COPING WITH THE TRANSITION OF EXPATRIATION
Lynsey Swords-Mccann • November 27, 2018
Relocating can be stressful. However, anticipating some of the ways in which relocation might be challenging and thinking through some possible coping strategies can go a long way to helping you to manage the transition positively and effectively. Here are some tips you might find useful:
- Focus on the many benefits and opportunities – There are many benefits and opportunities to spending time living and working in another country. There’s so many new experiences to have and opportunities to discover and it helps to try and stay focussed on these when overwhelment and doubt creeps in. Write a list of the benefits of living and working in your chosen country and pin point your own personal goals. Establish what you would like to get out of the experience personally and think of ways in which you can work on achieving these goals.
- Identify your sources of support – Identify what your new support network looks like now that you’ve moved and use it. If your new network is slow to establish initially, how can you work on extending it in your new host country. Are there any classes or activities you enjoy doing in your spare time that you could get involved in? Or look at the NetExpat Community for support. Whilst you’re working on building your new support network, leverage off the one you have just left behind via Skype, Facetime, Social Media, E Mail or phone. The world is a lot smaller than it used to be and it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and loved ones.
- Be Kind To Yourself – Having been through a country relocation myself, I understand that it can feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster at times. Rest assured that this is a completely normal reaction to change and the mix of highs and lows will pass. They say it takes six to eight months to really settle into a new country and feel completely comfortable with your new environment/work so whilst you’re working your way through this settling in period, be kind to yourself and be patient with how you’re feeling day to day.
- Make The Most Of Your Free Time – Whether you’re working, studying or managing your home during this period of relocation, make plans for you and your family to experience everything your host country has to offer. For example, for those settled in the UK, book tickets for a show, see the many fantastic attractions that make the UK unique or take a day trip to one of the many free museums. Work on making some amazing memories you can take back home with you once the assignment is complete.
- Prioritise – It can feel that there is so much to organise when you initially move to a new country and it can feel overwhelming. Try to prioritise what needs to be done first and focus on one action at a time. Make a list of things to do in those initial few weeks and once each is complete strike a big bold line through it. You’ll be surprised how satisfying it is to see all those tasks marked off as each day passes and you become more settled!
- It’s OK To Feel Lonely, Frustrated, Angry, Fearful etc – It’s very common for negative feelings to creep in once the adrenaline of the move has subsided and your days are less busy managing the logistics of your recent relocation. Again, this is a normal reaction to transitioning into a new and unfamiliar environment. Acknowledge how you're feeling and that it’s ok to feel that way and then explore ways in which you can feel more connected to and positive about your new environment. Work on determining what you need to do personally to alleviate these feelings (and this might be different for each individual). Talk to your friends and family about how you’re feeling and be open with them about the support you need from them.
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