Twenty years ago, I made a decision—
I was going to live life on my own terms.
I knew the typical 9–5, year-round grind wasn’t for me.
My core values have always been rooted in freedom and travel. I loved visiting new places, living abroad, immersing myself in new cultures, and feeling unrestricted.
It was on a return flight from Australia that I decided:
“This is the life I want to live.”
The Power of a Bold Ask
Back home, I picked up some temp work to save for my next adventure. While on assignment, I struck up a conversation with the company director. Once he learned I had a background as a BBC broadcast journalist, he couldn’t understand why I was temping.
I told him I was saving to travel again—and that’s when he offered me a Project Manager role.
I was hesitant. I didn’t want to get tied down.
So I took a chance and said no.
Instead of shutting the door, he asked me:
“What would it take for you to stay?”
I threw out what I thought were outrageous terms:
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Double the money
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Four-day workweek with five-day pay
To my shock, he said yes.
So I stayed—and that one decision changed everything.
Living by Design, Not by Default
That role lasted nine months, and it laid the foundation for the next ten years of my life. I worked as a contractor, managing projects just a few months per year—spending London summers at work, then chasing the sun abroad during the winters.
I built a lifestyle that aligned with who I am.
>I wasn’t waiting for someday.
>I created it in my twenties.
Today, I still live by intentional design.
I run a global coaching practice with clients across the USA, UK, Australia, and beyond.
I spend summers in Europe and winters in Asia.
This year alone I’ve already travelled to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Italy, the USA, Greece, and the UK.
This Isn’t Luck—It’s Choice
I’m not sharing this to impress you.
I’m sharing it to inspire you.
People often say, “You’re so lucky to live like that.”
But it’s not luck—it’s clarity, intention, and choice.
Every step of the way, I made decisions that aligned with my values.
And you can too.
You don’t need permission.
You just need vision and the courage to act on it.
And Yes—Even With Kids
Before you say, “But I have kids…”—let me stop you.
My oldest, dearest friend travels the world with her family, living where they choose, when they choose—with two kids, aged 9 and 15.
So yes, it’s possible.
What Do You Want Your Life to Look Like?
If your values are built around security, then this path may not be for you.
But if your soul craves freedom, flexibility, adventure, and self-direction, you CAN create a life that reflects that.
Start by getting crystal clear on what that life looks like for you.
Then take aligned action toward it.
If you’re not living your best life and want to explore how coaching can help you get there—contact me.
The world really is your oyster.
But only if you let it be.
Ani x