What is this all About?

From the genesis of this adventure, the intention of the odyssey was mostly about working abroad. The main focus was to learn how to work in a different culture, discover new ways of working, and learn new skills.

While this has happened, it pales in comparison to the personal journey.

Sure, plenty has been discovered about French colleagues and how they like to work. Working in a different area of the accounting field expands your skill set. Meeting new people within your company expands your network.

But the personal side is much greater. Living in a new country presents new challenges. Language, bureaucracy, separation – all obstacles faced. The more you are exposed, the more you can learn and grow.

The persistence of the trial brings the result. You are forced to live within the constraints. You must learn to adapt within them. The experience reorganizes and sharpens your values and desires. You can focus on what you want and to focus inspires passion.

The growth is not instant. It takes many serial days of wondering:

“What the hell did I do?”

There are no regrets. You get something that most do not – either from lack of opportunity or an ample supply of sanity – you get an experience.

And while it may not always feel like the right path, you do get rewarded for taking it.

And so this is remembered as the new chapter unfolds.