Too important to ignore! Thank you for sharing your friend's and your experiences.
I've been on the fence about moving back to Canada after 9 years away, and I can't help but think I would have a similar realisation when I land. I appreciate reading other perspectives—reading and talking about it helps.
I agree! It helps so much. When you talk about similar decisions (or read about them) with people who have gone through similar experiences, they can often tell when you’re making a decision only with your brain vs. something you truly feel!
I can relate to many points—especially the anxiety! My previous job was in a toxic environment, with no diversity and a lifestyle that didn’t align with me or my values. But I felt driven by a sense of mission, so I kept going for quite a while.
I’m so glad I managed to get out, although it only happened once the signs became louder and louder. I wish I had done it earlier, but I’m in a much better situation now.
Nothing is ever completely perfect, I guess, but with time, you learn to recognize the signs more clearly and understand what truly matters to you.
I totally understand what you mean. From time to time, I also think "Why didn't I do [insert x thing] earlier???" But like everything, learning to recognize the signs of dissatisfaction and acting on them is also a process and something we can get better at over time! Thanks for sharing!!!
Yes yes yes. I have lived all of this in my old life (in Italy!). In my case, it was working in the fashion industry that made me feel this way. I'd dreamed of it for so long but it just didn't fit me anymore and felt all wrong. I had all of the signs you mention, especially the anxiety and struggling to be present. It's that feeling of "not really living". Good job to your friend for following those signs.
best of luck to your friend, following their path! I had a similar realisation, at the airport too, but mine were tears before departing for my first solo trip. I knew that would be the last time my mother would see her 'baby'. I knew that trip would change me and my life forever.
This is beautiful! Have you written an article about it, yet? OK, your style is much more humorous and full of jokes, but I wouldn't mind reading an emotional article by our one and only Barbs!
Too important to ignore! Thank you for sharing your friend's and your experiences.
I've been on the fence about moving back to Canada after 9 years away, and I can't help but think I would have a similar realisation when I land. I appreciate reading other perspectives—reading and talking about it helps.
I agree! It helps so much. When you talk about similar decisions (or read about them) with people who have gone through similar experiences, they can often tell when you’re making a decision only with your brain vs. something you truly feel!
I can relate to many points—especially the anxiety! My previous job was in a toxic environment, with no diversity and a lifestyle that didn’t align with me or my values. But I felt driven by a sense of mission, so I kept going for quite a while.
I’m so glad I managed to get out, although it only happened once the signs became louder and louder. I wish I had done it earlier, but I’m in a much better situation now.
Nothing is ever completely perfect, I guess, but with time, you learn to recognize the signs more clearly and understand what truly matters to you.
I totally understand what you mean. From time to time, I also think "Why didn't I do [insert x thing] earlier???" But like everything, learning to recognize the signs of dissatisfaction and acting on them is also a process and something we can get better at over time! Thanks for sharing!!!
This is so true. I’ve also found that my body will keep talking louder and louder until I make that sometimes scary change!
Exactly! Our body lets us bury our head in the sand only up to a point! Haha
Yes yes yes. I have lived all of this in my old life (in Italy!). In my case, it was working in the fashion industry that made me feel this way. I'd dreamed of it for so long but it just didn't fit me anymore and felt all wrong. I had all of the signs you mention, especially the anxiety and struggling to be present. It's that feeling of "not really living". Good job to your friend for following those signs.
I can only imagine the anxiety and pressure that working in fashion brings! Good job to you too for understanding when enough was enough!!
best of luck to your friend, following their path! I had a similar realisation, at the airport too, but mine were tears before departing for my first solo trip. I knew that would be the last time my mother would see her 'baby'. I knew that trip would change me and my life forever.
This is beautiful! Have you written an article about it, yet? OK, your style is much more humorous and full of jokes, but I wouldn't mind reading an emotional article by our one and only Barbs!
Very true, my inner monologue and what gets onto the page can be humorous. In my first articles I've talked a bit about my choice and the physical journey to get to Australia (including the whole airport situation here https://open.substack.com/pub/barbshoneycutt/p/when-was-the-last-time-you-left-home?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2puiwd) but I should probably write what made me stay, among the cringe and funny culture shock moments… it's hard to find a balance, isn't it?!
IT IS! 100%. Gonna go read this one now!
Thanks! Please let me know what you think