From Myki to Oyster Cards

Like so many Aussies abroad, I was teary watching the latest Qantas ad (watch it here). Dad was utterly baffled when I rang him up, all sniffles and nostalgia, babbling about missing home - especially since I'd dodged his calls earlier (sorry Dad!). But, let's face it, a surprise trip back isn't on the cards with the way the economy's going.

Moving abroad comes with its own set of challenges. Take, for instance, the never-ending question from Brits: "Why would you leave sunny Australia?" Having to constantly explain that I'm not from the beach-babe Australia, I'm from the four-seasons-in-one-day, coffee-order-judging, which-side-of-the-river-are-you-from, Australia.

And while we are ranting, regarding my Aussie accent – yes, I'm aware I add extra vowels to 'no,' turning it into something like 'noaaaaarr.' It's reached a point where I avoid the word entirely, resulting in a series of unintended re-enactments of Jim Carrey's 'Yes Man', from collecting too many pamphlets to offering lifts home to strangers.

Career-wise, I appear to have moved from Australia's literal shark-infested waters, into London's equally daunting recruitment scene. The competition is fierce. Love it, but it's scary in its own right. Some days I think I'd have more of a chance succeeding in a shark fight. But that's negative and this is a positive space.

A recent chat with a friend in Amsterdam highlighted the contrasting paths in our twenties. While some are settling down, others like us are globe-trotting, barely managing to look after ourselves.

Social media doesn't make it easier, with its constant stream of people buying houses, launching businesses, and skyrocketing up the corporate ladder. But here's the thing – after opening up about my doubts and struggles, my friend was surprised. Apparently, my social media painted a picture of someone who's always 'kicking goals.' That conversation was a wake-up call. It reminded me of the importance of being authentic, both online and offline, and admitting that it's okay not to be a high achiever every single day.

So, here's my takeaway: Stay true in your conversations. We all find it hard to showcase our real struggles online. And yes, I should probably start saving for that surprise trip home. Thanks to that Qantas ad, Dad's expectations are sky-high!