How working abroad in Australia changed my life and career
Welcome back to the Bright Side! I’m excited to share with you the impact that working abroad can have not only your career, but your life.
Three months. That’s all it took for my perspective on work, life, and personal growth to change forever. My firm at Baker Tilly (Calgary) gave me an amazing opportunity for a short-term work placement at Pitcher Partners, a Baker Tilly network firm in Australia. Not only did I gain international experience, learn new accounting practices, and add an impressive credential to my resume, it also transformed my mindset, my approach to work, and the way I live my life.
Stepping out of my comfort zone: the start of something new
Leaving behind the familiar—my routine, my colleagues, and my way of working—was both exciting and intimidating. But from the moment I stepped into the Australian work culture, I realized how valuable it was to experience something different. Work-life balance wasn’t just a corporate buzzword; it was genuinely woven into daily life. People worked hard, but they also knew how to step away and enjoy their time off without guilt.
This was my first big lesson: work to live, don’t live to work.
Travelling on weekends: learning to live fully
One of the greatest gifts this experience gave me was a new relationship with time. In my home country, weekends often blurred into workweeks—either catching up on tasks or simply resting from a hectic schedule. But in Australia, I found myself embracing a different rhythm.
Every weekend became an opportunity. I traveled to breathtaking places, explored new cities, and immersed myself in nature. Whether it was hiking through national parks, taking in the stunning coastlines, or exploring vibrant city life, I realized just how much I had been missing out on back home by not living every moment fully.
My work mindset
Accounting is often viewed as a rigid profession, bound by deadlines, compliance, and long hours. But working in another country reinforced the value of work life balance.
This shift in perspective followed me home. I’ve learned that being present in life outside of work doesn’t make you less dedicated—it actually makes you better at what you do.
Gaining confidence and adaptability
Moving to a different country, even for a short time, forces you to grow in ways you never anticipated. From navigating a new work environment to adjusting to cultural differences and making connections with people from diverse backgrounds, I became more adaptable, more confident, and more open-minded.
I learned to embrace change instead of fearing it. I became comfortable with being uncomfortable. And most importantly, I gained the confidence to know that I can step into any new environment and thrive.
A new definition of success
Before Australia, success to me was mostly defined by professional milestones—getting promoted, excelling in my role, and moving up the corporate ladder. But now, I see success as something far greater. It’s about balance. It’s about experiences. It’s about creating a life where work is fulfilling but doesn’t consume you.
This experience made me realize that a thriving career and a rich, meaningful life are not mutually exclusive. They can, and should, exist together. I feel very grateful to Baker Tilly for not only giving me this opportunity, but also recognizing the value of work-life balance both here in Canada and abroad.
Bringing it all back home
Returning to my home firm, I didn’t just bring back technical knowledge—I brought back a invigorated way of thinking. I now approach work with a fresh perspective. I’ve also made it a priority to explore more, to be more present, and to embrace the opportunities around me—whether that’s a weekend getaway or simply making time for the people and things that bring me joy.
Manager, Client Advisory at Baker Tilly Catalyst, Shannon McIntosh has overcome anxiety, insecurity and depression to emerge as a voice of empowerment, helping clients and colleagues exceed expectations and break new ground. In The Bright Side, she taps into her specialized experience working with non‑profit businesses and her passion for helping organizations that support the community to offer enlightening tax, financial and business guidance to help replace self‑doubt with self‑belief.
Shannon McIntosh
Shannon McIntosh