Uff, if we will have said that a thousand times every time things get ugly, right?
But when the desire to embark on an adventure is very strong, we have no idea where to start, or where to go and what we are going to leave behind.
The decision is usually not easy, but if you came to this post, you are probably thinking about it. So the question I want you to ask yourself is: What’s stopping me?
If it is a matter of money, I can give you several tips so that you can leave without being a millionaire.
If it is a matter of papers, there are also many possibilities and it all depends on the place where you want to emigrate.
If “having children, pets, family” stops you, then think big and what is best for you will also be for your environment.
There are many places to go to live in the world, but in this case I am going to address Living in Europe in more detail since I am going through this experience and I went through a lot of what I am going to tell you about.
How much money do I need to go live somewhere else? Well, everything will depend on where we want to be and how much sacrifice we will make at the beginning. “Starting from scratch” is just as it sounds, with the difference that we are more adults, we have more experiences, studies, talents and aptitudes that flatten our way up. But do not forget that it is still an uphill path.
Now let’s start calculating the number…
- Round-trip tickets (it is usually cheaper than taking one way, and even if you don’t know when you are going to return, the airlines always accept changes with or without an extra fee, depending on your initial purchase) If you travel to Europe, remember that At the airport they will ask you for a return ticket if you do not have a European or residence passport. Even for some short-term Visas, they may request your return ticket.
- Money to live at least 3 months. Where you should include: Accommodation, per diem, meals and extras. In that period I recommend that you look for a job everywhere. If you are in a country where you do not handle the language very well, go to easy jobs and trades that do not involve your “speak” too much. Supermarkets, restaurants, delivery, fast food, promotions, flyers, etc. Meanwhile apply for jobs with more knowledge. If you handle English well, do not hesitate to go to that added value in your CV. Well, you already have two languages in addition to your skills. Your attitude and desire to learn can beat any other applicant.
These points are the most important when it comes to saving as much as possible until you are more stabilized in terms of the economy. Study the prices of things well, because at first we believe that something can be cheap and in reality we are paying very expensive for it. It happens often so don’t get frustrated if it happens to you.
Look for Facebook Groups of people of your nationality so that they can help you with questions, procedures, job opportunities or simply to find company in an unknown city. They are usually called: Argentines in Paris, Argentines in Amsterdam, Latinos in Spain, Spaniards in Germany, etc.
The most important thing of all is that you do not get discouraged, if the idea is there latent, investigate, look for those who have already “made the leap” and listen to their advice. Dismiss those who tell you “it’s complicated”, “it’s not easy”, “you won’t be able to”, remember over and over again that these people talk about their limitations, not yours. So either turn a deaf ear, or turn the page and focus on what adds to your project. People, situations or ideas that help your idea to come out.
Today, exactly one year ago, I arrived in Paris. A 12 hour flight to Frankfurt and then a 2h30 connection to Paris. Two 23kg suitcases, a carry on and my dear Olivia was all that I brought with me from Argentina to start an adventure, a new chapter in my life.
But as some know, this journey started a year earlier. I call it the year I put my life on hold.
Pause? Well, you see… my biggest project that year was to get my visa to travel to Europe. Sell everything I had in my apartment. Absolutely EVERYTHING, including the furniture that had cost me so much to buy, some ornaments, objects of sentimental value that I couldn’t bring with me but that, after all, we must understand that they are only objects that can be replaced by others that are better or worse, but materials.
I sold my clothes, my shoes, my cup set, the television, the computer, the box spring that was less than a year old. The entire first half of that year, selling, delivering, giving away, donating. Every peso collected went to settle cards, advance payments and leave the accounts at zero.
I sold my car. That little UP that took Olivia and me everywhere, that gave me many joys, trips and routes. That gave me more freedom than ever. But the day I handed it in I didn’t feel anything. It’s like I tell you. It is a material object and in its reward I would give myself another type of freedom.
The second half of the year was dedicated to my family and friends. Take advantage of seeing everyone I could at family gatherings, dinners, lunches, parties. I spent the last 3 months at my parents’ house enjoying breakfasts with mom, potato’s gnocchi and bella (my sister’s kitty) running around the house with Olivia. Despite the difficult situation at home those months, I tried to be strong. I went regularly every day to train, did Yoga and took handstand classes with an amazing teacher.
Sport made me able to process everything that was happening and what was going to happen. I celebrated my 35th birthday at home with my closest friends and then celebrated it in a bar with friends. I decided that my flight would be after my anniversary because that would be my celebration and farewell.
My 24th birthday in Buenos Aires 🙂
My 25th birthday in Paris, next to the Pantheon with my Argentinian friends and my sister!
Today, October 2, 2020. I look back on all this year and although I can’t complain about anything, I can’t help but make tears fall from my eyes. Family, friends, the comfortable sofa at home are missed. But I also know that I would do it again. Because not only economic stability is important, but also the quality of life.
Sometimes you don’t realize that you get used to living badly. We naturalize actions that do not respect the other.
Quality of life, I mean walking through the streets with Olivia calmly, taking a photo with the cell phone or even talking on the phone without being persecuted by having the device taken away from the window. I went back to riding a bike without being afraid of being thrown at the traffic light to steal it from me!
So I could go on listing things. but mostly. I realized that it is possible to have a better life and we should not give up until we get it. We all deserve to go through the earth and enjoy our years on it. That’s why. Do not give up. Even if it’s a long-term plan. Don’t abandon it.
Bonne Nuit.
If you like what you read, you can support my blog and my shop that is just starting with a simple coffee. Besides, who doesn’t share a coffee nowadays?
Next time we may be able to take it in person!
What do you think? ????
