"The quickest way to tell my story is 'Oh, I quit my job!' But of course, I didn't just quit like that. There were months of turmoil beforehand, saving, making a plan. There are lots of things that go on in the background to ensure that I could leap and feel comfortable. This meant I could make changes not based on fear."

My guest this week is Career Coach, Lauren Kay. Born and bred in the North of England, she followed her childhood ambitions to become a lawyer. Following some study and a dose of inspiration from Ally McBeal, she wound up in London in her dream job. Fast-forward six years in a corporate legal office with many professional accolades under her belt, she soon found herself feeling empty. The sheen had worn off her shiny London life – and indeed herself. Trapped, overworked and undervalued, she set off on a mission for fulfilment. Cue packing up her London life and setting off an adventure around the world. She peeled away, layer by layer, in search of the most authentic version of herself, which she has found since living a, what she calls, ‘Freedom based lifestyle’ in Bali for the last two years. Committed to helping others do the same, Lauren says her biggest desire is “for all humans to be their happiest and most successful – so that they can shine their brightest in the world.”

I first met Lauren when I was contemplating moving to Bali. I'd seen her Instagram and thought that working on the beach with a coconut in hand looked far preferable than being slouched in an office chair in a gloomy London. After grabbing coffee with her on one of her quick visits home, however, I realised that this idea of the Digital Nomad lifestyle perpetuated by Instagram is dangerous, and often inaccurate. Of course, it's paradise, but it's also life too.

Lauren's decision to quit a career in Law in favour of something more aligned with her values, though, really inspired me. She talks so passionately about this and I love how she is helping others really tap into what they care about. In this episode, we talk all about how she came to the realisation that a career in Law wasn't for her, redefining success in a meaningful way, the realities of the Digital Nomad lifestyle that Instagram doesn't show, the power of intention setting... and much more! 

If you enjoy this episode When I Grow Up, I would LOVE it if you could leave a review or comment… it really helps with getting it out there.

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