Why take a working holiday?! Five essential indicators for traveling abroad

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Liao Weiren
 
In recent years, due to the unfavorable economic climate, many young people have been eager to head overseas immediately after graduation, giving rise to a boom in working holiday travel. Whether it's to earn their first bucket of gold, to experience the world more intensely, to escape their current circumstances, or even just to follow the trend—why exactly should one go on a working holiday? Is leaving your comfort zone really better? Here are five essential indicators for venturing out.

1.Before you set off, ask yourself why you’re leaving.
 
Why leave? What is the purpose and meaning of your journey? Before departing, ask yourself: do you want to see landscapes beyond your hometown, to gain a deeper understanding of other parts of the world? Or do you feel Taiwan’s environment isn’t ideal and want to earn money and save your first pot of gold in a higher-paying country? Perhaps you want to face life more authentically, step out of your upbringing, and practice independence outside your comfort zone. Or maybe you’re searching for your true self.
 
Once you’ve set your goals and understand what you want, you won’t wander aimlessly like a headless fly during your journey. You’ll be able to constantly assess whether you’re moving forward on the path you’ve set for yourself, and make adjustments and improvements as you grow.

2.Life is not as easy as you think
 
When you’re alone in a foreign country, in an unfamiliar environment, without family or friends, and lacking the social circles and relationships you’ve built since childhood, you have to start everything from scratch. You’ll realize just how tough life can be. The convenience of Taiwan has spoiled our living habits, but the basics of life—food, clothing, housing, and transportation—are all much harder to come by abroad.
 
There’s a lack of convenient public transportation, no convenience stores on every corner, and finding a place to live can be difficult, not to mention affordable street food around the corner—that’s out of the question. The cost of living in every aspect is higher, and if you’re unwilling to spend money, you’ll have to invest more time or effort.
 
You must be prepared to face problems. Often, it’s the most basic things that get to you. Life abroad is not as easy as you imagine.

3.Back then, I only had bravery left
 
There aren’t many countries safer than Taiwan. Travelers venturing out have to deal with relatively less secure environments compared to what they’re used to. In unfamiliar surroundings, many issues tend to turn out worse than expected—racial discrimination, workplace bullying, personal attacks, and more. There’s often no one around to help or support you, and for the most part, you can only rely on yourself.
 
Language and cultural differences lead to communication barriers. In the workplace, being Asian might mean you’re assigned the tougher jobs because you’re seen as hardworking. When you’re feeling slightly unwell, there’s no one to take care of you, and medical care is extremely expensive. Feelings of loneliness and helplessness naturally arise, but being in a foreign land, you just have to grit your teeth and push through.
 
You must have the courage to face problems. Growth is painful but also beautiful. Even if you have nothing while living abroad, at least you’ll still have bravery.

4.Problems are meant to be solved
 
Abroad, you’ll endlessly encounter problems—issues in daily life, at work, during travel, with people, and so on. It’s unavoidable. So your mindset is crucial. You must believe that every problem that arises is meant to be solved. Take things as they come, don’t panic, and don’t be afraid.
 
You must develop the ability to solve problems, and this comes through hands-on experience. Like leveling up in a game, you accumulate experience by solving problems again and again, and eventually, things will get easier and you’ll become more adept.