What are your reasons to become an Expat?

We, who decided to travel the world usually don’t do this for no reason. There is a reason why we turn into expats. They say “the more reasons you have to do something – the more chances you have, to be successful at doing that.”

There are many examples of having a reason to assure the success of doing something: learning a skill, signing up for a fitness program, writing a book. The more reasons you have to do what you chose to do, the stronger your motivation to keep doing that and eventually become successful.

The life of an expat is not for everyone. Often times we become expats, because our circumstances ask us to take this course. When our job presents a better opportunity for growth, accepting an assignment to go overseas seems like an exciting option. We go abroad because we are curious about what’s there and we want to explore the world. Sometimes, we relocate to a foreign country because simply “grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”.

Only until you get there you start realizing, that job is only a part of your life; home is where your heart is; nobody really cares about how you feel and you are all alone to deal with the cultural differences; stereotypes; adjustments to the environment; and trying to stay connected to who you really are and what you came to accomplish in this world.

So why did you become an expat and when did this happen?

Technically, you are considered an expat, when you move for a period of time to a foreign country.  I became an expat when I followed my husband for work in a foreign country, leaving the country of my citizenship. Anybody can be an expat as soon as you cross that geographical border that separates cultures, traditions, and laws. This makes you an expatriate instantly.

Only, learning to be a successful expat requires reasons. These are my reasons to become an expat.

Reason # 1. Keep a family together

I wanted to have a family and that is the reason why I got married. Moving with my husband abroad was a condition to be married and stay together. Being married and living apart in different countries wasn’t even an option for us. We were to stay together no matter where life sends us in the world.

Reason # 2. Growing and developing as a person

Becoming an expat required me to look at myself from a different perspective. I discovered that I do represent a certain culture with a certain set of views, habits, and expectations.  Being an expat taught me to recognize and reconcile with my differences and the differences in my new environment. I became a proud representative of my culture and appreciated the opportunity to learn and respect the new culture I was in.

Reason # 3. Learning about the world

Discovering the worlds of new cultures is always exciting and mind-blowing. People travel for this particular reason to learn about the lives of other people, history, past events and what assures the well-being of our present and future.

Reason # 4. Connecting with myself and discovering my purpose

Traveling and discovering is one thing. Learning to live in a new culture requires a lot of internal work. It’s very easy to lose yourself in a foreign culture, and become disoriented, who you really are and what you want to do with your life.  Learning to stay connected with your inner power and source is another reason why you would want to be an expat.

Reason # 5. Raising a child in a different culture

I welcomed the opportunity to raise our son while moving from one country to another. Even though it was challenging to create a home, keep family traditions, and adjust to schools, I don’t regret for a moment that I have done that. For our son, it was a normal life, because he didn’t know any different from the day he was born. I am sure he also learned to appreciate the worldly mindset he received and the strong family foundation we created together.

These are just a few reasons why I became an expat. They kept me going and allowed me to do my work, travel the world and be the best person I could be.

What helps you be a successful expat? What reasons for being an expat support your decision to stay where you are?

Please, schedule a call with me and let’s connect to discover the motivation to be an expat.

Life is a journey of joy. Embrace it!

Much love.

Lena