One of my workshop participants once said that it feels as she left her best self in her country of origin and that her current version of her self is inferior: less self confident, successful and happy.  Professionally she does not feel as accomplished and proud.

Moving to a new country, region or even just a new town or city is both an opportunity and a challenge. I have found it refreshing to move to a new location, even for a short period of time.  As an exchange student in France in my mid 20s I felt as if my life was an empty sheet of paper with limitless opportunities for writing a new personal story.  Leaving my safe and predictable life in college behind opened new opportunities for me to explore who I am, who I want to be and how to transform. My move to the US from Finland in my late 20s was my ultimate leap of faith.  I had another  chance to start anew, to explore a new country, new friends and create new goals and dream up new dreams. It has been challenging, but worthwhile. I have learned tremendously.

This is the thrilling aspect of moving and leaving the known and safe behind. It is a wonderful opportunity to create something new, but requires that you remain open to exploring and learning more about yourself and the world.

One key factor to my positive experiences moving across the world is that I was in control. I initiated the move through my own wishes and actions. I was young and single without a family to care for.   I was not forced to move because of political, economical or financial reasons or because of my partner’s job. These issues immediately complicate a transition.

Global relocation has been a very different experience for my workshop participant. She followed her spouse to his new job and has children to care for. Her circle of control is much narrower and more people’s well-being depends on how she feels about and adjusts to the new country. Her professional identity is weakened as she has left those who know her accomplishments and career story behind on the other side of the world. In her new city, few know her professional successes and her reputation.

What can we do to facilitate a transition to a new country or city? Research has shown that personality traits such as how you handle uncertainty and change influence the success of the relocation. How much were you involved in the decision making process prior to the move?  Have your spouse and his/her employer listened to your needs and attempted to meet them? How do your children feel about the move? How much do you know about the country you are relocating to, it’s history, culture, language, schools and job market?

If you know that change and uncertainty are difficult for you, take time to prepare as much as possible prior to the move. Try to gather information about your new home. Give yourself plenty of time to process your thoughts and feelings related to the upcoming change. Talk to people you trust, your friends, your spouse and your family.

If you are moving with your spouse because of a job assignment, ask the employer to provide assistance finding a home, schools, and career support, if relevant. Demand that your and your family’s needs are taken into account when planning the logistics of relocation. Use the internet and social media to create relationships where you are going and to maintain your relationships with your family, friends and colleagues left behind.

Talk to others who have lived in the same city or region, find a cultural informant. Most of all, try to remain positive and open to new experiences and opportunities to learn. This doesn’t mean ignoring your negative feelings and fears, but it means facing your fears and being open to finding and receiving support to overcome them.