A Solo Travellers Mind

There were a few emotionally testing times during the first month in Sydney. The difficulty started with agency shifts for nursing being incredibly sporadic. And although I was earning enough to live comfortably and save a little, the lack of structure that came with last-minute shifts wasn’t too hot. Things were a bit rough. I decided I’d maybe update the CV and start trying to apply for other jobs. Jobs outside of healthcare. This then came with more money spending (that’s a surprise, isn’t it, employment in Australia costing me more money…) I needed a liquor licence. I didn’t want to give up on nursing in Australia completely, but I definitely had given up on nursing full-time in Australia. Actually working as a nurse in Australia was great, at the beginning I very much felt like a newly qualified again, but soon enough I picked up on the changes of drug names and systems and things started to become second nature again. And it’s definitely something I could see myself doing long term, but with plans to travel again soon, long term wasn’t an option right now. 

I trailed a short term full time post at a care home, a post with incredibly good pay. However, the conditions of the place were mental, and there was enough drama by day 3 to evoke a nervous breakdown. Deciding whether set shifts and good pay was worth the potential strain on my already ropey mental health was something that definitely needed to be thought about.

Life then became an episode of an idiot abroad when me and Sarp awoke to find out our electricity had been turned off at the mains. Initial panic soon followed some comical value, with jokes about us living in the olden age for the foreseeable. Luckily, with a few complaints, it was turned back on the following day. But the drama didn’t end there. I awoke 3 days later to the news that I’d been a victim of fraud and my account (luckily, my English account) had been blocked. It was easy enough to sort, but yet another curve ball I didn’t see coming. 

It wasn’t all work and no play.  Many a day was spent with a special someone getting up to no good. Along with seeing Fred Again and Girl in Red at Laneway Festival. The nightlife scene was tested with housemates and Co, where I was shocked to discover this country doesn’t sell shots after 10pm, which I suppose does save me from the utterly dire hangovers some have witnessed from me back home. Multiple scenic walks were had, with the novelty of being in a city by the sea not wearing off just yet. In celebration of 1 month in Sydney (and the high and lows of settling into a completely new life), the all famous yeah buoy boat trip was attended. Another idea on my Sydney bucket list. It did not disappoint, with lots of giggles, two stepping and one too many drinks being had, the night ended with us sitting in a line eating Hungry Jack’s before subsequently passing out by 10pm. 

Multiple phone calls back home took place, including seeing Nicola and little Roo, with the nightly entertainment of finding out Nicola has been taking my Turkish sleeping tablets every morning thinking they were vitamins (poor girl). Catch ups took place with Dad and Clare and plans were motioned for a visit down under towards the end of the year (my Dad on an actual holiday, can you imagine?!)

The first month in Sydney was an emotional roller coaster, with employment drama and normal life drama. By the end of the month, things had definitely started to catch up on me a little bit. Having been constantly on the go, seeing and doing utterly amazing things for 5 months before coming to Sydney, I think “normal” life was a huge adjustment. Obviously, life wasn’t “normal.” I was still exploring a new city and making new friends, but it’s not quite the same as travelling around constantly. With a few other niggling thoughts at the back of my mind, it’ll be interesting to see how the next few months here go.