A One Way Ticket To Freedom
Apr

This is a guest submission by Nicole from WomanSeeksWorld.com
When Enough Is Enough, Move Abroad!
Seven years ago I lived in Melbourne and led a pretty happy existence – great friends, nice flat, exciting social life, but I had absolutely no idea where my career or life was headed.
I had gone through a few crappy jobs, and after graduating from university in a subject I wasn’t that fond of anymore, I was at a loose end.
I had just spent three years earning myself a science degree, but did I really want to be a scientist? The answer was a resounding ‘hell no’, but due to a lack of good graduate jobs and woeful career planning at my University, I ended up working as just that, and hating it.
I’m not the kind of person that can stick at something I don’t enjoy for very long, so after two months of struggling through each day and feeling like a huge imposter I realized this career path wasn’t for me.
But it wasn’t until one morning when I found myself hiding out in the disabled toilet so I wouldn’t have to be at my desk that I knew something had to give, and soon.
So, with next to no savings, but enough to get me by, I booked a round the world ticket, first stop: London. I knew no one in London, but I could get a visa due to family heritage, and I had two friends who were also planning to head over in the near future, so I thought ‘why the hell not?!’
What I didn’t want was to fall into another job I hated as soon as I got there, so I researched some fun jobs outside of the city that I could do for a few months while I worked out what I wanted to do.
Goodbye Boring Life, Hello Europe!
Three months later I was living on a small island on the south coast of the UK, had five new best mates and was having an absolute blast exploring beaches, mountains and teaching school kids water sports and other outdoor activities.
You might be thinking that I did these kinds of crazy things all the time, but I’m here to tell you, before this experience I never would have imagined myself actually moving to another country. I had always dreamed about it, but the thought of doing it scared me half to death!
I now believe that when we are faced with boredom, apathy or unhappiness we have to shock ourselves back to life – and that’s exactly what this trip did for me.
And even though the thought of it all terrified me, it was the most liberating thing when I finally had that plane ticket in my hands.
After spending six months on the Island and another three in London, I finished my round the world trip via the US before returning home to Australia. But by this time I was I was a changed woman – traveling had gotten under my skin and there was no way I was going back to my old life.
Not a hope in hell!
My One Way Ticket To Freedom
So, after a brief hello to my friends and family I was off again to London, only this time it was a one way ticket, not a return. I haven’t looked back since.
There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not thankful that I decided to ask for more in my life, that I decided to see the world and live in another country.
I’ve learned so much about myself and ‘the bigger picture’, and I just don’t think I could’ve gotten that If I had stayed at home.
People always ask me why I decided to move overseas and be so far away from my family, but for me, the answer is simple – who wouldn’t want to learn more about themselves, other cultures and meet amazing people in the process? For me it’s a no-brainer – I know I will continue to learn and travel for the rest of my life.
There’s so much to see in the world – I haven’t even touched the surface, but now I know I have the tools and ability to do anything I want to do. And I’ve done this all for myself – it’s a pretty amazing feeling.
I won’t deny that it’s been tough at times – I miss my friends and family like crazy sometimes, and it’s hard missing out on events like Christmas and birthdays, but you grow your own life in your new home just like I have done.
And because London is such a transient city, I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. But I love that I know people all over the world now, and have lots of couches to sleep on when I decide to travel again.
The single best thing about having done what I’ve done?
It’s the times when I realize that I’m actually a Londoner now! From arriving here bright eyed and bushy tailed as a somewhat naive 23 year old to now knowing the streets like the back of my hand is something I’m extremely proud of.
It’s one of the most vibrant and exciting cities on the planet and I’ve made it my home. But – I’m not here to brag, I’m just here to tell you that this life can be yours too.
There’s no secret – you just have to go for it, believe in yourself and be open to the world. It’s your oyster after all.
At 23, Nicole quit her job in Melbourne and with less than $2000 in the bank moved to a small island in the UK to teach kids water sports and field studies. She has since continued traveling all over the world and has for the past few years been living in London.
In 2012 Nicole plans on hitting the road indefinitely and achieving her goal of becoming a digital nomad. You can follow Nicole’s travels through her blog Woman Seeks World (or subscribe to her feed here), follow her on twitter and facebook.

Benny
Thank you for sharing. The world is an exciting place. I feel bad for people who are scared of flying because they don’t get a chance to experience different countries and cultures.
Where are some places you want to visit that you haven’t been to yet?
Also when you’re a digital nomad next year, how do you plan on generating income? Or will it be from savings?
Nicole @ WomanSeeksWorld
Hi Benny! Thanks – you are so right, no one should let a fear of flying stop them! I used to be terrified of flying funnily enough, but thankfully Ive managed to kick it over the last couple of years!
I still have loads on my to do list, mostly SE Asia – Ive only been to Bangkok so fr, so hoping to spend at least 6 months there at the end of next year. Im in India at the moment which has been a dream for a long time, so looking forward to planning my next adventure, maybe Turkey in couple of months.
As far as money goes Im saving like a mad woman at the moment, and I also hope to get the blog to a stage of earning me enough money to let me move to Asia within the next year. Fingers crossed all the hard work pays off! : )
Anthony
A great inspirational story and we look forward to following your adventures across the globe. Never settle for just an ordinary life. Get out there and live it and that is just what you are doing!
Nicole @ WomanSeeksWorld
Thanks Anthony! Love your attitude and couldnt agree more – life is ours to live so we should grab it with both hands!
David
Good luck in your travels next year Nicole. I need a vaca…
Nicole @ WomanSeeksWorld
Thanks David!
John Garrett
Hey Nicole sounds like you made a great move!
I went to school abroad over in London for a semester in college (I’m from the U.S.) and it was a blast! Gotta get back there one day.
Congrats and all the best in the future!
Nicole @ WomanSeeksWorld
Hi John, Thanks…yes, you’ll have to get back to London for sure! Thanks for commenting!
Harriet`
Wow! That certainly sounds like drastic action! Sometimes I think I’d like to just buy a plan ticket to New York and get out of here. But I have my degree to tie me here. So maybe when I’m done here I’ll do it!
Nicole @ WomanSeeksWorld
Hi Harriet, yes, I guess looking back it does seem drastic, but I guess when you’re at the ‘end of your tether’ it doesnt seem that way at all! Good luck with your degree and New York dreams!
Justin | Mazzastick
Nicole,
Very inspiring; when the kid get’s older I may do the same thing as you.
I have a friend that spent several years traveling the world. He lives in the U.S. and can never stay in one state for very long.
Nicole - Woman Seeks World
Hi Justin, thank you – it’s true, once you get the bug its hard to stop!
Adrienne
Wow Nicole, that took guts. I wish I had that nerve when I was younger. But forget about what if’s right!
You went for it and you didn’t look back. The best thing is that you haven’t regretted it at all. I’m so impressed by you. I still have plenty of places I intend to visit too!
Truly an inspiring story, thank you for sharing this with us.
Adrienne
Nicole - Woman Seeks World
Hi Adrienne, thank you so much!
Sandeep Verma
Absolutely stunning way of living life to the fullest…I’ve been raised in 5-6 different countries and its an experience definitely worth every penny…
loved the article….great job and would love to learn more about your future travel. India must be hot right now…
Nicole - Woman Seeks World
Thanks Sandeep! Wow, you must have so many great memories of growing up! : )
BethanyBob
“But it wasn’t until one morning when I found myself hiding out in the disabled toilet so I wouldn’t have to be at my desk that I knew something had to give, and soon.”
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has done this. 😛
Nicole @ WomanSeeksWorld
Ahhh it’s the worst isn’t it!
I hope you have managed to also rectify your situation so that you’re not doing this anymore! : )