From September 2013 – July 2014 I lived and studied in Nice, France. Immersing myself in a new culture made me realise how ignorant I was (am?) to so much of the world. In other words, this experience changed something within me: the ultimate desire to further discover the world and the differing lifestyles on offer – I knew I would never truly settle back to a life in Scotland. Not because I dislike Scotland, but because I realised I was missing out on so much, there really is a whole world to discover. Of course I still had two years of university ahead of me, dreaming of the freedom that could come after.
SO, in June 2016 I graduated with a 2:1 MA (Hons) French degree.
Final year of university held that dreaded question ‘what are you going to do when you’ve got your degree?’ my answer, as is my answer to most things, ‘I don’t know’. Because despite the motive of getting a degree so you can get a decent job, I knew this did not appeal to me. So I went back to my mundane life of the previous summer – working as a waitress. Not because I enjoyed it (anything but), rather because there was no fixed contract, I knew I had the freedom to leave when I wanted. It was simply a way to earn some money so I could then just book a flight and go, because I desire change and more excitement in my life than I currently possess.
What am I doing with my life? This question haunted me all summer as I served unappreciative customers. A change was needed. But with my classic ‘I don’t know’ favourite words I could not form a decision on what to do, or rather where to go. But frankly, each response to ‘what shall I do with my life’ came down to a matter of travelling somewhere, getting out of the tiny corner of Scotland I get sucked back into each time I come home.
So, do I travel solo in Europe? Do I search for ski season jobs? Do I go back to France and practice my French? Do I go and teach English abroad? Do I go to Canada, USA, Australia, WHERE??? The world was my oyster which was amazing and terrible all at once. What if I made the wrong decision? What if I go to a country I don’t like? What if I run out of money too soon and can’t find a job? – So many questions exist and that’s when you have to either make a rash decision or wait it out and hope the mantra ‘what’s mean to happen will happen’ actually works. I wouldn’t always say wait it out however sometimes life is funny and it gives you a push in the (hopefully) right direction. And if it’s not the right direction, at least it’s to a much needed change.
My ‘push’ came when my friend let me know her au pair family would be needing a replacement au pair when she leaves, and so with a few emails I have secured myself a job in Adelaide, AUSTRALIA.
Seeing as Australia was always pretty much on top of my I really freaking want to go there list in my mind, this seems pretty ideal.
And so… the adventure begins.
