Hey guys! Welcome to my first guest post here on AuPair.com. I’m Abbey, a 20-year-old from a small town on the south east coast of Australia. I’m currently living and working as an Au Pair in the beautiful Italian city of Milan. I have been working for a lovely family for almost one year now and it has been the best year of my life so far. 

I left Australia as a timid 19-year-old full of a great fear of the unknown. Fast forward 10 months and I am independent, capable – beyond my wildest dreams and full of love for this amazing lifestyle. I have learnt to speak Italian, travelled extensively across Europe and made friends from all around the world. What a dream life! 

Well, the decision to become an Au Pair was due to what some may call, “a series of unfortunate events”. 

Half way through my final year of school I contracted and was diagnosed with Glandular Fever. If you aren’t familiar with this basically, it’s a virus that attacks your immune system. I mean it really demolishes that system. In my case, it was caused by over- studying, working two jobs and trying to maintain my social life. It left me exhausted and weak. 
 

I was stuck in my bed for nine months because my body was too weak to even walk to the bathroom. I couldn’t eat dinner with my family let alone spend time with friends. It was really horrible. I was studying so hard because I wanted to become a lawyer, I felt that my dreams were now out of reach and that travelling the world would certainly be out of the question. 

I wasn’t going to let that happen! My doctor and I created a game plan. This meant I had to eat certain foods and avoid others, I began light exercises and had to spend x amount of time in the sun. Things were looking good and I was certainly on the road to recovery. However, my body wasn’t quite strong enough to cope with studying. So, I split my final year across two years, I was determined to be accepted to study my dream law degree. 
 

During this period, I had a lot of time to think about my future and what I actually wanted to get out of life. I knew that I wanted to study law however, after this prolonged illness I knew that I wasn’t ready to hit the books again just yet. 

So, I decided that I was going to move to Italy. Why? The Italian food, need I say anymore? 

If I had the strength, then I certainly had the determination and I came to understand that we are given one life here on this earth. If I can wake up every day and get out of bed, I am so grateful for that and I absolutely have to make the most of it. 

At the same time as I recommenced my final year, I began a crazy amount of research. Beginning with a google search of: “How can I move to Italy???”. 

I wrote down exactly what I wanted to get out of moving to Italy: A typical Italian experience, I wanted to make new friends, I had to spend time travelling in other European countries, I needed to eat the best food Italy had to offer, I wanted to learn Italian and I wanted a comfort blanket – after all, I was only 19 and my health was certainly not at 100% yet. 

I decided to become an Au Pair because I really liked the idea of living with a family and in turn, getting a full cultural immersion experience. I knew that by being an Au Pair I would be able to stay in Italy for a longer period of time, I would receive pocket money, I’d be looking after children- something I already enjoyed doing, I’d eat hearty Italian food and have a support network as I began to travel the world solo.
 

I’ve never looked back! It was as simple as creating a profile on AuPair.com, choosing my preferred locations and connecting with families. I had my parents full support throughout the whole process which was really comforting. I was moving to Italy!

 

Apart from the ridiculous screaming, jumping of excitement and hugging my parents, I had to prepare. 

I began by buying my ticket which was when reality hit. Italy here I come…

Not quite, I had to buy travel insurance as well which was just as expensive as my flight but an absolute essential step. I researched a lot about being an Au Pair and what to expect, I didn’t want to find any nasty surprises when I arrived. Finally, I packed all my things and began the much-awaited journey to Italy. 

 

My Advice to you: 

If you are stuck in a situation that maybe beyond your control and are left dreaming of creating a new experience, well becoming an Au Pair is a great place to start. In the end, I was accepted to study law and after the huge toll life took on my health I knew that I needed to take some time out – a gap year and try something different. I have experienced many things during this year and it certainly hasn’t been all highs, but it has been a great way to take a step back and enjoy everything life really has to offer. 

Connect with a family and start creating a life that you always dreamed of, there is no time like the present. 

 

I hope that you will join me on Wednesdays for all my latest posts. Have an amazing week guys! 

Until then, Abbey!