Half your home town has moved to Sydney, Australia. Half of Sydney Australia lives in Clapham. You pay £30 to message people on Spare Room, and the adverts are so outrageous you’re not surprised no one wants to live there. You’d consider moving home with your parents because rent is astronomical but then you’d spend your life and salary on the train. The person from Hinge just isn’t long-term-live-in-partner material but half the rent of a room would be nice. Your houseshare of 5 adults is in a nice house with “character”, but you’re sick of shitty water pressure, pasta sauce on the cupboards and random things that no one claims are theirs on the stairs. Your grandma asks “Why don’t you think about buying somewhere?” With what, Grandma? My collection of Lululemon leggings? 

What’s a reasonable person trying to make their way in the world to do?

Should you pack it all up and go somewhere else entirely? 

Emily in Paris did look like she was having a sexy, fun time and she went viral pretty easily and Julia Roberts’ had a great time in Eat, Pray, Love.  

If there’s a place on this Earth that’s calling you and you find yourself in a position that allows you to pack up your pants, socks and passport, you should go. In my personal and non professional opinion, which you should value. There will be the most magical and maybe most awful times too. Isn’t that what life’s about?

If you have a good answer to these 6 questions, you’re probably going to be fine:

1. Are you running away from your problems?

Speaking from experience, your problems don’t tend to magically disappear in another country long term. Sure, it’s a great short term solution, but the food, the metros or sunshine only distract you for a while. 

2. Do you know anyone already?

It doesn’t really matter, but it is a bonus if you have someone you’re friendly with there. If you’re a sociable, adaptable person who likes making friends and talking to people then you’ll probably be fine. It would also be a perfect opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone if you want to be that person. From a safety perspective, you have to be very assured it’s the right decision and destination. 

3. How are you going to afford to live?

If you’re just vibing off family money, hats off to you. All of us stuck in the job matrix are jealous. Have you got a job lined up? Great! Trying to find a job once you’re there could also work, but you’ll probs need to speak the language at a decent enough level. Get on that green owl app baby, or just move somewhere where you can already speak the language. 

4. Have you been there before?

Pinterest and Instagram are wonderful dreamer tools but there’s more to places than picturesque hot spots. You never know the feel of the place till you’ve been there, but maybe part of the adventure is turning up to find out.

5. Are you allowed to stay there?

Research the visa and work permit requirements. What’s the application process, costs, and timelines? Surprisingly, the British passport isn’t as powerful as it once was and not every country wants a tonne of Brits hanging around trying to live their Vicky Cristina Barcelona dream.

6. Who and what would you miss at home?

This is maybe the tougher part of the decision process. Maybe you’re more of a free spirit and don’t get tied emotionally or physically to things, although being far from people you love is tough but it’s a nice excuse for them to come and visit you.

So if you’ve had enough of dreary British weather, paying £1000 for a box room, and want to live in a sunnier climate, meet new people, get a new job, and maybe learn a new language. Where are you going? 

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