruiters (IMO) are your temporary & one-shot career counselors: if they're empathetic and highly intelligent, then they are information highways between you and the prospect employer. You all have only to win in a situation like that!
> People who don't understand why you took time out to travel around Asia, are people you probably don't want to work with. Think of it as a culture litmus test.
If you're back and not currently working, you could pick up freelance work or work on your own project or open source. This will give you something to talk about when talking to recruiters. i.e. What are you doing now? "I take freelance work and am also working on this great project which does X, Y, Z".
Also believe in yourself. You are valuable. When speaking to potential companies interview them to see if there's a fit. Be like I am really looking for the right opportunity and X, Y, Z. I'm not willing to jump on anything....(even if it is not the case, play hard to get. People want things that are hard to get.... not things that come easily)