Sarah Harrison

Unsettled destination:
Medellin, Colombia

What do you do for work?
I’ve been working in international development and I’m now transitioning to a new kind of multipotentialite life, which involves teaching English, freelance writing and communication work focusing on the non-profit and social impact fields.

What in your life has changed since living Unsettled?
My Unsettled experience came at a crossroads in my life and gave me the inspiration to continue onto the ‘path less traveled’. I took part in the Medellin retreat in between leaving Guatemala, a place I had called home for a few years and returning home (temporarily) to Australia. It was exactly the environment I needed to give me direction for designing the next chapter of my life. I was determined not to go home and get ‘settled’ – I wanted to design my life with the core values of Unsettled – flexibility, freedom and embracing the unknown. I’m currently recharging in my hometown while actively applying to remote and foreign jobs so I can continue my world journey. It’s a daunting but exciting prospect. I’ve also learned that it’s all about the mindset. I think it’s easy to get swept up with other people’s opinions but if you know what you want and how you want to get there it’s a lot easier to communicate this to others.

What do you value most about the Unsettled community?
I love the fact that you’re surrounded by people with similar values and views about life. In many parts of society it’s easy to feel like the odd one out, the one who is doing things differently but with Unsettled you’re really part of a global movement of like-minded people who are making it the new normal. The more I design my ‘ideal life’ the more I realise that community is what underpins everything. It’s the equivalent of a ‘home’ when you’re on the road and away from family and friends. Unsettled is this on-the-road community whether it’s in-person, virtual or in the memories. I’ve also always loved meeting people from all over the world and bonding with them because of (and sometimes in spite of) cultural differences – it’s what makes the world tick and this is what Unsettled offers – cultural diplomacy at its best.