SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA. July 14th, 2026 – When an unexpected layoff changed the course of her career, Allison Coleman decided to pursue a goal that would take her around the world. She set out to visit all seven continents within three years while documenting the lessons she learned about resilience, purpose, and starting over.
Coleman, 44, spent 15 years working in community mental health after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish, followed by a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in community mental health. After returning from family leave taken to care for her mother following surgery, Coleman unexpectedly lost her job, prompting her to reconsider what the next chapter of her life could look like.
Rather than allowing the setback to define her, she committed to fulfilling a lifelong dream of visiting all seven continents within three years. After traveling to five continents, she has expeditions to South America and Antarctica scheduled later this year, placing her on track to complete her goal.
The journey is also a tribute to her grandfather, who lived to the age of 106. His resilience, optimism, and lifelong curiosity inspired Coleman to approach life’s unexpected challenges with courage and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
“My grandfather showed me that a meaningful life is built on resilience, curiosity, and never giving up,” said Coleman. “After my layoff, I realized I could either let that moment define me or use it as the beginning of a new adventure. This journey honors his legacy while reminding others that it’s never too late to pursue a dream.”
Throughout her travels, Coleman has documented the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her perspective on resilience, wellness, and purposeful travel through her Dream Worldtrotter platform. Through articles, destination guides, travel stories, and personal reflections, she encourages others to see travel as a catalyst for resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Drawing on those experiences, Coleman also completed the From Layoff to 7 Continents Journal, a 100-page guided journal inspired by her own experience rebuilding after an unexpected career setback. Designed for people navigating layoffs, career transitions, or other major life changes, the journal combines travel planning, guided reflection, goal setting, and personal growth exercises to help readers create a purposeful path forward.
As she prepares to complete her seventh continent, Coleman hopes her story encourages others to view unexpected setbacks not as the end of their journey, but as an opportunity to begin a new chapter with renewed purpose and confidence.
“Life doesn’t always follow the plan we create,” Coleman said. “Sometimes the unexpected becomes the path to something even greater.”
ENDS