When I graduated college, like most people I had no idea what to do. The world felt intimidating and I felt like I needed to get a job ASAP and save up for the “house and 2.5 kids” I lucked out and got a general management position right out of college. Looking back now I was under qualified and how no idea how life outside of college was suppose to be.

I quickly felt unhappy with the mundane, waking up at 4:00am, going to the gym, getting ready, babysitting in the morning to take two children to school, going straight to my job right after, and repeat. My job at the time was hospitality related which meant Sunday/Monday was my weekend. I quickly felt like I was suffocating, and began to take seriously about where my life was headed.

I had a friend in college who suggested doing a Working Holiday in Australia, the idea had manifested itself over the years but I never considered that it was something I would be capable of. The year I spent after college in my management position I worked hard. I mean hard I gave up most weekends to babysit, I had a babysitting job Monday-Friday in the mornings and I had a full time job.

I am not saying this is what you have to do in order to do a Working Holiday Visa, but I had a large amount of student loans and realistically it was the only way I was able to even consider it. I saved up about 10k and finally felt the courage to just apply to the visa. For any Americans applying to this visa I would suggest getting health insurance, as someone who has dealt with the woes of health related issues its worth the added expense.

The visa over all is pretty straight forward. Your basic information, your background, history etc. Then a a basic fee of $400ish dollars. I went with BUNAC as it was my first time overseas and I had zero clue of what I was doing. It is an added fee (see company’s website) but they give good deals on flights. I flew from Dallas to Sydney direct for $700 which is pretty great considering it was Qantas plus no layovers.

BUNAC help set me up with the basics my bank account, SIM for my phone, and tips along the way. For someone like me who was naive to they way life would be over seas I would suggest it. It help get my footing, I met a ton of great people who like me took this chance and its just a general way to not feel alone.

For Americans especially I can not suggest doing this enough. America as a society we are not pushed to get out of our boxes like this, we are suppose to stick to our guns with the American Dream. (I can’t tell you how much my friends family etc thought I was mentally insane for doing this). But, it changed my life, it made me grow up, find who I was, and it helped me meet my future husband which was an added bonus.

If you are considering this visa, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t brag on it enough.

All the best and good luck on your adventure.

xx

J