"Kinda Chic" To Leave The Life Everyone Expected You To Live

You might have you seen that “kinda chic to…” trend that’s been all over Instagram recently.

If you haven’t seen this trend, it’s simply people sharing all the behind-the-scenes moments that went into creating the life they have now. Or maybe even things that aren’t often ‘accepted’ or the ‘norm’.. like “kinda chic to quit your job”, “kinda chic to risk your savings”. Basically reminding people that what looks effortless now usually came from a series of brave, messy, uncomfortable decisions.

I found myself watching the whole thing and thinking… “friggen hell… it actually is kinda chic!”

Not because quitting your job, moving country or doing something completely different is glamorous. Trust me… most of the time it’s the complete opposite.

But because there’s something really cool about seeing someone build a life that genuinely feels like theirs, even if it doesn’t make sense to everyone else.

It actually made me think about my own year.

A few months ago, Tom and I packed up our lives, rented out the house we’d spent years renovating, and left the UK. If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll know the story. (If not, definitely go back and read last week’s post first because it’ll give this one a lot more context.)

What I found interesting wasn’t even our decision itself. It was people’s reaction to it. Some people thought we were brave. Some people thought we were making a huge mistake. Some people quietly admitted they wished they could do something similar.

And honestly… none of those reactions surprised me.

Because whenever someone chooses a path that looks a little different, it almost forces everyone else to think about the path they’re on too.

That’s why I wanted to write this post.

Not to convince you to move abroad. Not to tell you to quit your job. Not to say there’s only one way to live. But because I know there are so many of you reading this who have something sitting in the back of your mind.

Maybe it’s a business you’ve wanted to start. Maybe it’s booking the trip. Maybe it’s changing careers, moving cities or simply saying “yes” to something you’ve been putting off because you’re worried about what everyone else will think.

I thought I’d share the exact questions I ask myself whenever I’m facing a decision that feels exciting… but equally terrifying.

Because these have genuinely helped me separate fear that’s trying to protect me… from fear that’s simply trying to keep me where it’s comfortable.

Today’s paid post is the decision framework I keep coming back to whenever life asks me to take a leap.