As the massive crowds begin to die down and the leaves change color, I feel like Iām back in the authentic Dubrovnik I used to know. Autumn in Croatia means transitioning from the chaos of peak tourism season into the slower paced winter lifestyle. However, for me, the change in seasons has been a brash reminder that I needed to come up with a plan.
Previously on, Dubrovnik Diariesā¦
Last time I opened up about feeling like I was stuck in a rut for several reasons. It hasnāt been easy, but Iāve worked hard at not putting so much pressure on myself, and taking things a day at a time.
I was really hesitant to post something like this. However, I received several e-mails and messages where people expressed they were going through a similar transition, whether at home or abroad. It was extremely rewarding to see the positive feedback this provoked.
Thereās still been some tough days trying to navigate post-grad life PLUS building a new support system for myself, but I finally feel like things are moving. And though itās not perfect, my back is doing a lot better.
Learning to hustle
Iāve always had a strong work ethic, academically and professionally, but always in a structured setting. However, freelancing while applying to jobs and navigating visas/work permits is like working a completely new muscle group. Iāve had to train myself how to hustle.
Throughout October Domeniko and I applied to countless jobs and internships, mainly in Brussels. A lot of these jobs say that Americans are eligible to apply, but when it comes down to it, it seems they really only pick candidates from within the EU states.
I ended up connecting with a start-up in Brussels who wanted to hire me as a communications director. We were literally ready to pick up and move to Brussels, only to be told that they really didnāt think they could swing the time and money spent for me to get a Belgian work permit. This was even more discouraging than not getting a job.
Navigating visas for Croatia and the rest of Europe is a total time consuming mess. The relaxed European mentality can also be seen in some European bureaucracy, especially in Croatia. So sometimes getting a simple, yet important, question answered is impossible. Iāve really had to learn to practice patience, which is never easy for me.
To be honest, it seems a lot of people get jobs through connections in Europe. So I decided to try to build my professional network a bit more, while building up my freelancing portfolio.
One of the connections I made was Mark Thomas, the āEnglishman in Dubrovnikā and founder of The Dubrovnik Times. Iām excited to announce that I will be writing a column for the Dubrovnik Times! Iāll be writing about my experiences living in Croatia as an American, and my first post is set to be published next week. I was told to be prepared to make fun of myself and wear my heart on my sleeve, (you will find the stories posted on my Facebook page).
Enjoying the little things along the way
You donāt see that all the hustle and struggle on social media as much as you see all the adventures, yet both are important to the developing story.
Iāve continued to make an effort to establish myself socially here. I started to bond more with Domenikoās friends, so it feels more like theyāre my friends as well. Iāve also made an effort to make my own connections. A few people have even reached out to me through my blog (some other Americans living in Croatia). Thatās been super refreshing for me to confide in someone that understands both worlds. I continue to make connections with locals, who always ask me āare you surviving?ā
Living in Croatia has really taught me how to take things one day at a time, and make room for the little adventures and victories. We decided to do the Dubrovnik City Walls again before it gets too cold. Most locals have never even walked them, and it was only Domenikoās second time. Itās still a stunning reminder of how remarkable Dubrovnik is.
We also took two trips to Peljesac peninsula, the most underrated part of Croatia in my opinion. Youāll find the freshest oysters for less than a dollar each, authentic Croatian wineries, and endless seaside views. Plus, we also visited the Great Wall of Ston, the second largest wall in the world next to the Great Wall of China!
I’ve also been doing yoga daily, which has helped a lot with my back.
Since tourists are no longer staying in the extra apartments, Domeniko and I were able to move out of the main house into an empty one. Itās been nice having our own space, and it seemed to inspire us to cook more. Weāve made almond milk from homegrown almonds, crepes, and a lot of smoothies. Buying a spiralizer was one of the best decisions Iāve ever made. Weāve made a ton of cool recipes with zucchini and carrot noodles.
We even carved pumpkins for Halloween, and it was Domenikoās first time. Iāll never forget the childish grin on his face as he squished the pumpkin guts with his hands. No one really celebrates Halloween here. His dad apparently thought our pumpkins were scary, and I was apprehensive that the neighbors would think we worshiped the devil. The power of the Catholic Church in Croatia, I tell ya.
Piecing together a plan
Thereās been so many days that Iāve felt like Iām going in circles with no sense of direction, craving a plan. I finally came to the conclusion of both a long-term and short-term plan for myself.
A lot of my readers think Iāve moved to Croatia for good, but coming here for summer/fall was always a temporary plan before I get something else. Iāve actually stayed here longer than I initially intended. After putting together all the pieces, I have until the end of 2016 before I need to leave Croatia. From there, our plan is to leave and go elsewhere in Europe. I will reveal more once that plan unfolds. Not wanting to jinx myself like I did with Brussels.
The long-term plan is that Iād really like to go back to grad school, so Iām thinking grad school in Europe next fall. Iāve looked into a few different schools for masters in sustainable business or international relations.
I do miss home, family and friends, so I keep going back and forth whether or not I want to come home for the holidays. Every time I come closer to a decision, another factor comes in that complicates the equation. A lot of it depends on my how my back is doing, because if it gets worse, I need to go home for a bit. The last piece of the puzzle will be deciding to go home for the holidays or to stay here. I’m giving things a few more days to unfold.
Iām a planner, and I have been my entire life. I probably always will be. When I was little my family even called me the ālittle generalā because of this. But if thereās one thing that Croatia has taught me, itās that you need to be flexible and patient. And sometimes in life itās okay to not always have a plan.
Loved this article and a photo of the boy. Wishing you the best from MN.
Thank you so much Rebecca! š
Ok so much to comment on but I’ll try not to write you an essay. Congrats on new opps! I feel you; the hustle can be intense sometimes!! We are in love with our spiralizer! You make your own almond milk?! So cool! Loving your updates!
Thank you Lena that means so much! The hustle is intense but is pays off when there’s awesome opportunities. Yes the spiralizer is life! And his family has an almond tree so we found a way to make almond milk easily! š
You look like you’re having such a good time! I visited Croatia a few years ago, but never heard about the Peljesac peninsula. It looks incredible, I’m sad I missed it! Guess I need to go back…
Congrats! I absolutely adore Dubrovnik, it’s totally a mermaid’s paradise!
I agree! Thank you so much Lauren š
Very inspiring. I too am finding the meaning of hustle. Dubrovnik looks so gorgeous and I can’t wait to visit myself.
Let me know if you need any recommendations when you visit! Thanks for reading Amanda!
Your photos are amazing. Can’t wait to visit next spring š Good luck figuring out your next move!
Thank you so much for your words! Let me know if you need any recommendations!
Congratulations on the new article! That is amazing news! Enjoy your time there – I’m looking forward to hearing what happens next!
Thank you so much Miss Map!
I’m a bit of a planner too, but sometimes the answers just unfold in front of you without having to over-think the next move. I hope you discover something amazing just around the corner! Your pics of Dubrovnik are absolutely stunning.
Great Advice Ali! I’m glad to know I’m not alone š <3
Such a lovely place. I saw glimpse’s of dubrovnik in a Bolly wood movie recently. Congratulations on your new “job”. Good luck!
Thank you so much Hridya!
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