How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

A guide for the following spouse who might need some motivation

For expat couples moving to a new country to start a new job, it is not uncommon to find that for the labour of love one side of the couple has followed the other. If you didn't, you will certainly know someone who has? The idea of a promotion, financial freedom, new surroundings and sunshine is a lure that is difficult to pass up.

However, as you are all aware when you choose a path driven by your partner, if you don’t find a way to manage your own path you can often find yourselves down an unintended side road that can have no return. This side road is full of resentment for all the things you left behind, you remember the past fondly and see darkness in front, no matter if this is reality or not. Your mind doesn’t stay in the present when you are on this side road. It see-saws between what you want back and where you don’t want to be.

I have seen the breakdown of relationships in the expat community or the backtracking that takes place to leave the ‘golden opportunity’ that was originally sought due to the unsettling of the other half.

Now, the unhappiness comes from a place where fear of the unknown and inability to make the very drastic changes to your day to day lives, does to you. Not only does your life change when you move; the daily patterns, friends, family, culture but every sense is trying to adjust all at the same time.

So you know the results of what not making your own life can and will likely do. It is hugely important to make the new life for your family, but even more importantly for yourself. To do all the things you dreamed to do but never did before, this is the time for that.

My point here is that it is not your partner or anyone elses' responsibility to build a path for you. Expat life, while sometimes can lack some depth, is a privileged life. Here are some top tips to set you up if you are just moving abroad or struggling to adjust to your new life.

Mindfulness

Practice mindfulness daily. Go to a class or download an app, but make it a habit, this will immediately allow your mind to be bought to the present, to enjoy the surroundings you are in.

Be social

Make an effort to meet people through work. Neighbours. Community events. Join sporting clubs. Try sports you use to play but didn’t have time before.

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Be a yes person

Say yes to things. Even if you think you wouldn't enjoy them, they aren't your thing. Just say yes as something might come from it that is more your thing.