Now what?

(~ 3 minute read.)

Emma Youngman, a 27-year-old Compliance Manager based in NSW, Australia, holds a Bachelor in Global Studies and is currently pursuing a Master in Ethics and Legal Studies.

When not navigating professional standards, she can be found with a pair of skis on, patting any dog in her vicinity, or buying another plane ticket.

Today, Emma is our guest blogger and shares her stories of tremendous courage with us. In her words …

“Now what?”, I asked myself. I thought I knew what was next, I had always known what was next.

Gap year? I knew at 16 I would spend that time being a ski instructor in Canada.

University degree? I knew at 18 I wanted to help protect people’s human rights, so I did a Bachelor of Global Studies.

University holidays? I knew at 19 I would move to Japan for 4 months and return to ski instructing.

The final year of university? I knew at 23 I would do an exchange program in London to scratch those darn itchy feet.

First job? I knew I would graduate and continue working at the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) in data administration, and be mentored by incredible, powerhouse women in the workforce.

I made my way up to being a Compliance Manager at APSCA and in my spare time began a Master’s Degree in Ethics and Legal Studies, lived in the city with my partner, and travelled when I could.

At the beginning of 2023, I found myself single, back in the suburbs and living with my parents, two hours away from my closest friends, in the town I grew up.

“Now what?” …

I spent two months in sheer panic. Should I start saving all my money, to buy a little flat? Should I move back to the city with my friends? Should I move to the countryside and get a dog? It was the first time, that I didn’t know what was next. The impact of the decisions I was facing felt enormous. I needed to make the right move.

Spoiler: I bought another plane ticket.

I called my friend living in England and by the end of the call, I had unhooked my laptop from my two monitors, packed a bag and I was off. I spent the next six months, in Europe, Canada, and the US. I worked remotely, albeit closer to my boss who lives in the US, working harder than I have ever worked, and with even more responsibility. But, in my spare time, I strolled through the countryside of England, floated around Italy, walked the canals of Amsterdam, jogged on beaches in Albania, shopped in Paris, drank cocktails in Spain, and lit campfires by rivers, looking over the mountains in Canada.

With some restructuring going on at work, I got a call from my CEO. “I need you to take over planning APSCA’s Annual Meeting at Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta, in a month”, she said. “Sure,” I replied. To set the scene, I work in Ethics and Compliance, and I can barely plan a birthday party. However, I am not one to say no to learning new skills. At the time, I would not have said this was particularly courageous. I would have said my CEO was courageous to put me in charge.

“Sure,” I replied.

I picked up organizing panelists, sound, visuals, catering, hotels, agendas, all the way down to linens on the table. I created lists for photographers, and agendas for our team, and requested templates for social media posts. I had an amazing team who worked alongside me, taking my ideas, and making them better. I was leading and being led. What I didn’t know, I asked and what I did know, I worked hard to produce.

When the event finished (successfully), I was on a plane journey home, back to my parents, to the suburbs of my hometown. I have never felt prouder of myself, for what I had achieved that year.

Although I haven’t followed what is perhaps a traditional path in my twenties, it has not been a reckless path either. There will be time for me to move back to the city with my friends, buy an apartment, move to the countryside, or start a family. Yes, it takes courage to get on the plane or say yes to taking on a new challenge at work. However, the most courageous thing I did, was to throw out the five-year plan, pivot in turmoil, and live unconventionally for a little while.

Gone is the phrase, “Now what?” Instead, “what’s next?”, is attempting to unlock the endless possibilities my little life can offer.

I have never felt prouder of myself, for what I had achieved that year.

“What’s next?”

As I read Emma’s blog the first time, I smiled, my heart filled and I shed a tear because I felt so honoured and humbled that she shared her story with me.

I hear her voice in every word; see her mischievous smile as she recounts it. Her energy is infectious; her courage is inspiring; her voice is strong.

I continue to re-read Emma’s blog because I know I will smile even more broadly and feel more inspired by her enthusiasm for life and all its possibilities.

Most recently, Emma has inspired me as she continues to work remotely from the other side of the world … bringing her mum (who I am blessed to have in my life), her mum’s bestie (who I am also blessed to have in my life) and a friend, to work remotely and play together … creating memories, beauty and courage together.

Emma, thank you for sharing your story with me, and with all of us reading.

If you would like to connect with Emma, you can do so via: