Moving abroad is hard; it’s challenging, and you don’t always find what you’re looking for. The idea of moving overseas is often glamorized, making it seem both effortless and easy; when in reality it challenges every aspect of your life– which is why moving overseas was the best choice I ever made.
There is something to say about selling everything you own and starting completely fresh on the other side of the world – of course, leaving Australia for 4+ years may be daunting; saying goodbye to family and friends is tough. Flying off into the unknown is scary. But it’s also really exciting! Moving to Canada was my chance to make a change and learn more not only about the world we live in, but also about myself.
Travel changes you. People always talk about ‘finding yourself’ or ‘going on a journey of self-discovery’ as a reason for travelling, and as much as I think it’s a little overplayed, I now understand exactly what they meant. I have never met a person who said they had regretted their travels – only people who have regretted not travelling enough.
A working holiday is definitely my favourite way to travel (so far), it really gives you the opportunity to experience living in a foreign country while learning more about that country’s culture and society. It’s an opportunity to really expand your horizons and gain life experience.
Having been on the road for a little over 6 months now – I can tell you I’ve learned a lot!
It’s not easy getting a work permit, finding the right job is a tough, finding somewhere to live is even tougher, you don’t always get along with everyone and sometimes the places you think you wanted to see weren’t what you expected; they were so much more!
I definitely lucked out when I moved to Vancouver! I was able to find a workplace that makes it their priority to support and encourage its members and staff to try new things and break out of their comfort zones. Working at Innovative Fitness has helped me to really put myself out there and try new experiences, experiences that would not have been possible if I hadn’t of moved overseas.
The experiences I have had since moving to Canada have been the most challenging but also the most rewarding. The people I have met and the places I have seen will, I’m sure, remain as some of my favourite in the world – and I’m sure there will be many more to come in my travels – but for now living in Vancouver, being a part of an active lifestyle is exactly where I belong!
Maddie Sullivan
Front Desk Administrator – Kitsilano
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
Phone: 604-714-1661
Fax: 604-714-1628
Email:
Web: https://www.innovativefitness.com
