Ashley in Brisbane, Australia |
How Ashley Quit Her Job to Travel and Work in AustraliaAshley has been one of my good friends going on 7 years. We can tell each other anything at any given time.
When she asked me how she could travel the world, I told her the best way to do it for her situation was to travel and work. At times, she had doubts about her decision to quit her life in Portland to move to Australia as an Au Pair. Now 2 months later, she has enjoyed every single moment of her life changing decision. She has gained life skills she never knew she could obtain. She has made new friends in a foreign country all while working and saving money. The goal in life is to be happy with yourself. If you aren't happy with your life, quit it all and start traveling. You'll become a happier person in no time! |
Dan: Tell me more about your job in Portland and what your life was like working to pay your bills?
Ashley: When I was living in Portland, I had the "ideal" life for a recent grad. I was working a stable job with great coworkers and room for growth, living in my own apartment that I shared with an amazing roommate, and just bought a new car. I was financially independent and contributing to society, plus had plenty of friends around. However, I wasn't happy - something in my life was missing. At 23, I had already gotten caught up in a life that was centered around work. In short, I was living to work, not working to live.
D: How long were you planning on traveling?
A: I'm planning on being in Australia for a little under 7 months. It's a good amount of time to see the country and surrounding areas, but not take away from saving for future endeavors. My work and holiday visa is valid for up to a year though, so I can always extend my trip if really want to.
D: What were your fears before leaving for Australia?
A: SNAKES AND SPIDERS. You always see those crazy videos of the wildlife here! But on a more serious note, adjusting to a country with a completely different culture for such an extended amount of time. I just wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily I've only seen one poisonous spider and love everything about this place!
D: What made you decide to quit your job to travel and work in Australia?
A: When I was living in Portland, I was sitting at a desk for 8-10 hours a day and just barely cutting even with all my loans/bills. I felt such great pressure from society to work up the corporate ladder, and have my life be centered around work and money. One day it hit me - I've got 40+ years to be working for the man and being stressed about work. Why I am doing that now?
D: What has surprised you the most about living and working abroad?
A: My change of perspective and independence. I'm stress free! So many things that I thought were are big deal at home I've realized are minuscule in the grand scheme of things. I've learned a lot about myself. Also, the feeling of independence I've gained here is enormous. I feel like if I can navigate/live in a foreign country on my own, then I can do anything!
D: Do you regret not doing this sooner?
A: Yes and no. I wish I had hopped on a plane the day after graduation, but I wouldn't have been able to afford staying for an extended period of time. Overall, I think I took a leap of faith at just the right moment.
D: How do you stay on budget while living in an expensive country that is Australia?
A: Well, I'm definitely still working on this one! There are a lot of travel agencies here for young backpackers that help you both plan trips and find good deals on them. For smaller trips, carpooling with people or taking public transit is much more efficient money wise. Always stay in hostels or camp as opposed to sleeping in a hotel. Also bringing food wherever you go helps - going out to eat is so expensive here. When you want to go out, try to stay in a hostel that lets you drink in the common area. Buying a corona out is easily $10, but you can get a bottle of wine from the liquor store for as cheap as $5.
D: What's one challenge you thought was so daunting you couldn't overcome it?
A: Right now I"m taking on the daunting task of planning a trip to New Zealand! When you go somewhere new with limited time, it takes a lot of work to plan where to see, what to eat, where to stay, how to get around, etc. There are many different ways to plan a trip like this. I'm looking into taking two weeks off and doing a road trip all around the south island. Money wise things add up fast, and it's hard to find traveling friends that can get the same time off.
D: Have you overcome it?
A: I've got a flight and car picked out, I just need to get the time off approved! I've also mapped out exactly where I want to start and end each day and picked out the places that are important to me to see. My friend from home is also hoping to get the same time off so we can travel together, and pick people up as we go. I've got a good feeling that it'll all work out.
D: What advice would you give a female traveler about living and working abroad?
A: Don't be afraid! It's important to be cautious, but there are a lot of solo female travelers out there. If you think you might be going somewhere that you'll be uncomfortable, do research ahead of time. Of course traveling in groups always helps too. Above all, I really think people are inherently good and willing to help you with anything you need.
D: Is there anything you'd change about this experience?
A: I wish I could bring all my loved ones with me! But other than that, not a thing. The challenges are all part of the journey, and I'm making memories here that will last a lifetime.
Ashley: When I was living in Portland, I had the "ideal" life for a recent grad. I was working a stable job with great coworkers and room for growth, living in my own apartment that I shared with an amazing roommate, and just bought a new car. I was financially independent and contributing to society, plus had plenty of friends around. However, I wasn't happy - something in my life was missing. At 23, I had already gotten caught up in a life that was centered around work. In short, I was living to work, not working to live.
D: How long were you planning on traveling?
A: I'm planning on being in Australia for a little under 7 months. It's a good amount of time to see the country and surrounding areas, but not take away from saving for future endeavors. My work and holiday visa is valid for up to a year though, so I can always extend my trip if really want to.
D: What were your fears before leaving for Australia?
A: SNAKES AND SPIDERS. You always see those crazy videos of the wildlife here! But on a more serious note, adjusting to a country with a completely different culture for such an extended amount of time. I just wasn't sure what to expect. Luckily I've only seen one poisonous spider and love everything about this place!
D: What made you decide to quit your job to travel and work in Australia?
A: When I was living in Portland, I was sitting at a desk for 8-10 hours a day and just barely cutting even with all my loans/bills. I felt such great pressure from society to work up the corporate ladder, and have my life be centered around work and money. One day it hit me - I've got 40+ years to be working for the man and being stressed about work. Why I am doing that now?
D: What has surprised you the most about living and working abroad?
A: My change of perspective and independence. I'm stress free! So many things that I thought were are big deal at home I've realized are minuscule in the grand scheme of things. I've learned a lot about myself. Also, the feeling of independence I've gained here is enormous. I feel like if I can navigate/live in a foreign country on my own, then I can do anything!
D: Do you regret not doing this sooner?
A: Yes and no. I wish I had hopped on a plane the day after graduation, but I wouldn't have been able to afford staying for an extended period of time. Overall, I think I took a leap of faith at just the right moment.
D: How do you stay on budget while living in an expensive country that is Australia?
A: Well, I'm definitely still working on this one! There are a lot of travel agencies here for young backpackers that help you both plan trips and find good deals on them. For smaller trips, carpooling with people or taking public transit is much more efficient money wise. Always stay in hostels or camp as opposed to sleeping in a hotel. Also bringing food wherever you go helps - going out to eat is so expensive here. When you want to go out, try to stay in a hostel that lets you drink in the common area. Buying a corona out is easily $10, but you can get a bottle of wine from the liquor store for as cheap as $5.
D: What's one challenge you thought was so daunting you couldn't overcome it?
A: Right now I"m taking on the daunting task of planning a trip to New Zealand! When you go somewhere new with limited time, it takes a lot of work to plan where to see, what to eat, where to stay, how to get around, etc. There are many different ways to plan a trip like this. I'm looking into taking two weeks off and doing a road trip all around the south island. Money wise things add up fast, and it's hard to find traveling friends that can get the same time off.
D: Have you overcome it?
A: I've got a flight and car picked out, I just need to get the time off approved! I've also mapped out exactly where I want to start and end each day and picked out the places that are important to me to see. My friend from home is also hoping to get the same time off so we can travel together, and pick people up as we go. I've got a good feeling that it'll all work out.
D: What advice would you give a female traveler about living and working abroad?
A: Don't be afraid! It's important to be cautious, but there are a lot of solo female travelers out there. If you think you might be going somewhere that you'll be uncomfortable, do research ahead of time. Of course traveling in groups always helps too. Above all, I really think people are inherently good and willing to help you with anything you need.
D: Is there anything you'd change about this experience?
A: I wish I could bring all my loved ones with me! But other than that, not a thing. The challenges are all part of the journey, and I'm making memories here that will last a lifetime.