Back in late June, it was announced to me that I’d be losing my job at the art gallery because said art gallery would be closing its doors. This was both terrifying and a great relief. Losing your job is never good news, especially when you’re living in a foreign country. However, the job’s challenges and learning opportunities had dwindled some time ago, which, in turn, lost my interest, causing me to start considering a career change (writing, in some form or another). With the end of a job that I was no longer happy at in sight, it seemed like exactly the push required to set me off on a more fulfilling path, and for that I was very thankful. 

I was to be employed into September, and as summer plodded along towards the light at the end of the employment tunnel without a replacement job in sight, I approached my impending unemployment with both trepidation and unbridled glee. More than anything, I was scared of unemployment being boring; I feared it would drive me utterly mad. But – I was also really looking forward to giving up the responsibility that comes with a job, and just unwinding.

When unemployment came, it ended up being an absolute treat. I wasn’t nearly as bored as I feared I’d be! I could get so much stuff done! Sure maintenance guys, I’m home ALL DAY so you can drop by and fix the aircon whenever you like! Be four hours late, like you usually are, I don’t care! Grocery shopping was no longer a post-work chore; I had ample time to shop without it eating up precious personal time! I’m going to get fit! Jogging in the morning and cycling in the late afternoon had me starting to feel pretty good about myself! What delicious, healthy lunches I had time to prepare every day! And books! I can finally read you – poolside, no less!

Maaaaaaaaaan, I was getting used to this unemployed gig. In fact, why would I ever go back to work? This was good times. Oh…shit, that’s right. Life comes with (ugh, financial) responsibilities. Damn it. Where’s my Greek shipping heir husband? I’m ready for my villa in the Cyclades now, thank you very much.

Ah, that pesky job, it just had to be found somewhere. But what to do? I really did not want to start my way down the path of another unsatisfying career. I toyed with copywriting, but in the end I could not ignore the siren’s call from the soon-to-launch Condé Nast Traveller Middle East magazine.

A travel writing gig. Condé Nast. Traveller. Writing is awesome. Travel is my life’s passion. Hey, may as well try to make a career out of it. Slight problem. I can’t just roll up to Condé Nast and be like, hey there, I have a blog I write in every now and then, it would be your great honor to hire me. But I could get an editorial internship. And so, in the interest of trying to chase what I basically see as a dream job, that’s exactly what I did.

I figure, worst case scenario it will be a decent learning experience. So, it’s been just over a week now, and I’m enjoying it. I’ll just have to wait and see where it takes me.

And after just seven days of work I’m looking forward to the 5-day holiday weekend for Eid starting this Tuesday. Five days hearkening back to the good ol’ days of poolside unemployment.