For many people who immigrate, ‘thriving’ isn’t how they might describe their early months in a new location. ‘Surviving’ is often a much more accurate way to describe families facing the many challenges of the move. For everyone, the transition is immense; the spouse or partner that has taken up a new job, the accompanying partner who has to make a big professional adjustment and may not even be able to work, and the children who are dealing with a new school system, and for everyone, there is the loss of friends and family at home.
In taking the decision to relocate and live overseas, there are many things for which we can plan. But, there are many scenarios which will be unforeseen and which may take us by surprise. We cannot know what we don’t know, but just acknowledging this fact can help us to adjust and ultimately thrive once we arrive in a new country.
The push versus pull factor
Beginning with the decision process to relocate, it’s important to weigh up the push and pull factors that contribute to the ultimate one to leave. If people feel more pushed than pulled – drawn by the excitement of a new country rather than pushed out by fear or disappointment in the old – this can make relocation a more positive experience and a better barometer of a family’s likelihood to thrive.
Having realistic expectations
Then, once the decision has been taken, it’s important to have realistic expectations of the new country and the new life that it offers. Setting expectations too high can lead to a disconnect between hopes and realities and prevent a successful and happy relocation. While you will not be able to imagine every detail of your new life, doing research ahead of your move and anticipating what it will entail financially, linguistically, professionally and for the family as a whole will mitigate difficulties down the line.
Making new friends…
At home, you may have friends you made in kindergarten, or through shared interest groups and these are being left behind. Making new friends and establishing these connections can take time and so getting out and about and joining social, faith based, sporting or other clubs or societies can help you start to thrive more quickly.
And keeping old ones…
With today’s technology, keeping in touch with friends and family at home is easy. Maintaining these relationships is important in supporting your transition, and so making regular online dates for a friendly face, a catch up or shoulder to lean on from time to time will help your start to thrive in your new home.
Professional support
In the planning phase of your move, you might want to smooth the path by recruiting professional help. This might include service providers at both ends of the relocation from real estate agents to language teachers, financial advisors to school scouts, but having as many logistical and practical elements in place before you leave home can play an important part in your ability to thrive in the new location.
Emigrating can be hard. Some people adapt more quickly than others to a new environment and begin to thrive immediately. Others take longer and only after a few months begin to settle and feel like this is now home. It’s good to know that while your circumstances are unique, your experience of relocating isn’t and that there are many resources that can help you to thrive and be happy abroad.
Thriving Abroad: The definitive guide to professional and personal relocation success by Louise Wiles and Everlyn Simpson is available as an e-book published by Practical Inspiration Publishing