Embarking on the adventure of expat life usually requires a lot of thoughts to be processed and even more decisions to be made. I would like to share some of the opportunities it can bring along when we dive into the exciting world of expat life, where every corner can hold a new opportunity, and every challenge can be a chance for growth – if we choose it, that is!
Being a life coach specialising in supporting expat spouses/partners, I have witnessed firsthand, both professionally and personally, the incredible journey it can be, when we dare to step beyond our comfort zone and embrace life in a foreign country.
One of the most obvious aspects of living abroad as a family is the opportunity for personal and professional growth. Some of that growth comes quite naturally, as we are forced to get out of our comfort zone and dip our toes or go waist high into the unknown waters of expat life. Getting the family settled can be hard work and might take a while, for others there is a lot of professional support in this process, and it’s not a very heavy load. In either case, there are lots of opportunities awaiting us once the initial moving and settling-in chaos has calmed down. However, it is up to you to take the opportunities and make the growth happen. Whether it’s learning a new language, learning how to adapt to a new culture, or practicing your cross-cultural communication skills, every challenge you meet on your way can be a steppingstone towards becoming the best version of yourself.
Yes, there might be a fulltime job to keep in mind. Maybe a job (with a salary paid in money) or a fulltime job of running a family (with a salary paid in love) or another version or combination of the two, I am fully aware of that. But even joggling a job and/or running a family abroad can be an opportunity for growth. You might have to use some skills that you didn’t know you had in you or haven’t used since childhood, like only communicating with gestures instead of spoken words (when we don’t know the local language yet), Maybe you are only able to/allowed to leave the home with a driver (meaning you are depending on others), you might have to up your social game or something else you didn’t expected to do. All can be turned into a new skill, competence or learning opportunity. But let’s be honest, it can also be very draining to learn and develop all the time, and after a while one might feel an urge to scream “no more learning opportunities, thanks”. That’s when we need to take a step back, use all the knowledge and tools from our mental backpack, to just be… until we are ready to get back up and see opportunities.
It's not just about personal development, though. Living abroad can also open doors to exciting new career opportunities. As an expat spouse or partner, you may be exploring new professional roads and pursuing passions you didn’t know you had. You might discover a skill or take your hobby to the next level. From starting your own business to embarking on a freelance career. The possibilities are endless when you are willing to embrace change and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Take the opportunity of change and make your dream come true. If you don’t have a dream or even passion/hobby - you are not alone. Many people haven’t had an opportunity like this before. Haven’t had time to think about what their passion or dream is, what they would love to do, or they just haven’t taken the time to think about it, because there was always something else... Moving abroad is a new start, why not do things differently this time. You are getting new routines anyway, why not make room for a (few) dream(s) to come true. If you need to find what your dream or passion is, I can help you. But first try to think of things you did as a child, teenager, or young adult that you loved to do, and haven’t done in years. There might be something there to help you along on your journey of finding a dream or your passion.
Of course, navigating life in a foreign country comes with its own set of challenges. From possible homesickness to cultural differences, there will inevitably be moments of doubt and uncertainty along the way. But fear not, for every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise – a chance to learn, grow and emerge stronger than ever before.
So, what do you need to consider before taking the leap into expat life? First and foremost, you need to approach the experience with an open mind and sense of curiosity. Many things, maybe even most things, are going to be different from what you are used to or even expecting, so embrace the unknown and be prepared to step outside of your comfort zone. Find other expats in your new location, they know what you are going through, can share tips and tricks and most importantly, they know the highs and lows of expat life. Also, don’t hesitate to seek out professional support like an expat coach or cross-cultural trainer.
Remember, above all else, enjoy the journey. Life as an expat is an adventure unlike no other, filled with moments joy, learnings, surprises, laughter, and unforgettable memories. So, go ahead, pack your bags, and embark on the journey of a lifetime and opportunities – the world is waiting for you!
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