A new year always brings bold claims from people; how they're going to totally overhaul their lives, their outlook, their routine. And now it’s a new decade? Prepare yourselves for an influx of unbearable Instagram and Facebook proclamations of #newyearnewme #veganuary, etc, etc. And me? Hello, cliches, because I am doing the very same. Me - someone who always knows her next step, who plans things down to a T - will be stepping on a plane in just under a month, headed to the other side of the world, with no plan at all. No job, no home base. Me - who managed to fill out the same bag I took for two weeks in Cuba and New York with stuff for just one night in Kent - will have only a suitcase and a backpack with a few memories and many clothes. Scared? A little.
I guess this piece is semi 'blind leading the blind' (pretty sure there is a 2020/20:20 vision pun somewhere here, but I cba to *look* for it), but also a reassurance article of how to step out of your comfort zone and be an over-planner who lets go a little for once:
Get the big things in check
Unlike the Hollywood blockbusters where people just roll up or land in a foreign country, there are some things you really do need to do a little prep for - no matter how devil-may-care you’re trying to be. Sort your stuff out with HMRC (namely get your P45 from you last place of work and fill out the P85 form, so the powers that be know what to do with your tax and NI contributions), contact the Student Loan Company about what you’re going to do with your repayments while you’re out of the UK, and get familiar with the ins and outs of your visa: how much money minimum do you need to travel with? What kind of documents should you bring to the airport?
It might also be worth getting travel insurance; dependent on where you're moving to, you may only need it for the flight, or you could cover yourself for a month or two to give yourself some time to get familiar with the healthcare system wherever you’re headed. Oh, and make sure you have adaptor plugs (why not take two or three, then just use a regular extension lead?)
Find out what to apply for and when, when moving to Australia.
Chat, chat, and chat some more
You’re not the first person moving abroad, and you definitely won’t be the last. I am lucky to have a fair few friends and ex-colleagues who have done the UK-Australia move (or vice-versa); in fact, I also have two friends moving at around the same time (through to different parts of the country). Talk to them, get their advice, hell, ask for their help! I have one friend who has been meticulous with her planning, meaning any questions I have, she has the answer straight away, while others also set my mind at ease with “honestly, this is easy to sort when you’re here.” People love to help - just be sure to show some gratitude to those taking time passing on their wisdom. To those who have sent me emails, WhatsApps, voicenotes, Google Docs - THANK YOU! (Although a slightly different point, I also wanna say thank you here to my parents for letting me stay with them for a month, so I can save a month’s rent, and my bro for forcing me to the gym for that bikini bod.)
It’s not just your friends you can rely on either; you have a whole network out there that you may not even realise. Put a blast on Instagram stories a la Gossip Girl, calling for any recommendations, jobs, even spare beds. There are countless Facebook groups dedicated to moving abroad where you can find people going through the same upheaval as you, so can offer a kind word and, also, maybe point you in the direction of a job.
Speaking of jobs, whether you’re planning on travelling first, or just taking some time out, fire away emails and LinkedIn messages like it’s no one’s business. Send them to recruiters, send them to acquaintances, send them to your dream company. Now is the time to be bold - and you never know who might have a role going.
Have a Plan B
Okay, so I know the whole point of this post is saying to let things happen as they do without planning, but allow me this one thing, eh? I have a return flight booked for four months' time, in case it all goes tits up and I need to return to my… ahem… sanctuary (aka one of the busiest and brightest cities of the western world). However, I have also bought a flexi-pass, so I can change this easily if everything does go to plan.
Embrace the excitement
The main point, really. We all know I love to travel and best believe I have been making a checklist of the places I want to visit; like we have Europe on our doorstep, make the most of what will be on your new doorstep - and try not to get hung up on budget and money (where possible). For the most part, we live a monotonous life: we know what to expect from every part of the day (especially to expect unexpected delays on the London underground), so enjoy the thrill of not knowing what is around the corner for you. It's pretty liberating when people ask you your plan and you respond without one - the awe on their faces, the envy. And as you assure them that this normally isn't you, you become in awe of yourself - what you're doing is brilliant. If this pays off, your ambition will know no bounds.
Do you have any tips for moving abroad? Send them my way - I need them!