From Barista to Backpacker: 21-Year-Old Trades U.S. Life for Adventure in Australia
Bella Robben, at 21 years old, was living the typical life of a young adult in St. Louis, Missouri. She juggled two jobs, a barista and a waitress, saving every penny to fuel her passion for travel. But the yearning to explore the world wasn’t just a fleeting desire for Robben. It was a deep-seated ambition that eventually led her to make a bold decision: trade life in the U.S. for an adventure Down Under.
Key Takeaways:
- Robben embraced Australia’s Working Holiday Visa, a program allowing young adults from around the world to live and work in the country for up to 12 months.
- She navigated the initial challenges of finding housing and employment in a new country, showcasing the adaptability and resilience needed for a successful transition.
- Robben’s story highlights the opportunity for financial independence and personal growth that Australia’s Working Holiday Visa provides, a stark contrast to the career-focused pressure she felt back home.
A Year of Transformation
Robben’s journey began in May 2023 with a backpacking trip through Peru and Colombia, followed by stints in Barcelona, London, and Lisbon. Yet it was in September 2023 that her life took a dramatic turn. A trip sponsored by Australia’s Northern Territory Tourism Board evolved into a significant life decision.
"I didn’t leave knowing that I was going to move to Australia, and now I don’t necessarily want to go back because I do like my life more outside of the U.S. than in it," Robben shared with CNBC Make It.
Navigating the Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa offered a unique opportunity for Robben to explore Australia while contributing to the local economy. This visa, open to individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 from certain countries), allows for an extended stay with the ability to work in various jobs to fund the adventure.
Robben’s initial plan was a week-long trip to Australia’s Northern Territory. However, a last-minute decision to apply for the Working Holiday Visa changed everything.
"If I got a visa, then I would be able to stay for a long time, make money, and go backpacking in the South of the country," she explains.
Within days, Robben received approval, setting the stage for a year of life-altering experiences.
Finding Home in a New Land
From hostels to a shared apartment above a nightclub in Melbourne, Robben’s initial months in Australia were a blend of exploration and adjustment.
"It was the greatest apartment known to man," Robben describes her first Melbourne home.
A waitress job in a small café helped her support herself as she explored the city.
After seven months, Robben and a roommate embarked on another journey, driving north to Port Douglas, a seaside town in Queensland. It was here that Robben secured a job as a hotel receptionist, which offered a significant perk: affordable accommodations on the property.
The allure of Far North Queensland
Robben’s life in Far North Queensland is a far cry from the busy life she left behind in St. Louis.
"It’s genuinely wild to think it’s been a whole year," Robben reflects. "Now, I can’t believe I ever thought that."
Her days are filled with morning walks on the beach, social media management, and enjoying the slower pace of life.
"I didn’t ever really think that I would stay for this long, and now I’ve found such good friends, the money is pretty good, and it’s comfortable living here," Robben shares.
The abundance of nature and the sense of community have deeply resonated with her.
Financial Independence and Personal Growth
Australia’s Working Holiday Visa has provided Robben with a level of financial stability and independence she didn’t expect.
"In Australia, I am able to earn enough to have a life and to save. It’s the opposite of what I think things would be like if I were back home in America," she says.
Living in a new country has also pushed Robben to grow personally: "I really have to rely on myself and trust that I know what to do," Robben notes.
A Future Filled With Possibilities
Robben is approaching the end of her first Working Holiday Visa and is ready for her next adventure, backpacking through Southeast Asia. She’s considering applying for a second Working Holiday Visa in Australia, but not immediately.
"I’m kind of keeping that option in my back pocket for when I run out of money and need to come back and work," she shares.
Robben’s story is a compelling reminder that the path less traveled often leads to unexpected discoveries. It’s a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities, taking a leap of faith, and exploring the world beyond our comfort zones.
