The moment I decided to leave everything behind

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of traveling the world. After university, I wanted to pack my bags and just go, but it wasn’t financially possible back then. And as the years went by, it never seemed like the right time. There was always something: work, responsibilities, plans, comfort.

But that feeling - the one that kept whispering “go now, or you’ll regret it forever” - only grew stronger. I realized that if I didn’t listen to it soon, I might never do it at all.

Don’t get me wrong, I had a good life in Austria. A loving, supportive family I spent a lot of time with. Friends I care about deeply and know I’ll miss along the way. A stable job that I was good at and even passionate about, despite its ups and downs.

Still, something was missing. My days started to feel like copy-paste versions of each other: wake up, work, go to the gym, see friends or family on the weekend - and repeat. It was comfortable, yes, but I began to feel trapped in that routine. I wanted to shake things up, to step out of my comfort zone, and see what else the world has to offer.

So, one day, I made the decision: I’m going to travel the world for a year.

When I finally told my family, it didn’t come as a complete surprise - I’d dropped little hints over the years. But this time, the decision was real. The plan was set in motion.

And that’s where my new chapter begins.