Working and traveling abroad
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Working and traveling abroad solo = selfie galore
On that note, I've always been one to do things independently while most in my community react to me like it's unheard
of (even though it's not). "By yourself? Aww, why didn't you invite me?! I would've went with you!" in a patronizing
manner. First, no you wouldn't, and two, you are projecting your fears.
I've an advocate of figuring out yourself first before you join a relationship and while continuing to build out the
ones across your path (family, friends, etc.). Going on solo travels whether abroad or not, watching a live comedy show,
concert, etc. have been the norm for me despite being in a committed long-term relationship. If my husband can do
activities himself without being judged for doing something "out of the norm," then I sure as hell can too.
Traveling is a luxury and I'm grateful for it on many levels. I grew up not having many resources so the short beach
trips splitting costs with a dozen people were it. I worked throughout college and saved up for my first abroad trip as
a graduation gift to myself and second time being on an airplane ever in my life. Even then, I would be scrappy and find
deals like $550 RT to Sydney. I still carry that mentality with me today–the only difference is that I have a bit more
room to spend as an adult.
I don't talk about my job often with those around me because no one really wants to know how I managed to mark things
off the invisible and tangible checklist since they had presumptions on how I'd turn out (apparently I was a degenerate
back in my younger days). My approach to a job, traveling, and life is consistent–stick to your truth, navigate freely
while planning, and respect others and their space.
With that, I was able to go into project management, took up tasks no one else wanted to do, and built trust with
management for them to allow me to travel abroad and work despite limited PTO (at two places). Putting in effort,
learning from your mistakes, and being kind has a higher cost when not done but the payout is much greater it is.