Written in July 2025:
I have a rare month with nothing to worry about. I did well in my first semester, and I won’t know what I’m studying next semester until it begins. I’ve had a lot of time to think.
All this time off means for the first time since my child was born, I have four whole weeks of quality time together as we’re both off school and we decided to take him out of day care to give him a break. Next year he’ll be at school every day, so I wanted to enjoy these last opportunities to spend lots of time together.
With all this time on my hands I feel a bit like I’m drifting. I don’t have the time I thought I would to work on personal projects. Additionally, I thought we’d all be really happy in this new environment, but I’m finding myself missing some of the things we left behind.
I’m now thinking that at the end of my studies we’ll probably go back, but live somewhere a bit less busy and with better weather. That will be the last time we move while my child is still young.
This is the hardest decision we’ll have to make, as it’s no longer just about us. I know for sure I don’t want to go back to my home country, but wherever we are, one or both of us has to sacrifice being with family.
With both of us having ageing parents, it makes everything so much harder. It all comes back to money. Without extra money, we won’t be able to visit family and friends, yet we have no retirement or property to our names.
This is our last shot at making a big positive change to our lives. Hopefully, by the end of the two years, we end up with at least the savings we started with-my study is costing us a fortune with International Student fees and a high cost of living.
This isn’t the place I remember. I think I had rose-tinted glasses looking back. We were both younger with no kid and the freedom to change jobs and locations whenever we wanted. We did so many road trips back then. Now time is pressing, and we have little to rely on financially as we age.
Living somewhere with a young child is so different, and I want my child to attend school and make friends.
With money and free time I think we could really live a good life here, but it seems we could do even better in the right location where we moved from-especially once I graduate as a teacher (and especially if I work in a private school). However, I’m glad we came here to find out, otherwise, I’d probably regret it forever.
Since we moved to a new country and I began my studies, I’ve realised that if I’m always chasing, I’ll never be satisfied or content.
I haven’t given up on the idea of running my own business, but I’m finding it hard to see that working here.
The problem is that now I’m focused on my studies and building the skills I need for that until the end of the two years. Then I’ll likely be working a stressful job again, which will take time, energy and focus from building a business. My most valuable resource (time) is slipping away. I’ve gotta make it count!
Lessons I’m learning:
- Things may not be as rosy as you remember them – as time passes, we change
- Having a child influences your options and decisions massively
- Don’t be in such a hurry to leave where you are now
- Be grateful for the good things in your life – stop chasing happiness
- Cherish every moment you spend with loved ones
- Make your time count: focus and energy!
thejourneyx 