It’s been several months since my last travel and it already felt like 2 years of being stuck in the UK. My adulting era has paved to its fullest during my long haul stay as I juggle a Monday-Friday job, carry my own flat chores and facilitating my residency status (which was approved!) Last March, I took the ‘Life in The UK’ exam on the same day that I landed in the country—and it was truly promising.⭐️ Since then, I kept reminiscing how I made throughout this overseas life. Did I make my 25-yr old self proud?
independent living—Everyone begins with living with a flatmate/housemate but nothing is forever (unless you’re close since childhood, a family friend or something that’s closely-knitted). I’m blessed with awesome housemates from the past; I surely miss those times where we often host parties in the property. Yet eventually, there will come a point that people crave for their own space. It took a huge adjustment when I first moved on a solo flat—sorting out bills, buying household materials and doing errands. But becoming the breadwinner of yourself is liberating. It can be stressful at times but at the end of the day, I would just like to think that I’m building my own doll house. 😅
travel to all 4 countries of the UK—COVID knows no boundaries as it made me travel to all the main territories of the UK. Though I haven’t returned to any of them yet (obviously exclude England) but hopefully I would, someday 😄
(L-R)Winchester and Rye
In the meantime, I took my overseas travel hiatus by exploring more of England and pretty much, I’m in awe to see these hidden gems! You can read more of my previous British trips here. There’s more to come as I take one town at a time.
how many Schengen visas?—Apart from the stamps, it’s this particular visa that occupy the most of my passport pages! Yet I don’t really mind because…Why wait for THE moment when you’re already in European soil? Whether it’s a week-long or a weekend trip, go travel as much as you can. I’m forever grateful that I have explored countries that I never thought of going.
I started in France then made it to Denmark as my 14th Schengen state--where will be the next? 😉
And I can’t wait to tour the remaining Schengen states that I haven’t been. However, I’m slowly keeping my pace as there was a time that I’ve experienced ‘travel burnout’ (this isn’t about funds or lack of time-offs but it’s about getting tired of arranging your own itinerary). That's why it’s nice to be on a break once in a while; but this won’t take very long anymore!
the dating scene—I guess I broke my own rule of not getting into a dating app ‘til I reached my 30’s. Although, has it not been a trend?! 😝 Everyone has their own standards so never make assumptions of someone who’s still in the 'market'. I never reveal much about this on my socials but yup, I have been dating—and of course, I have been hurt.(lol) Dating in London can widen up your options on who you will like to end up with.
concerts and events—To be honest, I tend to prioritize travelling than to attend concerts as I have been to a lot of these during my teenage years (aka the peak of my fangirl era). Yet over the years, I was pleased to see the Spice Girls as my first concert here and Blackpink during the BTS Hyde Park series. The crowd was certainly at a different level with the feels of being in those DVD concerts.
Apart from that, I have also attended a variety of events from food fests, pop-up events and even political rallies(my BBC journalist heart is raging haha)! So maybe I should join the nurses’ strike next time? Who knows.
keeping up with the hobbies—During the pandemic, I launched my chibi art commission shop which led me back to my love for drawing. Nowadays, I have gone to painting and salsa/bachata classes that adds up to my ways of de-stressing from my office life.
You’re in a city filled with opportunities to upskill you. It may be costly sometimes, but do it anyway. ⭐️
life coach—They say therapy can be scary but coaching for your well-being can be very beneficial. I once had a month’s session as part of my leadership appraisal and it enlightened me up in achieving my goals. It’s frustrating when they ask you to rationalize everything but this boils down to the root of a solution. What I’ve discussed that time is still currently a work in progress. You can learn more about having a life coach via NHS Elect.
the career transition—With career progression comes a ladder to a bigger pay. I really don’t have plans of becoming a band 6 from the beginning but maybe someday you’re going to ask yourself—Are you going to be a follower forever? Being a senior staff will be the height of my career for now. My current role as a respiratory nurse specialist has been very challenging as it involves a lot of decision making (and studying) but no regrets! It was a huge leap of moving to another area where I know no one of. Unsure if I will continue with this but lets see what happens 😊
be the tour guide of your social circle—Throughout my stay in the UK, it was a great privilege for me to tour visiting friends and family around London. Especially for first time travelers here, it was a joy to see how they were stunned with the country’s royal attractions. Some would call me as a walking citymapper, but I still use navigational apps in the city from time to time. I will try to map out a blog entry about my finds in Central London soon 😅
gain extra 💰—I did had my fair share of doing bank shifts during my early years in the UK. I could really just be picky to choose when as I treasure my time-offs more than fuming at the wards (honestly speaking). Though, to those who are about to start their life here, go hustle in the beginning then live your life at the end. There will be other ways to earn extra like online-selling, networking, etc.
Generally, we all have different #Road2Abroad stories to tell. To those who aspire to be in the UK, think of your purpose and consequences. Everyone may appear well-travelled and living that royal life but there’s a bundle of challenges at the back of it.
