Fair question. I’ve been asked it a lot this week, in tones ranging from curious to genuinely concerned.
Let me answer it properly.
The honest answer is: it’s more about the experience than the paycheque. Yes, the money is better. Yes, that matters. But I’ve worked remotely before — away from family, off the grid — and I’ve learned that money alone is a hollow reason to go anywhere. When that’s your only reason, you feel every mile of the distance.
This time is different. This time I want to be there.
I’ve spent a lot of years chasing experiences rather than security, immersing myself in things rather than reading about them from the outside. I used to think that was just personality — restlessness, curiosity, a low tolerance for standing still. I’ve come to understand it differently now. My brain is wired to need stimulation, challenge, and novelty in a way that doesn’t negotiate well with comfortable and predictable. When I ignore that, I don’t thrive. When I lean into it — even when it looks ridiculous from the outside — I do.
Moving 450km north of the Arctic Circle is, admittedly, a significant lean.
There are other reasons too, personal ones I’ll share as we go. But the short version is: I believe you grow most when you choose the harder, more interesting path. This qualifies. If you’re wondering whether I’ve lost my mind: maybe. But it’s a considered loss, and I’ll keep you posted.