Ep 34 - A class of one - the realities of solo migration

Imagine stepping off a plane into a new country right as the world is emerging from global lockdowns. You’re alone, you’re lost, and within your first 48 hours, things go completely off the rails—and you have absolutely no idea who or where to ask for help.In this episode, Anna and Razel sit down with Osep Estrada, who shares his raw, hilarious, and deeply moving experience of migrating to Australia solo in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19. Osep takes us back to those chaotic first two days in Adelaide South Australia, where a stressful series of mishaps led him to an unlikely saviour at a CBD Information Centre.But survival was just step one. Osep opens up about what comes after the initial landing:The roommate reality: The learning curves of navigating shared housing and living with flatmates.Stitching pieces together - his version of "adobo" yarn : How reclaiming his old hobbies of knitting and crochet, and cooking Filipino dishes he missed from back home, has become a vital anchor for his mental health and comfort.The ultimate career pivot: Trading in his old life as a landscape architect to find his footing in the hospitality industry that is the absolute polar opposite.Whether you’re a migrant who remembers the exact weight of your own first suitcase, or you're currently trying to reinvent yourself in a new city, Osep’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes being completely lost is exactly how you find your people—and yourself.We all have different migration journeys, but being solo is a whole other adventure. Which part of Osep's story resonates with you? Subscribe, listen and engage with us. Disclaimer: This episode features the personal story and lived experiences of our guest. It does not constitute professional career, legal, or migration advice. For specific guidance on migrating to Australia, always check official government resources.Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, meno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down UnderFollow Razel on Instagram In Season TodayMusic: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay