Why I Quit My Dream Job As A Jet Setter

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

4 days ago

I got to jet-set around the world but no one truly knew the price I was personally paying…
I recently quit the dream job. A role that involved me travelling around the world, experiencing different cultures, staying at five-star hotels, and ticking off bucket list destinations one at a time.
But through the rollercoaster of success, the dream slowly morphed into a burden. The belief that this was the pinnacle of achievement began to weigh on me. I was stuck between what society applauds and my growing desire for a slower, more conscious life.
Five years in, my body's whispers turned into screams. I realised I was living everyone else's dream but not my own. I tried shifting toward wellness tourism, but that pivot only magnified how much I'd neglected myself and my mental health. The one plus point? These retreats helped me reconnect with something deeper. I wanted to explore this path but without the cameras. I wanted to be fully present.
Fear and doubt were constant companions, amplified by others who kept asking: 'Who leaves a dream job?' I remember calling my mother and saying, 'Mum, it feels like a job now.' She replied, 'It's always been a job, but one you used to enjoy.' Her support carried me through, but letting go of my job title was terrifying. It took me over a year to find the courage.
Wise mentors told me, 'When you leave this, other doors will open.' With that in mind and desperate for freedom, I resigned. A rush of emotions came over me: we were the first Arabic TV show to talk about endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and put the spotlight on tourism in Bhutan.
The thing is, no one knew the price I was paying behind my carefully curated social media feed. What I was sharing on my socials was a filtered 10 per cent of my real life. Behind the glamour, a quiet toll grew. I felt increasingly isolated. People saw my social media and thought, 'She's living the life.' But really, I became a master at hiding the pain.
You'd see me jetsetting in helicopters, planes, riding horses – but with all that freedom of movement, going to far-flung corners of the world, I still lacked inner freedom. I often fell sick due to this high-stress life, constantly getting on long-haul flights, landing and having to go, go go.
I felt lonely, experiencing these places on my own. So many viewers came along to 'see' these countries with me – but no one could reminisce with me about it afterwards. All this travel was strictly professional, not personal.
The camera showed me exploring and experiencing spectacular places, but the reality was not so glamorous. What my real job entailed was securing sponsors, handling itineraries, writing scripts, sorting out visas, getting filming permits and insurance, doing the customs paperwork, and fine-tuning transport logistics. Once on location, I had to be camera ready, doing my own hair and make-up, while managing the schedule for the day and responding to clients. Once the cameras rolled, I had to be vibrant and engaging. And usually, I'd already be planning for the next trip. I did all of this on my own and was often met with 'not enough.' My team was amazing, but they were a technical crew, their involvement began just before take-off.
Beautiful hotels were used for sleep and showcasing on camera. Even in the spa, the cameraman followed. It became almost funny how different people's perceptions were. It looked like I was in the lap of luxury, but I still had to iron my own clothes.
There's a video of me hugging a radiator in a hotel room. Slumped over on the floor. At first it might seem funny; in it I even crack a smile through my coughing as I notice someone is filming. But at that time I was bent over in pain, trying to gain comfort through its warmth between takes as fear, relief, liberation. I had nothing lined up except a yoga teacher training trip. A gift to myself for choosing courage.
What followed was transformative. I began to value myself beyond external success. I started trusting my instincts and redefining success. I can't deny it started off as a dream – but it had an expiration date. I chose to give myself a life I innately desired, instead of a life that was a dream to many. There's nothing more rewarding than reclaiming oneself. Establishing boundaries will shift from feeling like a threat, to feeling liberated.
My advice? Your gut feeling is in fact your strongest instinct. Nurture and befriend it. Don't shy away from it. It is your body calling out to you, it is your body signalling to you – and it is your body's way of protecting you.
Yes, this was a very special role; one I had carved out for myself. Producing and presenting a travel show on the most-watched entertainment channel in the Arab world was a dream that I lived for eight years. I would gaze at the world map, envisioning where to go, and make it happen. The thrill of travelling the world, the joy of storytelling, and bringing the world closer to people's homes was incredible. Each experience was a badge of honour.
Millions resonated with every episode. I was visiting some of the most special places that existed. For example, I was struck with acute Covid. But the show – and the filming – had to go on. That was the foetal position I returned to between takes. Once the cameras started rolling, no one could tell I was sick.
I followed a similar pattern while getting struck down with allergies, having my body covered in bee stings, getting food poisoning. I thought being a strong, independent woman meant pushing through it all. My days stretched into 12 to 19 hour shifts. I kept telling myself how lucky I was. But I was gaslighting my body and instincts to keep up with the illusion.
Everything changed once I was able to get the strength to walk away. Now, I cherish slow mornings, my community, and the freedom to create when inspiration strikes. Within five months, I won an award for a short film and received a job offer. That's how the universe works. Once we trust, it responds.
So this is for the girl who dared to dream and the woman who had the courage to let go. Freedom is sweet. Trust your instincts. Cherish your worth. There's no one else like you. Here's to the adventure ahead.