This was my first move outside my country. I’d previously moved between cities in Ukraine, and it didn’t feel that hard. Besides, I had a certain level of comfort at home: easily rentable housing, friends, a similar mentality, a stable job, and an income that easily covered my expenses.
Your comfort level will drop significantly at first. This doesn’t mean everything is going wrong; it’s completely normal.
Don’t consider yourself a failure if you don’t have anything yet. Sometimes we compare ourselves to the locals around us, thinking they have everything we want—a nice apartment, a stable job—but we forget that they have a massive head start. Building a life from scratch takes time and effort.
Feeling lonely and empty is normal. Leaving your comfort zone is always accompanied by all the stages of acceptance. Missing your old life and comparing it to your new one is just part of the process.
You are capable of more than you think you are. Look back at what you have already survived and achieved. If you could do that, you are capable of achieving this, too.
Meet people and socialize as much as possible. Networking is crucial everywhere. It’s vital to find someone close to share your interests with, or even just to go out for a coffee or a glass of wine.
Try new things and take risks. Say “yes” to new opportunities. If we don’t change, we don’t develop. Take it as a challenge!
Don’t underestimate your mental condition. Moving is a major life stressor. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge how much energy it takes to adapt.
Give yourself time. It takes a while to truly understand if this new place is “your country.” Don’t rush the verdict.
Leave a Reply