A life that’s financially independent, value-aligned, and meaning-driven — not just money tips. For QS professionals, expats, and freedom-seekers looking to rethink work, wealth, and life design.

Journey To Freedom

I’m Shirley Druyeh — a writer, creator, and quantity surveyor exploring what it means to build a more intentional, spacious life.
From money and homeownership to identity and creative reinvention, I write about the journey of redesigning your life — one decision at a time.

CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT BELOW

⭐️ "You can’t change your past. But you can change how your brain predicts, and thereby change your future.” — Lisa Feldman Barrett

⭐️ “Money is a tool. You can use it to design a life you love.” — Ramit Sethi

⭐️ "You can’t change your past. But you can change how your brain predicts, and thereby change your future.” — Lisa Feldman Barrett ⭐️ “Money is a tool. You can use it to design a life you love.” — Ramit Sethi

Featured
Overconsumption Is Keeping You in Chains
Journey To Freedom, Personal Finance
Overconsumption Is Keeping You in Chains
Journey To Freedom, Personal Finance

What’s Truly Keeping You in Chains?

Debt? The need for approval? The fear of missing out?

When you step back and truly evaluate what’s holding you captive, you might find that the biggest burden isn’t the job or the bills—it’s the endless desire for more. And the good news? That’s something you can change.

Stop buying sh*t. Start reclaiming your life. Real freedom starts when you decide you already have enough.

Journey To Freedom, Personal Finance
Featured
How to Protect Yourself When Buying Property With Someone Else: 7 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
Homeownership
How to Protect Yourself When Buying Property With Someone Else: 7 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way
Homeownership

Many people buy property with loved ones, assuming everything will go smoothly. But what if things go wrong? Learn how to protect yourself legally and financially with these 7 key lessons from my own real-life experience

Homeownership
Featured
Climate Change and Sydney’s Property Market: The Hidden Factor Driving Prices Up
Homeownership
Climate Change and Sydney’s Property Market: The Hidden Factor Driving Prices Up
Homeownership

Climate change is quietly reshaping Sydney’s property market in ways few people discuss. From rising insurance costs in flood-prone areas to shifting demand for climate-resilient suburbs, extreme weather events are influencing where people buy and how much they pay. While traditional factors like supply and demand drive housing prices, environmental risks are becoming an increasingly important consideration for buyers and investors. In this blog, we explore how climate change is impacting Sydney’s housing landscape and what it means for the future of property values.

Homeownership
Featured
Comparing US, UK, and Australian Investments: A Guide for Expats and Savvy Investors
Personal Finance, Expat Life
Comparing US, UK, and Australian Investments: A Guide for Expats and Savvy Investors
Personal Finance, Expat Life

Ever wondered how a 401(k) compares to Superannuation, or if the UK’s Stocks & Shares ISA is similar to an Australian brokerage account? Whether you're an expat navigating financial systems across borders or simply curious about global investment strategies, this guide breaks down the key differences between US, UK, and Australian investment accounts. From retirement savings to healthcare and education funds, discover how each system works and how to make the most of your financial opportunities

Personal Finance, Expat Life
Featured
From Construction Sites to Bank Accounts: 10 Quantity Surveying Skills to Transform Your Personal Finances
Personal Finance, Quantity Surveying
From Construction Sites to Bank Accounts: 10 Quantity Surveying Skills to Transform Your Personal Finances
Personal Finance, Quantity Surveying

Discover how Quantity Surveying skills can revolutionise your personal finances. From cost benchmarking to contingency planning, these 10 practical tips will help you optimise spending, plan effectively, and achieve your financial goals with confidence. Perfect for anyone looking to bring structure and clarity to their money management

Personal Finance, Quantity Surveying