My biggest decision this year has been a choice of three: whether to stay here, move overseas or travel a continent (South America) for 6 months. Maybe it’s my quarter life crisis but whatever it maybe the decision I made I feel is right for this point in time.

Moving to the UK under the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa is a popular choice for kiwis and aussies primarily in their mid 20’s. Since this has a time limit- I thought why not- Carpe Diem!

The preparation for the move was crazy as there was a lot of organisation, prioritisation- worst of all running around. Creating a checklist is a must and it’s generally good to give yourself more time than what’s required. For example the intended time for a UK visa is generally 3-4 weeks as they send it off to Manilla. (https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/Home/ViewFAQ) So give yourself one month to do that at least. Downsizing and packing your life into a suitcase/ backpack can be daunting but at the end of the day these are just “things” that can be replaced. I did however store all the childhood mementos and bits and bobs that had a sentimental value over the years in storage.

The hardest part has to have been the good-bye’s but it’s never an eternity and you know you’ll be back at some stage. So deciding that I’ll see them later made it easier for the transition. I must say that the sweet send off at work, drinks with friends and family lunch & movie made me very happy & grateful to be blessed with such lovely, positive people in my life.

And so the journey begins…