There were two distinct moments when my mind was made up. The first was during a languid time spent walking along Manly beach in Sydney, looking down at my feet as the warm water rolled in and sucked out again. Watching my prints scrubbed free from the sand. I knew then.
Although in all truth I didn’t need much more convincing, I also remember being on the beach at Port Willunga just south of Adelaide. The sun seemed to be lingering on the Southern Ocean horizon, as it dipped and I watched the only surfer for miles, I clearly remember thinking that Australia was going to play a part in my future.
I have been lucky enough to travel back to Australia a handful of times over the last few years with Ewan for our NoTosh work. The trips have always been a great deal of fun and filled with laughter. We have worked in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Great memories.
And yet I still always remember those moments on the beaches of Sydney and Adelaide – all in all it is an easy decision.
On January 3rd we fly out of the UK to start a new chapter in our life in Melbourne. I would not be telling the truth if I didn’t say I was nervous and slightly anxious about it all. But I am also really excited, open minded and completely committed to what comes next for my family and for NoTosh.
No doubt we could have convinced ourselves it was not the right time, or that we will leave it a few years. But sometimes you just have to get on with it and step away from those who just say “wouldn’t it be nice if…”
I am looking forward to feeling the sand between my toes again.
Traveling to Australia is a great fun with great laughter and memories especially notosh work. The writer Tom Barrett , speaker and consultant is sharing his thoughts on teaching, learning curiosity, creativity and mindset on this blog.
Hi Tom. I remember meeting you in Glenelg, in Adelaide, several years ago and talking to you then about you moving over here. Like you, I felt that it would happen one day and that day has come. I’m sure you will make this a wonderful experience for NoTosh and your family. Shame it wasn’t Adelaide 😉 I’ll think of you next time I’m strolling on Port Willunga beach – it’s like a little bit of heaven on earth!
Welcome to Melbourne! it is an amazing city, always lots to do and see, as an expat Brit myself I can say that this is a great place to teach and live.
Welcome to Melbourne. Great city to live in 🙂
I left the UK over 20 years ago and have lived and worked in 6 other countries. I don’t regret a single day of it! This will be an amazing experience for you and your family and I wish you all the best.
Good luck Tom. Bon voyage.
Great to have you in Australia. +1 for Aus 😉
Congratulations. All the best to you and your family, Tom.
Looking forward to having you in OZ and working with you “mate”!!!!.
What a journey lies ahead for you and your family Tom. I wish you all the very best for the future and I’ll look forward to reading about it.