The idea of starting over can be daunting, and the idea of starting over in an entirely different country even more so. However, having the right attitude and approach to moving can make all the difference – particularly when challenges present themselves. No matter what your reason for moving, adopting the right attitude can make all the difference on your success as an expat.
Have an open mind
Wherever you are moving to, one thnig is certain; things will be different, from the culture to the cuisine, so be ready to embrace these differences. People will have different lifestyles and business may be conducted differently, but different isn't bad, and if you think so, you will likely struggle with a new lifestyle. Be ready to pick up the basics of a new language, learn about new religions or even adopt a new cuisine. If you find the prospect of a new lifestyle and exploring a new culture exciting, it will likely be less of a shock to the system and more of an adventure.
Have a free-spirit (and a desire for adventure!)
Speaking of which, you have to want the adventure! Even if you are fond of home, a desire to explore somewhere new will certainly make moving more exciting than sad. And, once you are in a country, you may find yourself alone at the start, and a desire to explore new places and activities will help you find like-minded people (or even different minded people!) who will assist in making you feel at home. If you're not someone who's into trying new things, get ready to change that attitude, because soon enough everything will be new, and it can either be an exciting adventure or a scary ordeal, depending on your approach.
Be prepared for a change
Things will be different in another country, of course. Being adventurous and excited about discovering a new culture won't help if you are surprised to discover slow internet speeds are making video calls home a challenge. Being prepared for these changes can make all the difference – if you are moving somewhere remote from an urban area, be prepared for less accessible amenities. From small things, such as your favourite brand of cereal, to more significant things, such as poorly paved roads or other infrastructure issues, there will definitely be changes to adapt to. You can prepare yourself in different ways, from visiting expat forums to hear about other expat experiences, to packing correctly if the climate is drastically different. Being prepared will make the change less of a cause for panic and more something to discover if you mentally and physically ready for them.
Be flexible
However, you can't prepare for everything, so some differences you will just have to accept. Perhaps your working hours will be different or maybe beaurocracy is a bit more of a burden. Maybe your new destination is more slow or fast-paced. If you worry too much and try to hold on the ways you are used to doing things, you will cause yourself undue stress! So try and relax and go with the flow. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, as they say. This readiness to adapt to a new lifestyle will help get you settled in quicker, so don't try and fight the natural rhythm of things in your new home. This will help you navigate things that appear to be problems far more easily, and you may even find new ways of doing things!
Be patient
Not everything will be easy, so a bit of patience goes a long way. In the smaller scheme of things, it may be the daily traffic jam which you sit in for an hour now instead of your twenty minute train journey, or longer queues in the bank. In the grand scheme of things, adjusting and settling in may not happen within a week, or two weeks, or even a month. However, taking a bit of time to get used to your new environment and making the most of all the small things that are perhaps not available in your home country (from foods to activities) will certainly speed up the process. This isn't to say if it really isn't working out that you shouldn't return home – this is always an option if you feel like you just aren't fitting in – but you should give it time and a chance. If you adopt the right attitude, your patience will likely pay off and you will begin to feel at home sooner rather than later.
