On the Road and Back Again: What Our Big Lap Taught Me
Since we returned from our ‘big lap’ around Australia, I’ve been sitting with everything the trip taught me. Travelling for such an extended period—in a caravan, with two adults, a toddler, a dog, and working on the road—changes you in ways you don’t fully realise until you’re back in familiar surroundings. I wanted to share some reflections that have stayed with me since coming home.
Go Out and Give Your Dreams a Try (Push Through That Fear)
Before we set off, there were a million reasons not to go—the logistics, the money, the "what ifs." It would have been easy to stay put. But stepping into the unknown reminded me that growth happens when we take risks.
When we started telling others our plans, so many people said, “Oh, I wish I did that when our kids were young,” or “I dream of doing that one day.” It made me realise how many people never take the leap—or wait too long until it’s no longer possible.
If there’s something you’ve been dreaming about, take that first step. It won’t all go perfectly, but that’s part of the adventure.
You Have More Skills Than You Think
There’s nothing like travelling to remind you of just how capable you are. Whether it was navigating rough roads (some very rough), fixing things on the go, adapting to unexpected challenges, or being with a toddler 24/7, I realised we all have more resourcefulness than we give ourselves credit for. The skills we develop—through work, parenting, life—are adaptable.
Your skills are transferable, not just in your career but in every part of life.
Being in the Present Moment is a Practice
Out on the road, time feels different. There were slow mornings, fewer distractions, and no pressure to keep up with the "rat race" at home. But even then, I sometimes found myself thinking ahead or worrying.
Over the years, I’ve realised that being present isn’t something that just happens—it’s a practice. I used travel to be intentional about it: watching the sunrise over a quiet beach, sitting by a campfire, spending time with my daughter without a to-do list running in the back of my mind.
No matter where you are, our minds are trained to race ahead. Practice being in the present—it’s sooo important.
Don’t Run Away from Things—Most Problems Follow You
It’s easy to think that making a big change—travel, a new job, moving cities—will make everything better. But the reality is, you can’t outrun the things you need to deal with. Stress, self-doubt, and unresolved emotions don’t disappear just because the scenery changes.
That said, stepping away from routine can give you clarity. Being outside of the usual distractions helped me process things in a way I might not have otherwise.
But don’t expect a big change to "fix" everything. Do the work now.
Your Career Doesn’t Have to Look a Certain Way—Be Creative
Working on the road was so cool! Sometimes it was messy (literally and metaphorically), but my supervisees were invested in our journey—asking where we were, what I had been doing. Meeting up with some along the way made it even more special. Being able to say, “Oh yes, I’ve been there! I loved XYZ about your hometown,” created a different kind of connection.
The world is changing. We have more flexibility, technology supports us, and people appreciate seeing different ways of working. I believe that for the sake of the people we serve, we should be open to new ways of working. My way won’t be for everyone—and I’m okay with that!
Think differently about your career. Is there space to shape it in a way that better suits your life?
Coming back home has been its own kind of transition. Some days, I miss the travel. Other days, I enjoy the routine. But I’ve already got my next set of goals to work towards.
Take that big (or small) scary step- whether it’s travel, a career shift, or something entirely different—I hope this serves as a reminder: go for it.
Want support in making these ideas work for your own life? Check out my available services to see what’s right for you.