One of the questions that people want to ask but for some reason are often afraid to is why I moved out of Poland, and now I’m living in a different country. Usually, the expectation is that money is / was the main reason for living in a different country. However, that’s not my case, so here’s a little story.
Testing the waters
Somehow, I had always known that I would live somewhere else than the country I was born in. It became even more alluring when I studied in Belgium. Being among international students in a country that I knew little about but was keen to explore was one of the best feelings in the world. I quite often say that my scholarship months in Leuven, Belgium were officially the best months of my life.
When I came back to Poland to finish my studies, I was hooked. Though back then the mere thought of living anywhere else was a fantasy. I’m not expecting everyone to understand it. This is something that only those who have been a subject to such a control and limitations that the Polish people used to have will relate to. The lack of freedom of movement was horrible, harming, degrading. Imagine that in order for you to set a foot in a different country you not only had to have lots of money, but also have been given the permission to travel – so to actually be issued a passport. Sure thing, things got more and more relaxed as Poland became more and more independent and involved in European matters.
“Always reach further. Always”
I had an incredible teacher at University who would push me way past my comfort zone. One of the things that he kept encouraging me and others to do was to apply for a course at a University in a different country.
And that’s what I did – I applied for an IT course at Wolverhampton University. Believe it or not, I got accepted! However, because this was before Poland joined the EU, the price and costs of these studies were beyond my reach.
I did however ask Wolverhampton University if they would be willing to wait a year for me – till 2004. Poland was due to become a member of the EU and so all the fees would be significantly lower (one of the perks of being in the Union). Amazingly, the University agreed to that.
“And don’t let anything stop you”
While I was getting excited about studying at Wolverhampton University, I was working as a teacher. Those who know me know that I brand the three years of this job as the worst years of my life. But it was a stable employment, can’t deny that. I also gave lots of private lessons, which basically meant I had more money than I needed and no time to spend it – because I worked 7 days a week.
When the next letter from England arrived, I couldn’t contain my thrill before opening it. I had already given my notice at school, everything was about me moving to study in Wolverhampton.
It was crushed with one look at the fees – they had gone up and even though Poland was a EU country then, there was no way I could afford the course I applied for.
This was heartbreaking. It looked like all the plans and dreams were shattered. I remember sitting on the balcony of my parents’ flat thinking I couldn’t possibly go back to teaching. This would be the worst option. What should I do?
“Have you seen the job advert in the paper?”
It was my mother who noticed an advert in the newspaper regarding jobs in England. I’m sure she kicked herself for bringing it to my attention many times since then.
The job advert was for carers – a role that didn’t really exist in Poland back then. The requirements were clear: fluent English and experience in being a carer. I met the first one, couldn’t have possibly ever met the second requirement. But still, I went for the interview.
Despite having no experience in looking after people with special needs, the recruitment company invited me for the second interview.
And this interview changed my life forever.
New beginnings
I got offered a job of a carer at an Epilepsy Centre in Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, England. I remember walking around Gdansk (Poland), where the second interview took place, thinking this was the opportunity of a lifetime.
The question was: could I handle living in a different country?
Never mind my Masters degree, my incredible education, my life in Poland. I just knew that if I said No to this offer… There simply was no other option but to say Yes then.
So here I am – in UK, an owner of my company and a proud citizen of the world. 15 years after saying “Yes” to something equally petrifying and exhilarating. I never intended to stay in the Epilepsy Centre for ever, and I left after 2.5 years. But without that job, which was equally rewarding and gruesome (e.g. I got punched in my chest by one of the residents), God knows what my life would be like right now 🙂
And come to think of it: if the job advert had been for any other country, I would be writing this from any different corner of the world 🙂
So let me tell you more about my adventures – nice and not so much – while living broad. Are you ready?
PS. If you are also living in a different country, I’d love to hear from you about your experience! 🙂