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    Who is Rajwa Al Saif? Everything we know about Crown Prince Hussein’s fiancée

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 mins ago

    The Jordanian royals are celebrating the second engagement in the family this year.
    Crown Prince Hussein announced the joyous news of his engagement to Rajwa Al Saif on Wednesday, just five weeks after his sister, Princess Iman became engaged to New York financier Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
    While congratulations are undoubtedly flowing in for the newly engaged couple, little is actually known about Crown Prince Hussein’s bride-to-be.
    With that, Emirates Woman explores what we know, so far, about the future wife of the Jordanian Crown Prince.

    Who is Rajwa Al Saif?
    According to Jordanian news outlet Roya News, Rajwa Al Saif was born in Riyadh on April 28, 1994 and is currently 28 years old.
    The bride-to-be is the youngest of four children, including Faisal, Naif, Dana and Rajwa, born to parents Khalif bin Musaed Al Saif and Azza Al Sudairi.
    The Al Saif family’s heritage dates back to the Subai tribe in the town of  Al-Attar in Sudair, Najd, Saudi Arabia, where ancestors are known to have been the sheikhs of the town.
    Rajwa’s father, who resides in Riyadh, has established himself as a well-reputed businessman over the years.
    Life & career
    Rajwa was born and raised in Saudi Arabia where she completed her secondary education.
    She then moved to New York to attend university at the College of Architecture at Syracuse University. However, little is known about her career after graduating from the university.
    The engagement
    The announcement was made via a Twitter post by the Royal Hashemite Court on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The post congratulated the couple and showcased a series of images of the family together to mark the special occasion.

    The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, and extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion pic.twitter.com/LRIq61PtRB
    — RHC (@RHCJO) August 17, 2022

    The statement said, “The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms. Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.”
    Queen Rania also shared a personal congratulations to her son and his bride-to-be following the announcement.
    “I didn’t this it was possible to hold so much joy in my heart! Congratulations to my eldest Prince Hussein and his beautiful bride-to-be, Rajwa,” she said on Instagram, also sharing photos from the engagement.
    The family posed with wide smiles in several portrait shots as the royal couple stood with their future daughter-in-law after the ceremony.
    With not just one but two engagements in the family this year, Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bin Abdullah II announced her engagement to Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in early July.
    More details about both the impending nuptials are yet to be announced.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan announces engagement to Rajwa Al Saif

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    30 mins ago

    Mabrook! Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan is engaged to Rajwa Al Saif of Saudi Arabia.
    The Royal Hashemite Court announced the engagement in a statement on social media.
    “The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah,” the statement read.
    The engagement took place at the bride-to-be’s father’s home in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
    As well as Their Majesties, Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Prince Hashim bin Al Hussein, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Prince Rashid bin El Hassan and members of Ms Rajwa’s family were also present at the engagement.

    The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, and extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion pic.twitter.com/LRIq61PtRB
    — RHC (@RHCJO) August 17, 2022

    Queen Rania also shared a series of photos on Instagram congratulating the newly engaged couple with a heartfelt message.
    “I didn’t think it was possible to hold so much joy in my heart! Congratulations to my eldest Prince Hussein and his beautiful bride-to-be, Rajwa,” she said.

    In the photos Her Majesty shared, the newly engaged couple are seen arm in arm together. Another picture shows King Abdullah II embracing his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
    Crown Prince Hussien and his bride-to-be are also seen in a photograph with Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania.
    Another royal engagement
    It’s a joyous time for the Jordanian royal family as the engagement announcement comes just weeks after Crown Prince Hussein’s younger sister, Princess Iman, announced her engagement.
    Queen Rania shared a photo of her eldest daughter with her fiance Jameel Alexander Thermiotis confirming their engagement.
    She congratulated her “dearest Iman” and her husband-to-be.

    “Congratulations my dearest Iman; your smile has always been a gift of love that I’ve cherished since the day you were born,” she said. “I wish you and Jameel a life filled with love and laughter!”
    Now one question remains: when will the royal weddings take place?
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    8 special ways to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 mins ago

    This year will mark the seventh annual Emirati Women’s Day.
    First launched in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed and Mother of the Nation, the day falls annually on August 28 where the incredible women of the nation are celebrated for their vast achievements.
    If you’re ready to celebrate the occasion in style, Dubai has a host of fabulous offers ranging from breakfasts to spa treatments.
    So whether you wish to treat yourself or enjoy a special outing with the women in your life, we’ve created a guide to all the must-try experiences this Emirati Women’s Day.
    Pamper yourself

    If you’re looking to unwind, there’s nothing like a rejuvenating spa day. With a host of relaxing treatments to target the mind, body and soul, Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm has a spectacular offer with 25 per cent off across all treatments on August 27 and August 28, 2022, from 10am to 10pm. Each sensory experience incorporated a plethora of wellness brands such as AMRA Skincare and Sothys. Women have the option to choose from a range of calming treatments such as a full body cleansing along with access to the facilities such as a sauna, steam room and more.
    To book visit mariott.com. 
    Indulgent afternoon tea

    Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with your loved ones as you try a selection of Emirati-inspired bites accompanied by authentic tea blends from the luxe tea brand, Newby. With a mix of traditional and contemporary teas, this is the ultimate location to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day. The afternoon tea stand is priced at Dhs225, perfect for two people and the offer is valid from August 20 to August 28 2022, 2pm to 5pm at the Emperor Lounge.
    To book visit tajhotels.com. 
    A special bouquet

    To celebrate this inspiring day, one of the UAE’s leading florists has curated an array of luxurious bouquets to send your loved ones as a token of appreciation. Designed by master experts, each arrangement consists of a soothing colour palette and can be complemented with a special box of chocolates as per your choice. The arrangements start at Dhs250 and are all named after beautiful words to compliment the woman in your life.
    To view the full collection visit 800flower.ae
    Breakfast of champions

    For a sumptuous breakfast with your loved ones, this hidden gem in La Mer with spectacular sea views is offering a delightful breakfast priced at Dhs99 per person. The menu includes a selection of delectable dishes including french toast, homemade bread, jams, a free-flowing selection of hot and cold beverages including teas, coffees, fresh juices, water and more. The offer takes place on August 27 and August 28, 2022, from 7am to 11am at Hyatt Centric Jumeirah to celebrate this special occasion.
    For more information visit eunoiabycarine.ae
    Health is wealth

    To kickstart the day on a healthy note, this integrated wellness space provides an array of physical therapies to treat pain and allow women to strengthen their overall bodies. This luxe space is offering women a complimentary Pilates class on Emirati Women’s Day, August 28, 2022 in Alserkal Avenue.
    To book a session visit jointspace.ae
    An all-inclusive stay

    For a hassle-free staycation, Dubai Creek Golf Residences is offering a contemporary four-bedroom holiday villa with an all-inclusive package. It includes a one-night say, a private in-villa 30-minute body spa treatment, group yoga class, a manicure and pedicure session, a three-course Thai Kitchen dinner by a private chef, either a floating breakfast or a floating sundowner basked with special mocktails for four guests. Priced at Dhs13,500, the stay is valid until August 30, 2022.
    To make a booking visit dubaicreekresort.com
    UAE-inspired dessert
    To celebrate this special day, the professional cake artist, Beth Laurent has created a stunning five-layered honey and buttermilk UAE-inspired sponge cake adorned in white and gold with an empowering story of Emirati women. Designed with a tasteful gold detailing and a bloom of white petals, this cake takes inspiration from the shimmering city of Dubai. Priced at Dhs560, pre-orders for the cake are accepted from August 18 and will be available from August 26 to August 28, 2022.
    To order now visit cakeboutiquedifc.com
    Treasures of Arabia
    To mark Emirati Women’s Day celebration, Raffles Dubai is offering a special afternoon high tea with delicious Arabian blends such as oud delight, Khus garden green tea and royal kahwa from Newby Teas. Guests also stand a chance to win a special hamper from Newby Teas, celebrating the works of Vincent Van Gogh. The special afternoon tea starts at Dhs160 with free-flowing tea and coffee and takes place from 2pm to 7pm during the entire month of August near Wafi mall.
    To book visit raffles.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @muenchmax More

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    When is the next long weekend in the UAE?

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    While many have escaped the UAE’s scorching heat this summer, it’s likely extended breaks will be coming to an end soon and many will be returning to work.
    However, that hasn’t stopped us from thinking about the next holiday.
    The UAE recently marked Islamic New Year on 1st of Muharram 1444, which corresponded to Saturday, July 30, 2022 in the Gregorian calendar. For those who work a normal Monday to Friday week, it was business as usual.
    So, when is the next long weekend? There are two public holidays still set to take place in the UAE in 2022, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a long weekend for many.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is predicted to be around October 8, 2022, which is a Saturday. Given the public holiday was marked on a Saturday for Islamic New Year, it may be the same for Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2022, those in the UAE will have an extended long weekend to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2. It’s likely to be a five-day or four-day weekend.
    As always, the final and official dates and public holiday eligibility for public sector employees and private sector employees are determined by UAE authorities.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    The Wellness Essentials That Keep Me Healthy While Traveling

    When it comes to travel, I consider myself somewhat of an expert (humble brag). I’m that girl on the plane with the highly-organized carry-on, filled with every possible essential you could need. I have a go-to travel outfit (sweatsuit and sneakers), packing squares are my best friend, and I am always looking for the best travel deals. All this to say, I have curated a list of wellness essentials over the years that keep me hydrated and healthy. In other words, they are my must-haves while traveling, no matter where I’m going or the length of my trip. So the next time you’re planning a trip, consider packing these 10 products for a stress-free vacay. 

    Immune Support Packets
    It’s no surprise that travel can take a toll on the body. We’re not on our regular routines and probably sleeping less and indulging a little more. For this reason, I always have Emergen-C packets on hand. I want to enjoy every moment of my vacation, so these packets ensure that if I start to feel a little under the weather, I get a quick boost of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. 
    8 flavors available

    Genuine Health
    Greens Powder
    You’ve probably seen the ads for various greens powders and wondered if they’re actually worth trying. I am here to tell you, this one is 100 percent worth the hype. Getting your daily dose of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis can be tricky, and while traveling, it can sometimes be nearly impossible. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve spent searching an airport for a salad or been in a country that survives off of bread and cheese (I still love you, Paris), only to realize vegetables are nowhere to be found. This has made my greens powder an essential item in my carry-on. I simply add a couple of scoops to some water whenever I am feeling tired or craving vegetables, and I instantly feel refreshed.

    Summer Fridays
    Jet Lag Mask
    There’s a reason they call it the “Jet Leg Mask.” Nothing dehydrates your skin more than travel—from hours spent on an airplane to changes in weather. Trying to ensure your skin gives off a Hailey Bieber glazed donut glow while traveling is a feat, but I swear by this mask to help do the trick. Sometimes I will apply it just under my eyes or I will treat it as a face mask and leave it on for the duration of a flight. I may get a couple of side glances from my neighbors, but my skin is always left hydrated when I walk off the plane. 

    Sleep Capsules
    I’ve spent many years trying to conquer jet lag and searching for the best tips and tricks to avoid it. I’ve tried melatonin, magnesium, and CBD for sleep, but my favorite, by far, has been the Arrae sleep capsules. When you’re in a different time zone and can’t fall asleep on your own, it’s useful to have an aid to help you adjust. These sleep capsules help me fall asleep faster and don’t leave me with the lethargic feeling I get from taking melatonin. Lack of sleep can impact our immune system, nervous system, and overall well-being. It’s important to get enough sleep while traveling, and these capsules help do the trick.

    32 oz Bottle
    Remember the days when we all had regular-sized water bottles? We’d have to refill them over and over again, especially in the summer. Purchasing this water bottle has been life-changing for me while traveling. I no longer have to wait for the flight attendant to come around with a tiny cup of water (you know what I’m talking about) or make a pit stop on a road trip to refill. Staying hydrated is so important while traveling. It keeps our skin looking fresh and our immune systems strong, and this water bottle has been a key factor in all of the above.
    16 colors available

    Supergoop!
    Unseen Sunscreen
    Did you know that every year the UV rays increase and thus, the risk of sunburns? Your skin is your largest organ and protecting it should always be top of mind. There are so many different sunscreens to choose from, but Supergoop! is one of my favorites.  Lightweight and oil-free with an SPF 40 protection, it leaves my skin feeling healthy and, most importantly, break-out free. While I usually opt for a sunnier travel spot, I always have this sunscreen on hand no matter my destination. 

    Beats by Dre
    Wireless Headphones
    I have not once regretted purchasing my noise-canceling headphones. When you are stuck on a plane in the middle of the night and struggling to fall asleep because of all the noise, you’ll be thankful to have them. Sometimes you need to escape the busyness of travel and take a moment for yourself to unwind and relax. Being able to put my headphones on no matter where I am and disconnect is a haven I didn’t know I needed. 
    3 colors available

    Everyday Sneakers
    A good pair of shoes can make or break your travel experience. Comfort is key whether you are flying, driving, or walking. I’ve made the mistake of opting for a pair of sandals while walking through Paris, only to immediately regret my decision and the back pain that followed. The Allbirds Everyday Sneakers are not only designed to be worn everyday but are also versatile enough to pair with many outfits.
    17 colors available

    Meditation App
    I have always viewed my mental health as important as any other part of my body, and one way I take care of it is through meditation. Even while traveling, I plan out some time in my day for meditation. The Unplug App has been a long-time favorite of mine for the diverse meditations it provides, such as a jet lag meditation, anxious travelers meditation, and even a deep sleep for travelers meditation. No matter where I am in the world, I can find time to meditate with this app.

    Cleansing & Exfoliating Wipes
    If my skin feels oily or dirty, it affects my entire mood. In my opinion, there’s no worse feeling than walking around just wishing you could wash your face, and when traveling, it can be hard to find a nearby sink. Enter: these cleansing wipes. Whether you need a mid-day refresh or are without your regular face wash, these will do the trick. They’re hydrating, extremely soothing, and, as an added bonus, 99% of the ingredients are made from natural origins. 
    6 types available

    30+ Travel Journal Prompts to Help You Make the Most of Your Trip More

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    The real story behind the Middle East’s first domestic violence crisis platform

    Shamsaha is a groundbreaking platform in the Middle East – the first of its kind helping victims of domestic and sexual violence in the region.
    First launched in 2016 in Bahrain, the platform has now unveiled its 24/7 crisis support mobile app, making its crisis advocacy services available to women across the Middle East for the first time.
    From its inception, Shamsaha has aimed to focus on women’s empowerment and protection programs, offering support services in both English and Arabic. However, for the platform’s founder, Mary-Justine Todd, getting Shamsaha off the ground was no easy feat.
    “In the beginning, everyone said to me ‘it will never happen’, or ‘you’ll never get a permit’,” she tells Emirates Woman. “There were a lot of naysayers.”
    There was also a lot of red tape to jump through and Todd even admits she didn’t realise “how hard it would be”. However, when you’re breaking boundaries to become “the first”, naturally there will be hurdles to jump through.
    With perserverance the platform launched six years ago and since then the only way has been up. Not only has Shamsaha now launched its mobile app, the organisation has a long-term partnership with globally renowned beauty conglomerate L’Oreal.
    To learn more about the story behind the platform and its recent app launch, Emirates Woman sat down with Todd to discuss the ins and outs of Shamsaha.
    What inspired you to launch a 24/7 crisis support mobile application?
    When someone is going through what may be one of the worst times in their life, the only thing that can make it better is to know that they are not alone and I know how important that is. I wanted to do what I could, to ensure that women never had to face violence or abuse and suffer with it alone.
    Shamsaha is the first and only domestic violence crisis response programme in the Middle East, how was this a challenge and how did you overcome this?
    In the beginning, everyone said to me “it will never happen”, or “you’ll never get a permit”. There were a lot of naysayers. However, for me at the time, naivety was bliss. I didn’t realize how hard it would be, or how many hurdles we would have to surmount. But this was a good thing, because each time we face a problem, albeit about registration, or funding, or support, I just kept thinking that we would solve it. And so eventually we solved all the major problems and here we are.

    The application provides 24/7 assistance. Was this the motive from the outset?
    Violence and abuse do not keep to a schedule. Nor is it isolated to any one group or class of people. Violence against women cuts across all socioeconomic strata and affects women equally all over the world. Therefore, when a woman finds a window and is able to make the courageous choice to reach out for help, we must be reachable and that may be at 2 am or on Saturday morning. That is our duty so, we are there.
    What protocol do you follow for onboarding your volunteering advocates?
    Shamsaha’s Crisis Advocacy training is approved by the American National Advocacy Credentialling Programme (NACP) which is the women’s crisis regulatory support body in the USA. All of our volunteer advocates must complete a comprehensive NACP-approved 40-hour training programme before they get their crisis advocacy certification, after which they are eligible to serve as women’s crisis advocates. The training includes topics such as domestic and sexual violence in depth; subconscious bias, using trauma-informed practices, women in the media; and more. We ensure that every volunteer is highly trained and ready to support women during their time of need.

    With over 15 years of experience in the industry to accomplish women’s empowerment and equality, how have you incorporated this into the application?
    Everything that we do at Shamsaha, including all of our support programmes for women is done in the spirit of intersectional feminism. Though the definition of feminism is debated, in general, it means to believe that the subordination of women is undesirable and that changing that is desirable. To do so with an intersectional spirit means to continuously think of, ask, and incorporate the needs of all women into the programming, rather than assuming that any one woman’s experience (such as mine – coming from an upper-middle-class white American community) is not considered the essential experience, to ensure inclusivity of all voices. Not until all women are empowered be it rich or poor, can any woman be truly empowered.
    Could you elaborate on the main features that set this application apart?
    Shamsaha is the first and only full-scale women’s crisis response programME in the Middle East, making our app the only one of its kind as well. With the new Shamsaha, mobile phone application women from all over the Middle East and North African region will be able to reach out and receive 24/7 support in English or Arabic from a specially trained volunteer. Using a survivor-centred approach, we provide emotional and informational support for victims of domestic abuse, along with an easily accessible list of community resources.
    Did you notice a stark increase in the number of domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 lockdown?
    Globally, there was an average increase of 45 per cent in the incidence of violence against women. Looking at a three-month average before and after the onset of the initial lockdowns in Bahrain, in March 2020, Shamsaha had a 41 per cent increase in cases reporting abuse. So the levels we faced were similar to that of the rest of the world. But the fact remains that when there is a global crisis, such as an economic crisis, or natural or man-made disasters, women often suffer first and suffer the most.
    What’s your advice for women to help each other and reach their best selves?
    Don’t judge anyone. Don’t give advice to anyone. Just be kind and be there for each other. An affirmation that I use every day and try to live by is as follows: I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy. Concentrate and think deeply about what each word means for you and in your life to access your most inspired self and live in a state of flow.
    The L’Oréal Fund for Women was born to empower women at risk and reach women worldwide. How does it feel to be supported by an entity that imbibes the same values?
    I am absolutely honoured to be partners with L’Oreal. They are an amazing corporation with an incredible team of women. Alexandra Palt the president of the L’Oreal Fund for Women is one of the smartest, most progressive, thoughtful and intelligent women I know.
    Are there any innovative features that you wish to incorporate in the future?
    The next phase of development for the app will be substantial. We intend to actually redevelop the entire app and break it into two separate apps. You can think of it like the Uber driver app which will be our volunteers and the Uber user app which will be the victims of abuse and the general public. This will allow us to incorporate an even more robust communication system that includes additional features for countries all over the world such as transportation and food delivery. We are currently fundraising for this next phase and hope to begin development in early 2023.
    To find out more information visit shamsaha.org
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @lizasummer More

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    I Moved Across the Country for a New Job—Here’s How

    Since I was 14, I wanted to live in Boston. I spent a couple summers there at a young age and fell in love with everything about it. From then on, I dreamed of living in a brownstone on the cobblestone streets and drinking my Dunkin’ coffee on the T (if you know, you know).
    I grew up in the west. For the first 18 years of my life, Montana, and for the next eight years, Nevada. I remember working internship after internship saying to myself “Boston, Boston, Boston” over and over again to manifest this dream into reality. 
    After 12 years of wishing—I made the move.
    Making a change like this can be scary. Take it from me, not only did I uproot my life from Nevada to Massachusetts, I made a big career move too! Relocating for a job is terrifying because what if you fail? My question to you is, what if you don’t? If you’ve had a similar dream but are afraid of everything that comes with a big move, this article is for you. We’ll dive into how I got the job, prepped for the move, and finally took the leap.
    Here’s how I made my dream come true:

    I Wasn’t Afraid to Talk to People
    Prior to applying to jobs across the country, I reached out to anyone and everyone I knew in my current market that had moved to a new city for a job or had connections in Boston specifically. I reached out for coffee, drinks, and anything else I could do to chat with people that would be able to offer some guidance.
    I initially knew of a few people off the top of my head. To take it further, I reached out to past professors, classmates, and colleagues at different internships I had. I wasn’t afraid to tell people around me about my plans and dreams, and the more I talked about it, the more doors opened as people told me they knew someone that knew someone that lived in Boston or had followed a similar path.
    Tip: A great way to do this if you don’t know where to start is to get on LinkedIn and see if any of your connections work at companies you like or live in the market you are interested in!
    By doing this, I was able to fine-tune my resume, build relationships with people in my industry, and even talk to a few people who had worked in my dream market. The best part? Everyone was willing and excited to offer help, and while I didn’t land a job this way, the advice I received was invaluable to help get me there.
    Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for help, and make connections with people that may seem out of reach. Chances are, they’d love to assist someone with a similar dream.

    Source: Color Joy Stock

    I Got Real With My Budget
    In order to make this move, I had to get real about how much I would need to have in savings in order to get an apartment and get myself and my belongings over there. I also had to look at my finances and expenses to decide how much I would need to make once I got off the plane.
    I sat down with all of my monthly expenses and created a budget that included my estimations for the city. From there, I was able to go into job interviews knowing exactly what I needed to make in order to live in my dream city.
    Here are a few things I did to get ready:

    I took a look at rent prices for apartments and talked to anyone I knew that had lived in a similar market to gauge how much it would cost. This was important because different cities have different protocols for securing apartments. For example, broker fees and deposits can vary.
    I outlined my “needs” such as my estimated rent, utilities, phone bill, and groceries.
    I researched gyms in the area to get an idea of what they would cost per month.
    I reviewed the subscriptions I had and canceled anything unnecessary (this was a big one).
    I outlined my “wants”—nails, hair—the fun stuff.
    I realized that my lifestyle might have to change for a bit, but I accepted that that was okay because I knew the sacrifice would be worth it in the end.

    Once I got there, I pivoted as needed based on true prices, and I pivoted fast. I cut back on things I couldn’t fit into my budget and set goals for myself for future income in order to get where I wanted to be.

    Source: @Calpak

    I Didn’t Give Up
    Once I felt good about my resume, had talked to others that had taken the same path, and felt confident enough to put myself out there—I started applying. And let me tell you, this part wasn’t easy.
    For over a year and a half, I worked. I took interviews at 5 a.m. to talk to companies on the east coast before my day job. I worked during the day to continue to build my experience and portfolio, and at night, I applied to more jobs. At times, and after being ghosted by company after company, I thought it would never happen.
    And while I will always recommend having another job lined up before making a move, I did get to a point where it was time to take the leap without a set “plan.” Before I was anywhere close to ready, with no future job set-up—I gave my current company notice (a full six months so they could find a replacement and I could get all my ducks in a row).
    As soon as I made my decision and decided I knew this would happen for me, the universe answered. What can I say? Manifestation works. Within a few weeks of giving my company notice, I landed a job in Boston.
    While I had told my current company one timeline (six months), the universe had another timeline in store for me. And while it certainly wasn’t ideal to have to change the timing of my resignation from my employer, I had luckily worked hard to establish a solid relationship (and had AMAZING bosses), so when I had to make the shift, I was able to discuss my new plan and was met with their support.
    I ended up negotiating with my new employer in Boston to give me six weeks prior to starting. Between wanting to give my current role ample time to transition (pro tip: new employers actually like to see your loyalty!) and needing to pack up my entire life, they were more than willing to work with me. And so, I gave my current company a one-month notice and started wrapping things up and planning for my future.

    I Took It All In
    I lived for nearly five years in Boston. I made friends, moved up in my career, and created relationships with colleagues and people on the east coast that I will never take for granted. But after all those years of city life, I decided it was time to move back west to spend time with my family and take advantage of the new remote working world many of us now live in. It wasn’t an easy decision, and there’s a chance I’ll even be back on the east coast someday, but after working my way up at my company and proving to myself that I could do it, I was ultimately ready for a change… again.
    Looking back on my time in Boston, I have little regret. I did the best I could, and I grew in both my professional and personal life more than I could have ever imagined. The only thing I wish is that I had realized I was living my dream while I was in it. The biggest lesson I learned is that we never truly realize how lucky we are in each stage of life until the stage is gone. So once you accomplish your dream, don’t forget to soak it up—don’t forget to breathe it in. 

    How I Made the Leap From Full-Time to Freelancer Without Going Broke More