Leaving My Cubicle for a New Life Abroad

Leaving a comfortable life with a fully furnished apartment, a well-paying job and an established social life may seem like a big decision to some. As if there should be some debate, a pro/con list, late night advice sessions and a lot of research.

Not for me. When I was presented with the opportunity to move to Germany and start a new life abroad, the very next day, I put in my 2-week notice, sub-leased my apartment, donated (mostly) everything I owned and set up goodbye dinners with my friends and that was that. I was off.

I’ve always longed to be a traveler. For the past few years, while sitting in a cubical and eating the same thing for dinner every night, something deep within my soul was constantly whispering, “I’m bored” and “Let’s go!”

I was regularly on the Internet searching for something to satisfy this craving, anything to give me an excuse to get out of the monotony. French schools in Marseille, cruise ship entertainment through the Caribbean, teaching English in South America, even becoming a diplomat. I have countless bookmarked articles titled with some variation of “Careers that Involve Travel” or “How to Travel for a Living.”

When I was presented with the opportunity to move to Germany and start a new life abroad, the very next day, I put in my 2-week notice, sub-leased my apartment, donated (mostly) everything I owned and set up goodbye dinners with my friends and that was that.

I’m not sure when my desire for a more adventurous lifestyle started. Probably some time between childhood, when my travel agent mother, armed with endless free plane tickets, took me to the newest hotel, resort or theme park and my 6-month study abroad semester in Australia, where there was more abroad and little study.

But now, in my mid-20s, traveling seemed so out of reach and there was never a time when I could envision this wanderlust coming to fruition. Until one sunny Colorado June day, my partner-in-crime called to let me know he received a job offer in Germany and would I like to come with him.

You know those big life moments when your heart starts beating faster and you’re nervous and excited and maybe a little overwhelmed. Not me. I was calm. My soul felt relaxed, this time whispering with a sigh of relief, “finally.”

Now with four months of German living behind me, I can say that my soul is quite content, my heart is happy and I’ve regularly been quenching my thirst for travel.

You know those big life moments when your heart starts beating faster and you’re nervous and excited and maybe a little overwhelmed. Not me. I was calm.

This opportunity has given me time to reflect on what I really needed in order to not feel the constant pull of wanting to be somewhere else. While leaving my comfortable life behind wasn’t easy, it sure was worth it.

 

Photo credits for Leaving My Cubicle for a New Life Abroad by Unsplash.