Women Who Travel

As a woman who travels independently, even moving countries to work, I’ve heard it all. Many variations of, “but aren’t you scared?” and, “isn’t that taking a huge risk?” from concerned parties and naysayers to the support of those who call me brave, hard-working, and always rising to the challenge.

I’ve discovered quaint and traditional villages in Greece and Ireland; shared the craic with friendly Irish strangers and colleagues; discovered more about my family’s heritage as I explored Greece; tasted local dishes and learned words such as entschúldigung in Germany; and tried to navigate the language barrier and cultural differences in China. These are only the countries that I’ve lived and worked in, the list of countries I’ve visited as a tourist is much longer.

In all of these experiences, I found out more about who I am and what I love to do. I have learned to be more discerning and more independent than before. I am brave enough to seek opportunities that will challenge and inspire me. I’ve learned to value myself and my time.

I’m an Australian-born woman who is highly educated but was plagued with self-doubt when I could not get a job upon graduating with a law degree. I then went on to do a Master’s degree in law thinking that it would help. It didn’t. While I was working so hard towards this goal, the goal was moving further and further away from me. I barely even received interviews, it felt like rejection after rejection. I was stuck in a vicious cycle of seeking experience but no one allowing me the opportunity to get it.

I moved to the country, I did volunteer work, I chased internships. None of it made a difference. The most common reason for not even being offered interviews was “not enough experience”, for entry-level graduate roles. It was heartbreaking when I realised that no matter what I did, nothing would change. At some point, I stopped trying. It was healthiest to stop chasing something that I clearly couldn’t be part of. I no longer want to be part of the legal profession. Too much time and hurt have passed to even want to be a tiny part of it.

I learned resilience, I learned that my identity did not need to revolve around ‘law graduate’. I learned that there were opportunities available for me overseas that I needed to only be in the position to take. Most roles that I’ve applied for overseas, I’ve been offered. It’s a nice change. A welcome change. Something I deserve. I’ve even had to say no to lucrative opportunities I could have only dreamed of before. Instead of taking a job just because I need one, I can make more calculated choices. I’ve worked hard so that the opportunity to work overseas is ever-present.

I currently work in China teaching English. It’s an opportunity that has allowed me to experience a different culture, language and education system. I’ve learned that Chinese students are focused and hard-working and that foreign teachers here are largely valued and respected. I am much more patient than I thought I would be. I am valued for my passion and patience by colleagues.

I am keen to learn and keen to experience more. I spent time learning about Chinese history, religion and customs before arriving. I tried to learn the language. While I can use it a little when studying it, speaking to people is a different story. I can count, that is the extent of my skills in spoken Chinese!

Needless to say, I heard a lot before moving here. I learned to keep as much to myself as possible because people who don’t live my life and don’t share my experiences had a lot of stereotypical things to say.

I love hearing the stories of solo female travellers who shun the negativity and rise above it. They can work and travel and don’t need to settle down in one place. They also don’t need to marry and have children. They can do what THEY want. Not what society may expect of them.

Having lived and worked in Ireland, Greece, Germany and China, I can say that each experience has been different. Each experience has opened my eyes to the local culture and customs and has weaved a rich tapestry of experiences into my working life. Is it a risk sometimes? Sure, but it’s a calculated risk. It’s a risk I’m privileged to be able to take.

Now, this law graduate from Australia has written and published two non-fiction books, is working on a third, and has experienced the joys and challenges of living and working far from home. I have worked in a number of different areas because I’ve made the best out of the circumstances that led to my globe-trotting ways. I’ve embraced a life of adventure and seek challenges and experiences that make ME happy.

I am no longer shackled to that experience that led to years of tears and disappointment. It’s always there, it doesn’t just magically disappear, it defined me for so many years. It is there as a past experience. It stays in the past where it belongs and does not affect my future story. The chapters that are yet to be written are exciting and could lead me to many other countries around the world. And why not? The world is my oyster.

I would love to hear from other women free to live and work where they please. What makes you happy and what inspires you? Which countries have you lived and worked in?

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