3 Lessons I Learnt From Moving to A Different Country
It gave me a new lease on life
Changing one’s environment is a lot more daunting than it seems. Adopting an entirely different pattern from the usual norm comes with its own unique challenges.
For most people, it’s both exciting and terrifying at the same time.
Imagine having to leave your friends and families, your job, gathering your things and starting afresh in a foreign land.
This was me in 2015. I was newly- married and had just relocated to South Africa. The terrain was different, the air was cool and the faces were new. At the time, I was unsure of what life in this new vicinity would look like.
Packing all one’s stuff and deciding to relocate is fun, but it comes with a lot of uncertainty. For me, starting over in a new country seemed like starting from scratch.
South Africa is culturally different from my home country, Nigeria. Adjusting to a new lifestyle alongside the differences wasn’t so easy.
The truth is, people relocate for different reasons all the time. Whether it’s for better opportunities, educational purposes, work, family or anything else, it always comes with new experiences.
Over the years, I have reflected on my experiences and picked some lessons along the way. Here are some of them:
1. Do your research before moving
Before you move, it helps to do a little research on the job prospects, living costs, housing system, healthcare and insurance details, transportation system, salary structure, climate, crime statistics and everything else that matters.
If possible, you can also talk to friends who live in those places, if you have any. This gives you a general idea of what to expect when you move.
Some important questions to ask yourself are:
- Where will I live?
- What’s the cost of living and will I be able to afford it?
- How well can I cope with change?
- What’s my backup plan if things don’t work out as planned?
- What are the benefits of relocating? And obstacles, if any?
- What’s the weather like?
- Is it a better opportunity when compared to my current lifestyle?
- Can I envisage substantial personal and career growth?
2. Make a plan and accept that it may not work perfectly
Before I relocated, I had a plan on what I wanted to do in my new location. It served as a guide that I used in meeting some of my short-term goals.
I have to admit that although some of my plans fell through, what kept me going was the willingness to navigate through my alternative plans. I picked my lessons and moved ahead.
After all, every cloud has a silver lining
Sometimes, we may have a plan and it may not work. However, it’s not too late to retrace one’s steps and start something new. If things don’t work as planned, don’t beat yourself up too much.
“Relocation can be a big risk, but sometimes big risk equals big rewards.” — Deborah Brown-Vaulkman
3. Have an open mind
After relocating, I had to struggle with two major changes; adjusting to a new life with my spouse and also settling in a place that was far away from home.
I missed my family and friends back at home. I looked forward to and hoped for a better life.
As new changes welcomed me, I began to assimilate the new culture, bit by bit.
Having an open mind and looking on the bright side helped me pull through.
If you are in a similar position, a bit of assimilation could help. Indeed, in every society, there are certain unwritten rules that guide the daily existence of its inhabitants.
“Have an open mind, it’s the only way new things can get in.” — Colleen Hoover
Whatever it is, make an effort to know more about your new environment, the people and their regular habits.
Make efforts to recognize cultural preferences.
Learn the local language(s) if need be.
What helped me was the willingness to embrace my new-found position and location. Within a short time, I met new people, made good friends and became comfortable in my space.
Truly, moving helps you experience newer cultures and opportunities.
It gives you diverse experiences and a good understanding of certain behavioral patterns.
It’s been over five years. Relocation has broadened my horizon, brought more exposure and given me new stories to tell. As I continue learning everyday, I remain grateful for the new opportunities and experiences.