WHERE TO NEXT

In today’s fast-paced world, where career aspirations often clash with a desire for adventure and personal growth, people are struggling with figuring out what they want to do with their lives or finding their personal identity. They want to travel the world but don’t have the funds and living for the weekends is just not cutting it for them.

Well, have you ever considered a Working Holiday? And no I’m not talking about working remotely from anywhere in the world, although that is a good alternative. I’m talking about living and working in different countries or maybe even different parts of your country. Ever go to a ski resort, or hotel in a popular vacation area and just think “wow how cool they get to work here everyday”. Well that’s exactly what I do. I work roughly eight months out of the year, working at ski resorts and hotels around the world which I then earn money to pay for the other four months of the year where I either visit family or friends or travel and explore new places.

Six years ago, I made the decision to jet off to Canada to take part in a Working Holiday which was only intended to be for a year. After my first four months working at a hotel in gorgeous Lake Louise, I just could not stop. Six years on I have lived and worked in Canada, Japan, United Kingdom and Australia and have seen and experienced far more from these countries then I ever would have from a mere few week holiday.

I am constantly recommending working holidays to friends and I am now here to recommend them to you and here’s why you should consider it especially if you are coming out of school, not sure where to go next.

Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth

Living and working in a foreign country offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture. Unlike a brief vacation, a working holiday allows you to fully experience the local lifestyle, traditions, and social norms. This deep cultural immersion fosters personal growth, enhancing your understanding of the world and broadening your perspective. It challenges your comfort zone, builds resilience, and cultivates adaptability—skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional contexts.

Financial Viability

Traveling extensively can be expensive, but a working holiday makes it more financially feasible. By earning money while you explore, you can offset travel costs and sustain your adventures for longer periods. This financial aspect makes the dream of exploring distant lands more accessible, even for those on a tight budget. Additionally, certain countries offer working holiday visas specifically designed to support young travelers in funding their journeys. Bonus, because of the locations you work and live in, you also have constant access to the surrounding and nearby cities or towns meaning day trips or weekend getaways are much more accessible.

Career Enhancement

A working holiday can significantly boost your resume. It demonstrates to potential employers that you are adaptable, resourceful, and capable of thriving in diverse environments. The experience of working abroad showcases your ability to navigate different work cultures and practices, which is highly valued in today’s globalized job market. Whether you’re working in hospitality, teaching, farming, or another field, the skills and experiences gained can give you a competitive edge in your career. There has been nothing more impressive in my books then when you can bring ideas from similar companies but from different countries to your current workplace.

Language Skills

Living in a country where a different language is spoken provides a practical, immersive way to learn and improve language skills. This can be a significant advantage in both personal and professional settings. Bilingual or multilingual individuals are often more attractive to employers, especially in roles that require communication with diverse populations or international clients. Now don’t get frightened by this. Knowing the language of a country you intend to work in is not always a requirement for if you get the job or not. A lot of the time, you are able to get by with little to no knowledge. However, having the willingness to learn, brings you closer to the local population and enhances your experience when you eventually go to travel that country on your own or with friends.

Networking and Relationships

A working holiday offers a unique platform to build a global network of friends and professional contacts. The relationships you form while working and traveling can lead to lifelong friendships and valuable professional connections. Networking in a foreign country can also open doors to future career opportunities and collaborations that you might not have encountered otherwise. The friendships I have formed while travelling have been like no other! You find like-minded people and just connect on entirely different levels than those you know back home from school. Better yet, many, many love stories have come out of working holidays!

Adventure and Memories

Finally, a working holiday is an adventure of a lifetime. From exploring stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks to experiencing local festivals and cuisines, the memories you create will be unforgettable. The stories and experiences from your working holiday will enrich your life and provide a treasure trove of anecdotes and lessons to share for years to come. I will always treasure the memories I have made with some people I know I may never see again. I know I will look back on those days and just think ‘what a life we were living’!

A working holiday is more than just an extended vacation; it’s a transformative experience that offers a blend of work, travel, and cultural immersion. For young people seeking adventure, personal growth, and career enhancement, a working holiday presents an invaluable opportunity to explore the world and develop skills and memories that will benefit them for a lifetime. So, pack your bags, step out of your comfort zone, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Happy Travels!