Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
I'm Laura, originally from Spain, but I have spent the last decade living abroad. I went from exploring the charming town in the south of England to learning how to speak with my hands in Italy before finally getting a taste of the American dream. I continued on my travels and became delighted by the kindest of New Zealanders to finally being astonished by the wildlife of Australia where I ultimately settled.
What made you want to leave Spain?
Before leaving Spain, I was working as a waitress in my home city, Malaga, earning as little as 1000 euros and working more than 60 hours a week in a job that didn't fulfill me. My desire to learn another language and the hope for a better life made me moved to England "for a year", and that's when I started to see what was possible for me and the potential that I had within me to do anything that I set my mind to do. Living abroad gave me so much more than I was expecting, between them my passion for personal development. Little did I know back then that all the challenges I overcame and all the things I learned along the way were prepping me to help people across the world facing the same struggles I once did.
So far, you have lived in 5 different countries. Which was your best experience and why?
That's a tough question, but I would say England because it was the first country I lived in and taught me so many lessons. My time there was truly transformative. I arrived there not speaking a word of English, without a job, and my savings would only cover the expenses of a month. I had to get out of my comfort fast to be able to achieve my goal of living in the country and learn the language, and not only I did achieve what I wanted to, but I also ended up getting a degree in an English university, opened the opportunity for me to move to my next destination, USA and I made some of my best friends to this day. I would always have gratitude for that country. It gave me so much even when I couldn't speak the language.
Is there anything that you miss from your home country?
I think I miss more the continent, Europe, than specifically Spain. I used to miss lots of Spanish food, nowadays, I'm vegetarian, so I struggle to eat in my country. However, the social aspect of the culture, the history of the architecture, the charm of the cities, and the friendliness of people are something that I missed wherever I went. We, Spanish, can connect with strangers easily and create a deep connection relatively easily, while in English-speaking countries takes a while to build that trust and make good friends.
What attracted you to Australia?
To be honest, I was never attracted to Australia. It wasn't even on my "must-visit countries list". My dream was always to live in California, so I did for a year, but there I met my ex-partner, who is from New Zealand. That's how I ended up on this side of the world. I spent a little while in his country then decided to visit Australia just on holiday as I was already so close to it and I heard good things about the country. That's how the fairy tale started, and I fell madly in love with Australia. The wildlife, the scenery, the quality of life... It's just something I never experienced before and made me apply for a visa to live here a short after. I have been for four years here and can see myself being here until the end of my days, but I will always have the need to Europe from time to time, of course.
Did you find it hard to adapt there?
Not at all. It was the easiest country to adapt to from the five that I have lived in. Also, if you already know the language of the country you are moving to, things become a hell of a lot easier. Finding a job was extremely easy, the pay is very decent no matter what sort of job you do which allows you to live comfortably and don't get me started with the food here, they manage to improve every cuisine around the world. Also, there is so much diversity within the population that somehow, it makes you feel less of an outsider.
Where does your passion for helping expats around the world come from?
I have been always passionate to help people, but when I moved abroad and I started to overcome challenges, I felt the urge to pass on the knowledge of what I was learning, and that's when I started a blog. There, I wrote about living abroad and travel tips, but after some time doing it, I found my true calling, coaching. Since then, I have kept providing free value to expats in my social media channels but also helping them find their purpose and start their business abroad, just like I did it.
What does the life of a Purpose Coach & Expat Mentor in Sydney look like?
I work for myself, so I manage the schedule that serves me best, so I can be full of good energy for my clients. The mornings are for me, so I don't take any calls until 9 am. I watch the sunrise, exercise, and journal every day before getting ready for work, then I start with the creative side of the business, planning content and writing. After that, I usually have some coaching calls, then I take a break for lunch and go to the beach. After lunch, I do the admin work of the business, and often I have more calls in the evening as my European clients start their day. After work, I love going to exercise and dancing classes, read and listen to podcasts, and on the weekends, I am outdoors walking, hiking, running, and exploring the beautiful parks and Sydney has.
Did the pandemic have an impact on your job?
It has impacted me positively. The world is in a transitioning period, and the pandemic has questioned all aspects of our life, which has led many people to make a drastic change and, as a result, hire me to help them.
How's the current situation in Sydney with new lockdown rules and restrictions?
The restrictions are not so bad. We are still allowed to exercise outdoors, which I'm very grateful for, and I do every day, so I honestly don't mind it that much. I do miss dancing and socialising a lot, but I know eventually we will be allowed, so we just need to be patient and follow the rules.
As a expat, what are your views on the way Australia is dealing with the pandemic?
I think Australia is doing a great job. Yes, there are things to improve, but I think closing the borders was a good call, and although I'm "trapped" in the country, I wouldn't like to be trapped anywhere else than in Australia. I hope the situation improves soon so that I can visit my family and friends back in Spain.
Do you have any advice for expats who would like to relocate abroad in the pandemic era?
Tap into your why, research, plan and take action! There are many countries open right now for people looking to relocate, so I would firstly go deeper into your "why" of wanting to relocate. Only then you will know which countries offer you what you want to get out of the experience. Then, you could make a list of the locations that are open, your priorities and non-negotiables and then narrow the list and choose a country and location. Once you have the place you want to go to, you can research the paperwork that you need and create an action plan with a deadline so you can make it happen.
