PERSONAL Stuff
A bit about me.
Well hi!
Thanks for visiting my corner of the internet.
My Mission
To help you build a life abroad that you’re proud of.
Why survive when you can thrive?
I’m Tara
All around people person, Mum abroad, Social Worker, elder emo and someone who secretly (but not so secretly) loves paperwork.
Really. Cracking the code to confusing systems? It’s the best.
What I like even better is sharing my discoveries, tricks and tips with my besties. Everything from strategies to surviving the first year abroad to getting your qualifications abroad recognised – I’ve got the code filed away just for you.
My Story
After four years in Germany, I’ve learnt a lot!
Working as a social worker equipped me to manage challenges in life, but nothing prepared me for the feeling of my life being tipped upside down and violently shaken about in my first year as a Mom abroad.
Maybe you’ve felt the same way?
Making friendships / Maintaining your relationship / Supporting kids through the changes / Navigating new systems / Figuring out homesickness / Language learning.
Oof. I’m getting anxious just thinking back on it!
So how did I get here?
2016
Graduated as a Social Worker and immediately started working with children and families (and on the side I worked at one of Melbourne’s biggest music venues just for kicks).
2017
Ding dong, wedding bells. Ok, there weren’t actually any real bells, but a wedding was had and I was officially Mrs. German.
2019
Two became three and we got serious about planning our “test drive” of life in Germany.
2020
Our family of three finally moved to Dresden, Germany.
You might remember that year was somewhat unusual . . . needless to say, we experienced a bumpy start to our new life!
Nonetheless. Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans, right?
2021
Learnt German. Taught English. Cried, a lot. Travelled Eastern Europe.
2022
Learnt more German. Started managing bureaucracy here on my own. Welcomed our second baby into the family.
2023
Travelled home to Australia and roadtripped the Balkan Peninsula. Started this website. Rediscovered my knack for codebreaking systems.
2024
Conquered most of the major bureaucratic systems in Germany. Started working as a Social Worker again in German! Dedicated myself to supporting other families abroad or thinking about moving to Germany to build their own thriving lives that they’re proud of.
I believe that we should do things that scare us.
But I also believe that we should thoroughly research those things and have an escape plan.
Consider me your research and escape plan girl.
Is living abroad for me?
Living abroad is not for everyone.
But if you’re up for the challenge, I’m up to the job of giving you the keys to those challenge boxes dead ahead.
How hard is living abroad?
You can thrive here!
But it isn’t as sexy as Instagram makes it. You just need the right tools in your toolbox to get it right.
Where do I even start?
We’ll map out your next steps together.
And if Germany’s on your destination list, I’ll even share some of those codes to the German bureaucratic systems.