“It starts from how you begin your day. In Sydney, I’d rush – train, bus, lines for coffee. I always had this sense of urgency. Down here, that’s gone. I’ve slowed down, settled in, and I feel calm. Even the air feels different. It’s hard to explain until you’ve lived here.” 

Brave and bold – two words that perfectly describe Sudip. After finishing high school in Kathmandu, Nepal, he made a life-changing decision: to move to a country he had never visited, on his own, at just 19 years old, to study in a foreign language and culture. Drawn by Australia’s global reputation for excellence in education – particularly in Information Technology – he took a leap of faith and landed in Sydney in 2019. 

Interestingly, IT wasn’t always in his sights. “As a kid, I wanted to be a scientist. I had this dream of building a ship that could go underwater. Of course, I didn’t know what a submarine was back then. When I found out it already existed, I cried. That dream was shattered,” Sudip recalls with a laugh. 

After arriving in Sydney, he quickly found accommodation and a part-time job, and then began six years of study. Progressing from a Diploma to an Advanced Diploma, and finally transferring his course credits to complete a Bachelor of Information Technology. 

Coming from a landlocked country, Sudip was well aware of the ocean’s dangers, especially for the Nepali community in Australia, which has experienced tragic losses in the water. Determined to stay safe and immerse himself in Australian culture, he joined a club called Vision for Motivation which held programs and seminars about beach safety and rip at Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club. “I wanted to learn how to be safe at the beach. Joining the club early on helped me meet new people and build confidence.” 

After graduating, Sudip landed his first full-time role as a Support Engineer with Virgin Australia at Sydney Domestic Airport. “It was a great environment. I loved watching the planes while grabbing coffee – it was pretty exciting!” But the long commute, over 70 minutes each way – soon wore thin. 

“I’d lived in Sydney for six years, but I’d hardly explored outside the city. After a year in the role, I was ready for a change and looking to grow professionally. That’s when he came across the open IT career opportunity on Think Regional for IT Basecamp, based in Jervis Bay. “The wording intrigued me. Then I saw the staff testimonials, and I was hooked. The idea of working in a place like Jervis Bay was amazing.” 

Making the move from Sydney to the South Coast wasn’t a decision he took lightly. “I kept asking myself- ‘Is this where I want to live? Is this the kind of work I want to do?’ And every time, the answer was yes. Now, just a few months in, I’m so glad I made the move – and my commute is only 14 minutes!” 

Friends often joke that Sudip is living the dream. “People tell me I’m lucky to work in a place they want to go on holiday. There are so many beaches, national parks, and amazing places to explore.” 

Professionally, he’s been surprised by the depth and diversity of work at IT Basecamp. “I thought maybe being in a regional area the work would be limited. But it’s the opposite, we support hospitals, medical centres, schools, bottle shops, pharmacies. The range is broad, and the work is just as dynamic and challenging as anything in the city.” 

One common concern about moving regionally is building a social network – but not for Sudip. “Coming to Australia at 19, knowing no one, and building a new life from scratch was the real challenge. This move was easy by comparison. I came a few weeks early, met a few people, and ended up exploring the area. The friends I made that first weekend, I still live with them now. I feel incredibly lucky.” 

Reflecting on his time in Sydney versus life now on the South Coast, the difference is clear. “It starts from how you begin your day. In Sydney, I’d rush – train, bus, lines for coffee. I always had this sense of urgency. Down here, that’s gone. I’ve slowed down, settled in, and I feel calm. Even the air feels different. It’s hard to explain until you’ve lived here.” 

Sometimes, it takes a brave and bold step to create the life you really want. For Sudip, moving to a regional community opened doors to career growth, personal connection, and a lifestyle that brings him balance and connection. His story is a reminder that the best opportunities often lie just outside your comfort zone – and that choosing a life that works for you is always worth the leap.