Three months into my working holiday and I’m starting to realise that it’s not completely what I pictured it to be.

There are days where I can’t believe waking up in the middle of the Rocky Mountains in Canada. It’s unreal. But then my alarm goes off, it’s 6am and reality sets in: another work day.

Here are some things I wished I knew before I left.

#1 You Will Be Working Hard

Being able to live overseas definitely comes with a cost, and working a full-time job sometimes isn’t enough — especially if you want to travel the country.

You have to be willing to pick up double shifts or work two jobs to get those extra funds. It’s not completely horrible — especially when you’re working with your friends and in a good environment — but you’ll be looking forward to that day off, that’s for sure.

#2 Living Paycheque To Paycheque

Moving to another country to work seasonal jobs means minimum wage. It definitely comes down to what field of work you’re in but if you’re somewhere like Canada, you’re working seasonal jobs and relying on tips.

You’re still living an ordinary life — phone bills, rent, food and travel costs never leave you!

#3 It’s Like University All Over Again

Living in staff housing takes me back to university days where you have to share a bedroom or unit with one (or five) people. That means fighting for space in the cupboard to put your noodles or canned food, trying to organise communal toilet paper (and getting angry if no one buys it) and feeling accomplished when you finally get to use the washing machine that’s never available.

If that doesn’t sound too bad to you then you’ll be in your element. But it does get rough after a night out when you meet that one special somebody and you realise that you have to take him or her back to your single bed at an arm’s length away from your roomie. Not cute.

#4 There’ll Be So Many Australians

Leaving Australia brings the exciting possibility to experience another culture and meet new people. Until you realise there are more Australians working with you than Canadians. This is generally a bad thing because while you do get to make friends you can see when you go back home, you have to put up with remarks like: “There’s more of you over here than us!” “Another Australian?” “Are you from New Zealand or England?”

I had this idea that I would be something special and everyone would love to talk to the Australian, but it definitely doesn’t work like that.

#5 You Have To Stay In The Present

When I moved away, I thought time wouldn’t change too much — that I would be missed everyday and my friends would be messaging me and the guy I was seeing would wait for me. I was very much mistaken.

Three months in and it seems my only connection back home is to my family and close friends. Every social media post in the first week of your trip is the most exciting thing to people back home but the sparkle definitely dies down for both you and them.

You have to start embracing the new friends you make, focus on the present and the experience you’re on. Your motto may even become like mine, “My life is your vacation.”