As Ariel Sophia Bardi approached her 40th birthday, she found herself submerged in a luxurious bubble bath in Algeria, contemplating her future. This moment of reflection came after years of feeling unfulfilled in a desk job that had left her feeling numb and disconnected from her true passions.
Bardi’s journey to this pivotal moment began with personal tragedy. The sudden loss of her father in 2020, coupled with the isolating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, had plunged her into a state of grief and malaise. The inability to properly mourn her father’s passing due to pandemic restrictions only deepened her sense of disconnection.
Prior to settling into office work, Bardi had led an adventurous life as a freelance journalist, traveling to diverse locations such as Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Mexico, India, and Armenia. However, in her mid-30s, she found herself drawn to the stability of a full-time position designing photo exhibits and documenting peace initiatives.
Despite the interesting nature of her work, Bardi struggled to adapt to corporate culture. The fluorescent-lit office environment made her feel confined, and the impersonal nature of workplace interactions left her feeling emotionally detached. She recalled her father’s disparaging nickname for office work – “living death” – and found herself relating to that sentiment.
The turning point came when a magazine offered Bardi an assignment in Algeria. Recognizing the need to reconnect with her passion for writing and exploration, she eagerly accepted the opportunity. This solo reporting trip, her first in four years, would test whether she could still navigate unfamiliar territories and engage with strangers as she once had.
To her relief, Bardi found that her instincts quickly returned. She immersed herself in the vibrant nightlife of Algerian cities, researching and experiencing the local culture firsthand. Late nights in smoky clubs, listening to rai singers perform, reignited her sense of adventure and purpose.
On the eve of her 40th birthday, lounging in a grand hotel overlooking the Bay of Algiers, Bardi reflected on the boldness of rai singers and the courage required to live life on one’s own terms. While
acknowledging that her own risks paled in comparison to those faced by these artists, she recognized the radical nature of pursuing an unconventional path, especially when compared to the limited options available to women of previous generations.
This experience in Algeria served as a catalyst for Bardi to reconsider her career trajectory. The trip reminded her of the excitement and fulfillment she found in freelance work and inspired her to return to that path. While she acknowledged that there’s nothing inherently wrong with desiring a more conventional career, Bardi realized that what she truly craved was the thrill of the unknown and the challenge of crafting her own story.
As she entered her fifth decade, Bardi embraced the idea of returning to freelance journalism. This decision represented not just a career change, but a recommitment to living life authentically and boldly. By choosing to step away from the security of her desk job and return to the unpredictable world of freelance work, Bardi demonstrated her determination to honor her passions and continue growing as both a writer and an individual.