So all the clothes I own are now packed in a suitcase – I sold the rest! Joining my clothes are a few keepsakes – a rug my mother gave me, my favourite mug and a few mismatched pieces from friends. I have my visa and plane tickets, my assorted lists and an Airbnb booked for my arrival. I think that’s about as organised as I’m going to get!

When it comes to London itself, it’s difficult to know what to expect. I visited once before when I was young, but my memories consist of little more than visiting London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Beyond that, my impression of the city is built from offhand comments from friends and strangers alike. I’ve received many a “you’ll love it” and “it’s very you” which is reassuring. I’m expecting vibrancy and multiculturalism, probably a lot of grey weather and hopefully the opportunity to zip over to Europe every now and then. I think culturally it will be quite similar to Sydney albeit much closer to Europe and with more going on, although no beaches, unfortunately.

I also wonder what it will be work to work in a new country. The language is thankfully the same but I wonder how the work cultures will compare. Is the work ethic is stronger? Is the work culture more formal? Will I notice many differences at all?

I’m most excited to walk around and get a feel for the city when I first touch down. I’m looking forward to exploring different areas and events and planning weekend trips to the country. I’m also hoping to visit my family in Ireland, catch up with friends in Croatia later in the year and maybe spend Christmas somewhere with snow.

My advice for others considering a similar path would be to grab it with both hands and run with it. Throwing yourself in the deep end allows for growth and I believe you should always seek to grow and broaden your world. So establish yourself in a new city, put your head down and work, make the most of the opportunities to travel, maybe even reinvent yourself along the way. The opportunities are endless and the choice is yours.