Only for the bravest people! From Sydney's glamorous political scene to refugee camps in Palestine, Ann-Marie Wilcox’s journey shows what happens when you trust that nagging feeling of "I don't belong here."
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In this episode, she reveals how swapping plush waterfall-backed bars for remote villages fulfilled her deeper purpose and connected her with brave, determined colleagues who became her community.
Fourteen years into her aid-work career, including stints in conflict zones and disaster areas worldwide, Ann-Marie offers practical guidance for those yearning to make a similar leap into humanitarian work. She offers the real stories and challenges, plus a roadmap for anyone wondering if they're brave enough to build a career like hers.
Keypoints:
- Transitioned from politics and journalism to humanitarian work in her early thirties when she felt misaligned with her values
- Made a bold move by relocating to Jerusalem to network and enter the humanitarian field after feeling she "didn't belong" in her privileged Sydney lifestyle
- Has worked for 14 years across multiple UN agencies and locations including UNRWA (Palestinian refugees), Doctors Without Borders, and Food and Agriculture Organization
- Worked in conflict zones and disaster areas including Pakistan, Nepal after the earthquake, Myanmar after floods, and Turkey after earthquakes
- Currently preparing for a one-year assignment in Afghanistan with the UN
- Emphasizes the need for flexibility, willingness to live in challenging conditions, and going "where the need is greatest"
- Leveraged transferable skills from her background in communications, media, and political judgment
- Values finding her "tribe" of like-minded individuals who are willing to make sacrifices to help others
- Notes the industry faces significant challenges with governments reducing foreign aid
- Acknowledges the emotional toll and security risks that can lead to PTSD and mental health challenges
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