New Country, New You: The Real Deal on Making an International Move, work

I remember a few years ago, just before embarking on my journey abroad, at one of the farewell parties, a very good friend of mine (who was also moving to a different country) said:

'The ones who decide to leave have a part of themselves that's a little twisted—or just crazy.'

How right she was.

Writing has always been my thing, so I started working on this article a few years back. But in my eagerness to share all my insights, the result came out more bitter and operational than I intended. At that time, I decided to put it on hold.

Now, years later, after letting this international 'something' settle and mature in me, the writing feels more balanced. It's got this bittersweet flavor—like those foods that are loaded with both salt and sugar, so much so that you just want to keep taking another bite, and then another...

For me, moving abroad with my family was the second-best decision of my life (the first being the family itself). And I’m not just talking about my career here—so bear with me. At the same time, I fully acknowledge that not everything is for everyone. Or, to put it in better context, the right conditions and timing can make all the difference, turning an outcome into the best—or the worst—experience.

Let me explain!

Packing More Than Bags: How an International Move Redefines You

The first point I want to dive into is this: an international move shouldn’t be treated purely as a business case. Too often, the decision is reduced to numbers—salary, cost of living, or benefits—like it’s all just a spreadsheet exercise. Don’t get me wrong; financials are important. They’re part of the equation, and for many, they’re a key factor. But after spending more than seven years living abroad, I’ve realized that focusing solely on the financials can overshadow the bigger picture and, honestly, the more meaningful rewards of such a life-changing decision.

When you move abroad, the true value doesn’t show up in your bank statements. It lies in the personal growth, the stretching of your comfort zone, and the way you’re forced to confront and adapt to challenges. And trust me, challenges will come—language barriers, cultural differences, and even the isolation of starting over. But here’s the thing: these moments aren’t setbacks; they’re stepping stones.

They teach you resilience, adaptability, and a kind of inner strength that you can’t gain any other way. The move becomes less about surviving and more about thriving in ways you didn’t expect.

Over time, you start to see the transformation in yourself. It’s not just about landing a better job or earning more money (though those are nice perks). It’s about becoming a larger version of yourself—a person who sees the world differently, who has grown beyond the familiar and embraced the unpredictable. That kind of growth doesn’t fit into a financial analysis, and it’s why I believe international moves are about so much more than the numbers. They’re about a deeper kind of wealth that stays with you long after the spreadsheets are closed.

Anchors Abroad: The Power of a Strong Support System

The second key to a successful international move is having a strong support system. In my opinion, this is the real game-changer. And while moving with your family is undoubtedly a huge advantage (and my number one recommendation if you have one), not everyone is at that stage of life. For those embarking on this journey solo or at a different age, the focus shifts to something just as crucial: building meaningful relationships. It’s not about having a long list of acquaintances or casual connections; it’s about cultivating deeper bonds that genuinely support you through the ups and downs of starting over.

Casual friendships can be fleeting—people come and go, and it’s easy to stay "busy" by socializing without forming any real attachment. But that’s not where the magic happens. To truly feel grounded in a new country, it’s about finding a select few people you can trust, invest in, and be completely yourself with. These are the relationships where vulnerability is not just accepted but encouraged—where you can show up as you are, whether you're celebrating a success or struggling with homesickness.

These connections aren’t just friendships; they become your anchor, helping you navigate unfamiliar waters and giving you the strength to keep moving forward.

The beauty of this approach is that these relationships don’t just help you survive; they help you thrive. They’re not about distraction but about deepening your sense of belonging and rooting yourself in your new environment. With the right people by your side, you grow stronger, more resilient, and more open to the possibilities of your new life. Over time, these bonds become part of the foundation of your new self—a self that is firmly rooted but also capable of reaching new heights.

Commit to the Journey: The Power of Thinking Long-Term

When it comes to making an international move, I’ve learned that the mindset you bring to it is everything. For me, it’s about playing the long game. Sure, there’s value in having a few tactical wins here and there, but the real rewards come when you commit to a specific mindset, approach, or lifestyle over the long term.

This isn’t just about persistence—it’s about allowing time for the changes to take root and truly shape you. The longer you stay open to the journey, the greater the benefits, both in personal growth and in the opportunities that unfold along the way.

From my perspective (and fully respecting that others might feel differently), an international move isn’t just a short-term portal to something new. It’s a long-term decision to open a door—one that leads to possibilities you can’t yet imagine and versions of yourself you haven’t met. When you approach it as a commitment rather than a quick escape or temporary experiment, you give yourself the chance to experience a transformation that’s deep and lasting. In the long run, the journey becomes not just about where you live but about who you become.

And before I wrap this up, here are a couple of quick and dirty tactical moves to help you get it right from the start.

• If it’s within your control, try to negotiate a transfer that starts on January 1st. This simple move can save you from becoming a tax resident in both countries for the entire year—saving you tons of trouble and some money in the process!
• If that’s not possible, at least aim to have the spring or summer ahead of you when you make the move. It might seem like a small thing, but knowing you’ll be heading into the warmer months can make all the difference. When winter does come (and it will!), you'll already be settled in and have the mental space to handle it.
• Lastly, don’t underestimate the cultural impact and the change journey you’ll go through.

For reference, I failed miserably in all three above —but hey, I’m still here and happy!