Should I move to another country?
If you opened this blog then you are most likely in the throes of contemplating a move abroad.
Perhaps it is something you have always considered and are trying to figure out if it is the right choice.
Maybe you have fallen in love and are considering following your partner to their home country.
Or perhaps you or your partner have been asked to move overseas for a job.
There are many considerations that we need to weigh before we up and move to a different country.
Some of the considerations are very personal and specific to your situation. Others are questions that nearly every expat has asked themselves before they took the leap into this global lifestyle.
There are big questions you may be contemplating like:
-Will I be happy there?
-What about my friends and family that I am leaving behind?
-I don’t speak the language, how can I manage this?
-How will this affect my career?
-Will I find friends and community?
And other considerations and reflections might be:
-I like to eat what I like to eat, will they have my kind of food?
-Every Thursday I meet the girls for drinks after work, I am really going to miss that.
-With the kids, they can just go to their grandparents when I need help. What will I do without this support?
The questioning before we move is vast and wide. Answering the question of “should I move to another country” is not easy.
Moving to another country can be a significant decision that can bring new opportunities, challenges, and experiences. Whether it's the right choice for you depends on a variety of factors, such as your personal and professional goals, financial situation, and the cultural and lifestyle differences of the country you're considering.
Getting clarity on whether moving to another country is right for you can be challenging.
Here are some things to consider and steps you can take to help you decide if moving to another country is the right choice for you:
- Purpose of the move: Are you moving for work, to be closer to family, for adventure, or for another reason? Understanding your motivation for moving can help you determine if it's the right choice for you.
- Evaluate your reasons: Write down why you're considering moving and what you hope to gain from the experience. Be honest with yourself about your motivations and expectations.
- Research the country: Learn as much as you can about the country you're considering, including its culture, lifestyle, and economic conditions. Read about the experiences of others who have moved there, and try to connect with people who live there to better understand what it's really like.
- Cost of living: Research the cost of living in your destination country, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.
- Consider the practicalities: Look into the practicalities of moving, such as housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Make a list of the pros and cons to help you weigh your options.
- Culture shock: Moving to a new country can bring a range of emotions, including excitement, fear, and culture shock. Consider whether you're prepared to navigate these challenges.
- Check out our blog on culture shock to help you navigate this effectively
- Consult with others: Talk to friends, family, about your plans. Seek out their opinions and listen to their concerns, but ultimately make the decision that feels right for you.
- Taking a coach to help you work through this process can be very effective to gain clarity around this huge life decision.
- Take a test drive: If possible, visit the country you're considering to get a feel for what it would be like to live there. Meet with people, try the food, and experience the culture. This can help you make a more informed decision.
Moving to a new country can bring a range of emotions, experiences, and challenges.
It can also be an exciting and rewarding opportunity for personal growth and new opportunities.
It's impossible to predict exactly what will happen if you move to another country, as every person's experience is unique.
However, here are some common experiences and changes that people encounter when they move to a new country:
Culture shock: Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, and you may experience culture shock as you adjust to new customs, language, and social norms.
Homesickness: You may feel homesick or miss your friends and family back home, especially during holidays or special events.
Language barriers: If you're moving to a country where you don't speak the language, you may face challenges communicating with others and navigating daily life.
New opportunities: Moving to a new country can also bring new opportunities, such as a new job, a chance to learn a new language, or exposure to different cultures.
Personal growth: Moving to a new country can push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow as a person. You may develop new skills and experiences, and make new friends from all over the world.
Adapting to a new way of life: You may need to get used to new customs and habits, such as different food, transportation systems, and social norms.
Journaling intentionally
You may have heard before that journaling helps clarify your thoughts. You may have even dabbled in journaling in the past.
Well, my friend, now is the time to get that notebook out and grab a pen!
Putting thoughts to paper is a helpful exercise when we are trying to get greater clarity on ourselves, our lives, and issues concerning us.
Try to write for about 10 minutes per day over the course of one month. Do more if you have the time, but 10 minutes is a good starting point. The important thing is to try and do this daily.
When you approach this exercise, try not to concentrate on the negatives, fears and concerns. We don’t want to ignore these feelings but we also don’t want to let them take center stage. Our brains are always trying to protect us, and keep us safe. Hence they tend to lean on negative emotions.
So for every question that prompts you to journal about a fear, plan to write a positive emotion, positive action or solution to the challenge identified. Use this journaling practice as an opportunity to gain clarity on the concerns you have, but also to problem-solve for them.
Build your confidence and resilience when considering these possibilities and challenges.
Journal prompts you can use to help you reflect on your decision:
What are my motivations for moving overseas?
What are my biggest fears or concerns about moving overseas?
How will moving overseas impact my relationships with friends and family?
What are the biggest challenges I anticipate facing in a new country?
What do I hope to gain from moving overseas?
What are the non-negotiables in my life that I must have in a new country to be happy?
How will moving overseas impact my career or professional goals?
What are the most important cultural differences I should be aware of in my new country?
What support systems or resources do I have in place for making the move?
What would I need to do in order to feel prepared for the move overseas?
By reflecting on these prompts and writing down your thoughts, you can gain a deeper understanding of your motivations, fears, and goals, which can help you make a more informed decision about whether moving overseas is right for you.
Remember, making the decision to move to another country is a big one, so take your time and weigh your options carefully.
It's important to be honest with yourself and consider all potential challenges and benefits before deciding if you should move to another country.
Sometimes making big like decisions like moving overseas can be an incredibly difficult task to work through on our own.
We understand the challenges and fears that you are experiencing. As expat coaches, we can provide valuable support and guidance as you make the decision whether to move overseas.
In our coaching, we can help you clarify your goals, weigh the potential risks and benefits, manage your emotions, create a plan for making the move, and provide accountability. Set up your free discovery call today to hear how we can work with you through this process.