March was a month of ups and downs. I enjoyed brighter days, pleasant weather, and managed to go on several great hikes and trips around the UK. I also made progress towards getting my UK driver’s license by passing my UK theory test. However, I faced challenges with work-related stress and, since I’m searching for a new position, felt somewhat discouraged by the difficult job market. Here’s more about my March 2026.

Destinations visited:

Birmingham, Wood Stanway, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Brockenhurst, and New Forest National Park, England

Tenby, Lynstep, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales

Favorite destinations:

Hiking on the Cotswold Way – The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile hiking path winding through the Cotswolds, an Area of Natural Beauty in England known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and distinctive honey-colored architecture. I hiked a portion of the trail, starting from Wood Stanway—a small village—and finishing in Winchcombe. The scenery was stunning, and I truly enjoyed pausing at a farm shop along the way for snacks and coffee before ending my walk with lunch in Winchcombe. As the trail isn’t far from where I live, I’m looking forward to exploring more sections in the future.

Highlights:

Plenty of hiking in nature and beautiful weather – I was happy to have several sunny days in Cheltenham during March—a pleasant surprise in England! I took advantage of the good weather to go on multiple hikes and long walks, which I found very enjoyable.

Passing my UK driving theory test – My US driver’s license is valid in the UK for only one year, during which you’re expected to pass both the UK’s theory and practical tests. After studying diligently for about six weeks, I passed the UK driving theory test on my first attempt—a notable achievement considering its pass rate is only around 50%. Now that I’ve learned the road rules and traffic signs through the theory test, I’ve started driving lessons and aim to take the practical test in late summer. Once I pass, I’ll be fully licensed to drive in the UK!

Travelling within the UK and enjoying short trips – Now that we are feeling more settled, there’s been more time for day trips and little adventures. I spent a morning exploring Birmingham; Mark and I took a weekend trip to Tenby and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and I also ventured alone for two days to Brockenhurst and New Forest National Park.

Challenges:

Work stress and a tough UK job market – I’m grateful to be employed, but March brought intense stress and burnout, making me consider quitting. After talking with my dad and Mark and doing some research, I’ve taken steps to improve my well-being: removing work email from my phone, turning off Teams notifications after hours, not checking email outside work, taking more time off, and adjusting my mindset for better balance. I hope these changes help.

My current job is US-based, so I work 1–9pm to match the east coast. I’d prefer a UK-based role with standard hours for a more settled life, but the job market is tough. Despite a month of applications, I haven’t received any responses, though I remain determined to keep trying. I’ve continued to update my CV in hopes of generating more interest. Thankfully, we can manage financially if I need to take a break.

Posts:

A Cotswold Day Out: Painswick, Gloucestershire – A recent day trip to the quaint Cotswold village of Painswick.

Coming up in April 2026:

There’s a lot to look forward to in April! In early April, we’ll be celebrating Easter a bit late with Mark’s family and attending our friend’s wedding in the Cotswolds. Mid-month, I’ll be visiting two friends in the Manchester area and am excited to catch up with them. At the end of the month, Mark and I have planned a trip to the Scottish Highlands. We’ll be staying in Inverness and visiting Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, and Cairngorms National Park.

What are you looking forward to in April?