EXPAT LIFE

Taking the plunge and moving overseas was a (relatively) easy decision for me. Saying goodbye, however, was much harder.

A good number of years ago now, I was hot mess and dissatisfied with the way my life was going. Here’s my story and what led me to traipse around the world in search of adventure. And then, my life changed forever when I met a good lookin’ Californian bloke on the west coast of Ireland. It’s a funny story, and one I never expected to happen to me. Now, I live on the West Coast of the United States

We had a charming (read: tiny) apartment in downtown San Francisco, and spent our free time chasing food trucks around town and watching a lot of baseball. But in late 2012, we packed it all in for another chance to get back out on the road in South East Asia. The trip didn’t quite go to plan. So after a three-month solo pit stop back in my hometown of Sydney, I’ve returned to be Bay Area rested, recharged and reconnected for the next adventure.

Good days, and not-so-good days

Living abroad is both enriching and difficult. It’s also one of the best things I’ve ever done. Yeah, you miss birthdays, new jobs, babies and the joys of watching cricket under the scorching Aussie sun. But you experience new things, gain new friends, and get to wake up somewhere else. Plus, the beauty of Skype enables you to be transported back to loved ones for at least a few minutes a week.

Travel is an enriching life experience

Including travel in my life experience has also enriched me professionally. I have been fortunate to work in various countries around the wold, learning and developing a skill base that’s unique to me and my experience. And soon, I hope to put my knowledge and experience to good use, to build a life for myself that is intrepid and sustainable. A life I want to live.

A sense of belonging

I have met some amazing people, particularly those I would never have encountered in my safe, boring cubicle in Sydney. I’m always looking toward the next big adventure, and here’s hoping there’s plenty my future. And as to where I feel like I belong? I belong everywhere!