Breaking Free from the North East Bubble: A Journey Towards Freedom

Understanding the Comfort Zone

The older I get, the more I notice how common it is for people to stick to what they know—especially in the North East of England. There’s nothing wrong with familiarity. But sometimes, that comfort zone becomes a filter. It limits what people believe is possible—not just for themselves, but for others too.

Let’s discuss the words people say—the dream-crushing ones. These comments linger in your mind long after the conversation ends. Burnout doesn’t just come from overworking. Sometimes, it’s those repeated remarks and casual dismissals that wear you down. Recently, I’ve been stretched thin. Balancing a five-day work week, finishing university, and trying to build something of my own has led to moments where I ask, “What’s all this for?”

The Weight of Dismissal

Here’s one thing I’ve realized: burnout often arises not from doing too much, but from being constantly defensive about your dreams. Feeling the need to justify every decision, every plan, and every deviation from the norm is a burden in itself.

I work part-time at a service station frequented by lorry drivers. They often have time to chat during breaks, creating a rhythm to our conversations. They ask about university, my future, and what my plans are.

When I mention, “I’m saving to go solo traveling full-time,” I frequently get raised eyebrows.

“But what about after that?” they ask.

I explain my desire to be a digital nomad for a while. I want to create content, freelance, and see the world. Yet, the advice starts pouring in:

“That won’t last forever.”

“You need to think about something serious.”

“You can’t just spend money and live in luxury forever.”

Redefining Success and Intentions

The thing is, I never claimed I wanted to do nothing. I didn’t say I plan to sip cocktails in the Maldives for the rest of my life. I simply want to work differently. I’m striving to build a lifestyle infused with intention, not obligation. There’s a difference between escaping and designing a life that fits you.

Then there are the small, offhand comments that catch you off guard. For example, the other day I yawned, and a customer jokingly asked why I was tired. I replied that I had been working a lot—30 hours that week alongside essays.

“30? That’s nothing. Wait till you finish uni. You’ll be working 40+ every week. Welcome to the real world.”

I absolutely detest this phrase. It doesn’t simply irritate me; it infuriates me. It’s a smug little jab masquerading as wisdom, reeking of resignation. This phrase is never delivered kindly. It’s often accompanied by a smirk, as if they’re satisfied with your impending so-called “awakening” into a mundane life they’ve settled for.

Being Seen in the Real World

People often use “Welcome to the real world” as a reality check. But in truth, it’s more about warning you—conditioning you. It implies, “Your life will shrink soon. Better get used to it.”

But here’s the reality: I am in the real world. I pay bills; fuel and food are part of my everyday life. I work shifts, manage stress, and deal with burnout. I’m not seeking to be seen as extraordinary—just to not be dismissed because I choose to live differently.

The North East Bubble

I love where I'm from, but there’s definitely a “don’t get ahead of yourself” vibe that permeates the air. It’s often subtle, sometimes hidden as practical advice. Other times, it's a knee-jerk response to ambition that doesn't fit the traditional mold.

“Be realistic.”

“That’s not how life works.”

“It’s good to dream, but at some point, you have to get serious.”

While realism can be valuable, it crosses a line when it becomes synonymous with pessimism or restriction. At that point, it morphs into a barrier. Especially when your goal is to live a little differently—not recklessly, but with intention.

In my skydiving office job, the contrast is striking. I work there for just one day a week, and the environment is radically different. Here, people understand the drive to live fully. I’m surrounded by individuals who chase experience, challenge, and freedom. My ideas aren't viewed as strange; they’re simply part of the dialogue. But then I return to the bubble for four days each week, and the shift in energy is palpable.

A Day That Hit Hard

Recently, I overslept by an hour and 20 minutes. It was a rarity for me. I have never been late to work before. However, this slip threw me into a stress spiral. I rushed to work, heart pounding and mind racing. When I got home that day, I crashed and slept for hours.

It wasn’t merely the lateness; it was how the situation unfolded. My manager, while firm, gave me a fair talking-to and reassured me that these things happen. But then, her boss walked in and asked me to explain the situation again. This added pressure I didn’t need. Another colleague offered calmness, perspective, and reassurance.

But then, a fourth person entered—a colleague who spoke to me condescendingly. Her demeanor implied I had personally offended her merely by existing. I felt like a messy teenager being reprimanded, as if I didn’t care about showing up.

She wasn’t providing feedback; she was dishing out judgment like it was her job. Her tone lacked concern and instead felt like an attempt to belittle me. For a moment, I let it work. I walked out feeling as if I had done something wrong, struggling with the idea that I could be seen as ambitious or capable despite making mistakes. And that realization made me furious.

What Time Means to Me

Time is the most precious resource I have. I don’t want to wait until I’ve “earned” rest or freedom. I seek to build a life where these elements are integral—not delayed rewards, but embedded priorities.

That’s why I’m putting in extra hours now. I’m budgeting rigorously, saving for travel, and developing my YouTube channel, even when the numbers are small. Though I’m not living the dream yet, I’m laying the groundwork for it.

And when I board that plane later this year, it won’t be about escaping. It will instead represent fulfilling something I’ve worked toward for years. Seriously, I can hardly wait for the day I get on that plane; I can already feel the emotions. The three years in university? That was simply a backup, a path forced on me by COVID and the belief that a degree is mandatory for employment. While I’m grateful to have it, I wish the system didn’t push us so hard.

If This Resonates With You...

If you have plans that defy convention, this message is for you. If you are trying to carve your own path—even if it appears unconventional to those around you—I see you.

You are not being dramatic. You are not naive. You are not demanding too much. You are someone who refuses to silence your intuition—that life can be better, freer, and more aligned with your true self. That kind of clarity can intimidate those who have forgotten how to dream.

Let them roll their eyes. Let them voice their opinions.

Because we’re already living in the “real world.”

We’re just in the process of building it our way.

Keep going.

-Beth ♡