The psychological difficulties of moving abroad – and how to face them
Those who decide to leave their home country will certainly encounter certain difficulties, not so much physical as psychological. When you think that sometimes it takes time to process a change of job or a move within a country, it’s no wonder that these feelings and thoughts can arise in a distant place. Let’s see what people who move abroad face, and we’ll also show you some tips on how to overcome these issues.
written by: CONTINENT SURFER
Your journey doesn’t start when you get on the plane, it starts when you decide to move. Obviously, this decision is not easy to make, a lot of thinking and vacillating, pro and con lists, dealing with a lot of places – this is how your trip starts, so even the preparations can be a serious ordeal.
Don’t lose focus!
Once you’ve decided to go for it, don’t waver, keep the goal in mind and focus on why you’ve made the decision. Take time to prepare and focus on what is best for you in the situation. You are the only one who can live your life, and those who truly love you will accept this and even support you in making it work for you. Don’t feel selfish (at least in the bad sense of the word), because you deserve to make this about you. It’s true that I haven’t moved abroad (yet), just to another city in the country, but my best friend has supported me from the very first moment, even though our daily meetings are limited to one a month at best, but we still love each other just as much. So look ahead and believe me, you made the right choice!
Yes, saying goodbye is hard
And since you know that, before you set off on your one-way trip, spend time with the people you love and feel comfortable with. Savour every moment you spend with your loved ones, breathe in the air of home, visit your favourite places, collect experiences and memories to pull out of your imaginary hat. Your family and friends will always be an important part of your life, but hurrah for the 21st century, we’re glad that in the world of the internet we can call each other from virtually anywhere at any time, video chat, and so that distance is a little closer.
Stop thinking in extremes!
Moving abroad now may not be permanent. Anything can happen, you might not like it, you might move to a completely different country in time and you might even return home. One thing’s for sure, you never know what the next period in your life will bring, so don’t think that if you leave, it’s for life. Live the move as an adventure or a project that makes you more, that adds to you, that makes you grow.
New country, new person
When you move to somewhere far from home, you need to get to know yourself again: as a result of being somewhere new, without your family, friends or acquaintances, you will spend a lot of time alone. You need to find out who you are and what you want to do in this new life. It doesn’t happen overnight, so give yourself time, be patient! Adapting to a new place, culture and people will take time and may take effort, but remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Homesickness
Homesickness is a complex, complicated phenomenon. When you move abroad, it’s a natural feeling, although everyone experiences it differently, and it can be a matter of personality. It’s normal to miss home, family, your favourite coffee shop, your favourite team, your friends and everything that is technically completely different now. It’s okay to feel sad sometimes, and even cry. The important thing is not to get stuck in that feeling. Cry it out, take a step back, and remember why you embarked on this adventure in the first place.
Being alone can be good
First of all, it’s important to know the difference between loneliness and solitude, as many people confuse the two. Being alone is something that practically everyone needs. It is a state or time when you can focus on yourself, your own feelings, thoughts and needs. In contrast, a lonely person feels cut off, alienated from other people, has difficulty making meaningful human connections. So, you are probably not lonely, you just feel alone sometimes. Take this time to look around your environment, the place where you live. Look for places you want to visit later, go for walks, keep a diary.
To date or not to date?
Of course, this is not primarily about finding a partner (although who knows), but about meeting new people. You must have some hobbies or interests. Find clubs, workshops, places where you can meet like-minded people. Don’t be afraid to sit alone in a café or ask someone on the street to recommend a good activity. If you like to dance, enrol in a dance school! If you love to read, visit a few bookshops or sit in a library! You’ve got plenty of opportunities, and you need new friends – it won’t make the ones back home disappear.
Feeling insecure?
There will probably be times when you feel unsure and think you’ve made the wrong decision. This is normal, you’re away from home, loved ones and things you’re used to. When you hit rock bottom, it’s good to know that there’s only uphill from there. Believe me, it’s not about what your job is, how much money you make, whether you’re “successful” or what others say. What matters is that you have fun and are happy. No one will ever know better than you what you need, what your desires are. Listen to your own heart and make the most of the scene that is happening in the movie of your life! You are the main character!
Did you know?
Homesickness is a feeling of stress or anxiety caused by separation from people and places that you know and love. It is a common experience for students who move away from home, regardless of the distance.
Get the right help, face the problems and embrace the challenges in order to conquer the world!
Have you not decided yet whether to move abroad?
In 2020, he quit his stable job at a software development company and started a business online. He really enjoys the flexible schedule and living on his own terms as a digital nomad. His passion is to help others make the same decision and change their perspective about their own opportunities, which ultimately results in changing their whole life. He lives in Miami on a boat, where he focuses on enjoying his life and sharing his experiences with others.
If you’re interested in learning how he can help you change the trajectory of your life, get in touch with Peter!
Like what we do?
If so, please support us, every litte counts and much appreciated!
You will help us to come up with useful information regularly, so please support us every once and a while or even on a monthly basis! Thank you!
Source(s):
Original article: A külföldre költözés lelki nehézségei – és hogyan nézz szembe velük Translated by: BOGI – CONTINENT SURFER
Planning to move abroad? Interested in professional advice or personal experiences?
Surf on our website and become a real Continent Surfer!
GET ALL THE HELP YOU NEED from our professional consultants, visa advisor, language teachers and other service providers.
England, Australia, Europe, America New Zealand, Asia or Canada?
Wherever you go, whatever solution you might be looking for… WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Click here to contact our Expert Partners!
Comment
