Today’s Quarter Life Epiphany Brought to You by Hadas
My name is Hadas Aharon, I’m 24 years old. I’m currently doing my Masters in international relations, while also managing my travel & fashion blog. Originally I’m from Israel but I live in England at the moment. Last year, I have been living in France and traveling around Europe on the weekends and holidays. Becoming an expat was one of the best experiences of my life. As a former fashion writer and a stylist, I opened my blog to provide advices as to how to travel in style.
What advice would you give yourself at 20? And at 25?
I would advise myself at 20-years old to not waste any time and live a happy life doing what I love to do. I’m currently 24 so not quite 25 yet but the advice is basically the same.
What does a quarter life epiphany mean to you?
To me epiphany is a realization that something about your life has to change, and consequently following your desires to achieve your goals.
What was your quarter life epiphany?
My quarter life epiphany was when I realized that there’s a greater world out there, beyond my personal environment and comfort zone. I wanted to experience more, to see more, and to do more.
Where were you when you had your quarter life epiphany?
It was during a summer I spent in Manhattan, New York, while working in Fashion.
What do you think inspired your quarter life epiphany?
It came right after I served my mandatory army service (for the period of two years) when I was 20 years old. My time in the army made me realized that I needed to make up for the lost time, so I packed a suitcase and headed to New York.
How are you different now than before your quarter life epiphany?
I was very close-minded and I would even say ignorant about what life has to offer. One I realized I don’t have to waste I moved to New York for the summer, and continued to make drastic changes in my life every step of the way. Those changes included breaking up with my boyfriend, traveling full time, moving to France, change my career decision etc.
What advice would you give to others who want to make a major change in their life?
Breaking free is challenging and hard but it will make you stronger.
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Moving abroad alone was frightening; I was completely alone and had to make new friends. At the time my English was good but definitely not perfect, it took a lot of speaking in English practice to get to where I am today. As well as when I moved to France and couldn’t speak a word in French. The locals weren’t willing to speak in English and there was a lot of lack of communication. Now I can speak basic French. Of course, there were a lot more challenges that came along with becoming an expat and making unconventional life choices.
What do you wish more people realized?
I wish people will realize that you only live once, so they better make the most out of every day.
What advice would you give to someone having a quarter life crisis?
Don’t be afraid to make a change in your life if you don’t like where it’s heading.
I OCCASIONALLY travel solo, because…
I’m a very social person and always prefer to have people around me.
I get through long flights by…
Listening to my favorite music.
The cause that really gets me riled up is…
Animal abuse. I am an animal lover and a big supporter of animal rights groups.
When traveling, I always miss…
My little dog.
I REALLY want to visit…
Australia & Thailand.
Best travel tip?
Go with the flow and try not to plan every step of your trip because plans always change.
Best packing tip?
Make sure you pack items you can easily mix and match to avoid repeating outfits. Especially, pack a lot of basics.
Worst travel experience? What did you learn?
I flew to Mexico with a friend, however a week later due to our differences we realized it is better for us to travel separately. I found myself alone in a foreign far-away country at the young age of 21. The positive side of it was that it made me come out of my shell and meet a lot of new friends which I’m still in contact with until this day.
Current city versus home city?
Birmingham, England is my current city and Tel Aviv, Israel is my hometown, both are very different. Tel Aviv is a beach city while the weather in England is mostly rainy. I would say that people in Tel Aviv are happier and more friendly. However, I love England as well. My previous city Lille, France is absolutely gorgeous and a must-visit for travelers in France.
Favorite place to live?
New York. I would feel very accomplished if I could handle the city that never sleeps.
Favorite place to visit?
Beach resorts. Rather if it’s Mexico or Greece, I’m obsessed with spending my time in exotic destinations.
How becoming an expat has changed you?
I’ve been blessed to experience things many people haven’t gotten a chance to experience in their lifetime. Moving abroad has opened my eyes to a greater world I never even knew existed. I learned about my new country’s culture, language and traditions.
Visit Hadas and show her some love!
Her blog, Fashion Matters
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
