WHY A NEW GENERATION OF WOMEN WORK TO TRAVEL

by PAULA DAVISON (Australia)

I didn't expect to find Australia

Travelling the world has changed me. In ways not I, nor anyone close to me, could ever have expected. I have seen life from a completely new perspective and it has transformed something inside of me. The world is diverse and the lessons we gain from traversing across this vast planet are almost as unique as us as individuals. Yet, it was through uncertainty surrounding the basis of my beliefs that my thought patterns began to change. Let me preface this piece with the assertion that I am not a feminist, nor an activist of any kind. This story is simply a reflection on my personal development and I hope that it serves to inspire others. Living within the Western world, women enjoy a sense of empowerment. We are the driving force behind equal opportunity in the workforce and we are achieving greater success in our careers than ever before. Digital fluency is also bridging the gap in gender equality in developing countries. Women are now able to effectively use the resources at our disposable and technology is enabling greater flexibility in work arrangements. But as we progress up the corporate ladder, the need for self-development and establishing a work-life balance are becoming equal markers of our success. Personally, I have always been passionate about what I do for work. Yet, nine years into my career as a Marketing Manager, I was feeling the pressure to progress. I had a burning desire to pursue a new challenge. But I also wanted to travel the world. So I made what seemed like a very irrational choice at the time and quit my corporate job to travel! Initially, I was reluctant to step outside the social normalities imposed by society. As a single woman in my late 20s, many people questioned my priorities. Internally, I almost felt a little reckless setting off on an adventure, at a time when my biological clock was telling me that I should be procreating. Yet, I’m so glad that I got over my initial nerves and set off to explore the world. I’ve been on many adventures to various parts of the globe and despite by initial reservations, my corporate career is not something that I can say I miss. For the past seven years I have been working as a Flight Attendant, and during this time I have developed a genuine passion for helping others. Working both in Australia and abroad, I’ve become even more accepting of cultural diversity. In fact, I find it fascinating that life can look so different depending on where we live in the world. During my travels, a friend and I volunteered foreign aid through maintenance of an Elephant Conservation Centre in Laos. Visiting a nearby village, we also assisted in teaching English to the local primary school children and this was truly one of the most incredible experiences! The children of Laos touched me in way that only the humbling spirit of humanity can. Their eagerness to learn was inspiring. Yet, seeing their faces light up whilst throwing a basketball around with me during their lunch break was what struck me the most. Despite living in poverty, these children had an uplifting spirit, which radiated genuine happiness. They were grateful for what they did have and did not spend their lives seeking more. This has influenced the perspective that I have of my own life at home in Australia, and I have honestly never felt more content. Over the years I’ve truly fallen in love with travel. The places I’ve visited and the people that I’ve met along the way have had such a big impact on my life. They will forever hold a special place in my heart. I absolutely adore children and can’t wait to become a mother. However, each time I’m standing in the middle of a foreign country experiencing a new culture, I understand the reason why my life hasn’t taken me down that path just yet. Like most women in their thirties, I’m constantly pressured about settling down and this is something that I look forward too. But for now, I’m content to continue exploring this big wide world on my solo travel adventures.