The Booms and Busts of moving abroad
Let’s explore some of the most common challenges of moving abroad and how the power of maintaining a positive mental attitude can help you throughout the process.
Moving to a new country can be an incredibly exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of obstacles and difficulties. However, by cultivating a positive mindset, you can navigate these challenges with resilience and adaptability.
Whether you're considering a move or you're already on your way, let's dive in and discover how a positive mental attitude can make your journey abroad all the more fulfilling and rewarding.
TOP 5 struggles
1. Finding a suitable accommodation that meets your needs and budget.
You may have to deal with different housing standards, regulations, and costs than what you are used to in your home country. All of a sudden mold on the wall is not a reason for renovations, pretty soon you will find yourself cleaning it with chlorine or you consider a room with only a small window to another room “a nice and cozy nook”
2. Adapting to the local climate and environment.
You may experience different weather patterns, seasons, daylight hours, and natural hazards than what you are familiar with. You may also have to cope with pollution, allergies, or health risks associated with your new location.
Learning to respect the heat as well as cold weather is often a hard lesson. Having a heatstroke or continually showing up as a hot sweaty mess because you didn’t think cycling in +32 degrees is that much different to +23.
3. Managing your finances and taxes.
You may have to deal with different currencies, exchange rates, banking systems, and tax laws than what you are accustomed to. You may also have to plan for unexpected expenses, such as travel costs, medical bills, or legal fees. Managing taxes on your native tongue is no small feat but to do it in second language with new rules and regulations is a whole different ball game. or opening a bank account, or sorting our your electric bill, or wondering why you are paying for gas even thou nothing in your house requires gas.
4. Finding a job or pursuing your career goals.
You may face difficulties in finding employment opportunities, obtaining work permits, or transferring your qualifications and skills to your new country. You may also have to deal with different work cultures, expectations, and regulations than what you are used to. Looking at the brand new fax machine on your desk while your boss beams proudly and presents their state-of-the-art equipment, or getting your head around a two hour lunch break with wine. There are definitely pros and cons on getting to know a new work culture.
5. Maintaining your physical and mental health.
You may have to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues related to living abroad. You may also have to find reliable and affordable health care services, insurance plans, and medication in your new country. Dietary restrictions and finding suitable foods for you can prove to be a struggle or not having friends to go out with after work. It takes time and effort to build routines and habits in your new life to support your physical and mental well-being. See here tips on how creating new routines will help you settle.
Above are some of the most common challenges that many expats face. However, they can also be seen as opportunities for learning, growth, and personal development. By overcoming these challenges, you can gain valuable skills, experiences, and insights that can enrich your life and broaden your perspective.
TOP 5 benefits
1. Moving abroad can help you develop your character and self-reliance.
You will face new challenges and learn new skills that will make you more confident and resilient. You will also discover more about yourself and your potential. Burned fuses, creepy craleys, regularly irregular buss schedule or crazy neighbors. Pretty soon you will be navigating your new home town like a local. Most likely you will notice this for the first time when you encounter another new comer who is even more confused than you.
2. Moving abroad can enhance your career and professional network.
You will gain valuable international experience, language skills, and cultural awareness that will make you stand out in the job market. You will also meet people from different backgrounds, sectors, and countries that can help you advance your career goals. It can also set you back career-wise, but while you learned a new language and became even more resilient and resourceful John from marketing is still wondering if yellow shit on casual Friday is too much.
3. Moving abroad can expose you to new cultures and perspectives.
You will learn about the history, traditions, beliefs, and values of your new country and its people. You will also broaden your horizons and enrich your worldview by seeing things from different angles. You might become a firework display aficionado (As happened to me), learn a new dance, cooking style or realize you are actually an outdoorsy person, just as long as the temperatures stay above 20 degrees.
4. Moving abroad can change your tastes and preferences.
You will try new foods, music, art, and entertainment that you may not have access to in your home country. You will also develop a more diverse and refined palate and appreciation for different forms of expression. Guava juice becomes a household stable, your fridge always houses a bottle of opened red wine, food is not a meal without bread or you would never be caught dead drinking cappuccino after your lunch. Food and eating habits are one of the most unique ways of getting to know any culture. Embrace the new without forgetting your roots. Beans on toast becomes an occasion when you have to hunt down half the town in order to find the correct type of beans.
5. Moving abroad can be rewarding and fun.
You will have the opportunity to explore new places, experience new things, and create unforgettable memories. You will also have the satisfaction of achieving your personal and professional goals in a foreign environment.
You will find strengths and weaknesses within you you have never even thought of. You will make memories and create yourself anew.
