As you may have already heard, I am an obsessive planner. With my time in Korea inching closer to its end (four months on Monday!), I’m now trying to figure out what the hell I’m going to do when I’m done. Ideally, I’d like to have this all sorted before I leave for my five month trip around Asia with Tara so I can enjoy my travels and not be worried about the next step, and also because I’d like to avoid moving back in with my parents in Louisville for an undetermined amount of time. I’ve narrowed my options down to following four.
1. Working Holiday Visa in Australia
Australia is one of the few countries that offers working holiday visas for Americans, and this has me considering becoming an expat on a third continent. The Australian economy didn’t take the hit that most of the rest of the world did a few years ago, making finding a job there a lot easier than it would be if I went back home. This option may have me looking for somewhere to live in Melbourne, or maybe even some Sydney accommodation depending on what city I decide is right for me. While I do have dreams of learning to surf and going on countless road trips, Australia’s deadly (and terrifying) wildlife and its distance from home make me somewhat hesitant.
2. Grad School in London
I’ve always wanted to live in London, and ever since realizing a BA in history isn’t going to get me very far career rise, I’ve known that grad school is in my future. Last year I found the perfect Masters program for me at a university in London. It is so perfect that I’m a bit nervous to apply, as I know if I didn’t get in I would be devastated. And while I would be ecstatic if I did, it’s a very large financial investment, which makes it something I’d have to carefully consider.
3. Continue to travel
Depending on how much I save during my last four months here and how well I stick to my budget during the trip, I could have a sizable chunk of change left after I’m done with Asia. Just the thought of this has me creating potential literariness for the Balkans, Middle East, Northern Africa…the list goes on. If things with this blog and my freelance career continued to improve, I would love to try out the digital nomad lifestyle.
4. Head back to the US
The last option, the one my parents would probably like best, would be to move back to the United States. I do miss my family, and it’s been far too long since I’ve seen most of my friends, but the thought of a stable location is a still a little terrifying to me at this point. On the other hand, thinking about being able to shop at Whole Foods and Target almost has me running to catch the next flight bound for the United States.
Have you returned home after a long period abroad? What did you do? If you’re currently traveling, what are your plans for after? Or, if you’re in an extremely helpful mood, what the hell should I do?
Disclaimer: Though written by me, this post was brought to you by Accommodation.com
I feel you! I’ve got about the same thing going myself. It’ll be 4 months more, 2 weeks from now. Then almost 5 months of traveling then…..who knows! YIKES! Wouldn’t it be great to jsut work from the computer?
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It would! That’s kind of what I’m really hoping will happen.
If not, I may just throw all the options into a hat and pick
I still have a solid chunk of time in Korea, but I’m already mulling over post-Korea options too… and they look exactly like yours, haha.
Good luck. Regardless of what you choose, if you’re happy while doing it, then you’ve made the right choice!
Thank you! I need to keep reminding myself that any decision will be a good decision!
Those all sound amazing, but I’m seriously biased towards the Aussie Working Holiday. I did that a few years ago, and it was the most incredible year – full of ridiculous nights out, work I felt good about, and exploring that crazy country. I still get little pangs of bummerish feelings when I think about how I can’t afford to head back right now!
One thing you might want to consider, too, is that while the cost of living is higher than North Am, the minimum wage is MUCH higher than North Am. Like $19/hour to work at a smoothie shop in the mall. Ya, heaps good!
As for wildlife, I am DEADLY afraid of snakes, and I saw not a one! Lots of roos, though, and a couple of wombats, too!!
Honestly, all the options sounds great, but I think you can tell where my vote has been cast!
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Everything I hear about the WHV is Australia makes me want to do it more and more. Ahh…decisions
I was just thinking about this today. I still have zero idea of what I want to do after this stint in Korea. I guess I have plenty of time, as I’m planning to renew my contract, but it worries me that I don’t have a backup plan. Traveling indefinitely would be the best option, but I I’m going to have to start sticking to my budget. Shopping in Korea is killing me slowly
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AH! I know. I’ve been doing so well and then I sit in my classroom bored and open up GMarket…and then it’s all over! Luckily, pension, severance, and airfare home add up to quite a bit
Hi there. I spent six months in London for my study abroad. Coming home was exciting (I missed my family and my then-boyfriend/now-husband) but also devastating. I missed life in Europe and had gotten used to it!
Sounds like you have some really fantastic options ahead of you. Good luck with grad school… it could be super fantastic!
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Coming back from living abroad is never easy, I had a horrible time readjusting after both stints in Italy, which is why I need to have a bunch of options ready! I don’t want that to happen again!
Man I can totally relate, I have no clue what to do after I finish my contract in Paris. I really want to go to grad school but the tuition fees are outrageous! I wish Ireland had WHVs for Americans, I’d be there in a heartbeat.
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I agree. The only thing holding me back from grad school is the pile of debt I’d have because of it. It’s unfortunate that tuition is so expensive
My working holiday dream is England, but it doesn’t look like that will be returning anytime soon…
I have a BA in the humanities too
Maybe you can continue travel through freelancing and the blog and save for your master’s at the same time…. though they all sound like wonderful possibilities 
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I feel like so many travelers have a BA in humanities
That’s what I hope to do…someday! Thanks for stopping by, Ayelet!
All except for the last one sound like good options. Hunt down “Cari in the City” blog. She did the WHV in Oz and might be able to give you some tips. More than enough people doing the nomad work-from-the-road thing. We are working on getting toward that.
Good luck with your choice. Maybe even put it off a bit and see how travel grabs you? Maybe you will run into an option along the way?
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I agree, going back to the US is last on the list for a reason
I’m sure I won’t make any decisions until the last minute as that seems to be how I operate. Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll go check that out now, and thanks for the comment!
I’m in the same boat…and looking similar options actually. Would grad school be for history? (I majored in history too!) I have a friend from the US who I lived with in London who then went on to do a history masters program there if you’re interested in more info…
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No, as much as I love history it’s not something I want to pursue any further. I’m looking at programs in writing or digital journalism. Thanks for the offer, though, and good luck with your decision!