Make That Change

It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Your Life

As another year winds down, many of us begin reflecting on life. We make New Year’s resolutions, setting goals for career advancement or planning that dream holiday.

But a couple of years ago, as winter settled in, something changed for me. Instead of setting the usual resolutions, I found myself seriously questioning my life direction. I was ready for a true, lasting change.

As Michael Jackson once sang: “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways…”

After more than 20 years in the business world—including over a decade at one company—I finally secured what I believed was a dream job. I poured myself into it, feeling this was where I could make a difference. But things didn’t work out as planned, leaving me disappointed and questioning what I really wanted from my career. Around the same time, a significant relationship I had been in for over a year ended, and with it, two of my life's key foundations came undone.

While searching for a new job back in the UK, I knew that I needed something different. The thought of another desk job in a grey office, coupled with the damp British winter, filled me with dread. I had struggled with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) each winter, and it seemed to get worse each year, with no escape in sight. I knew I needed a real lifestyle change—one that involved sunlight, a warmer climate, and, above all, freedom.

I started considering the things that truly made me happy. I’d always loved to travel, and I dreamed of a life where work didn’t mean sacrificing freedom.

This led me to research teaching English as a second language (ESL), a path that would give me the flexibility to live abroad. Soon, I was looking at TEFL courses, which offered a way to work internationally while connecting with people from different cultures.

Cambodia felt like a promising place to begin, and within a few months, I was on a flight to Southeast Asia, ready for a new chapter.

The TEFL course was both challenging and energising. I was drawn to the idea of helping others learn English while immersing myself in new cultures. After completing the course, I started teaching in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital.

A year later, I moved to Vietnam, where I now teach English online. I am surrounded by beautiful landscapes and endless opportunities to explore. And the best part? I wake up to sunshine year-round—a far cry from the dark UK winters that used to weigh me down.

Looking back on my career change, I can say without a doubt that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

This new life isn’t just about teaching English; it’s about embracing freedom, finding fulfilment, and following a path that aligns with my values. Teaching has become much more than a job—it’s a way to share knowledge, connect with people from around the world, and continue learning every day.

As we approach the end of another year, I encourage anyone feeling uninspired or restless to take a moment to think about what really matters. Sometimes, “making that change” is not about setting yet another New Year’s resolution but daring to create a life that reflects your deepest passions and goals. If I hadn’t taken that leap, I might still be in the same place, facing another cold winter, wondering “what if.”

Henry Ford said it best: “If you always do what you’ve done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”

So as the new year approaches, remember life’s too short to spend it feeling stuck. Whatever changes you might be considering, trust that it’s never too late to make them.