Picture this: you’ve just landed an incredible job opportunity abroad. It could be a finance job in London, a tech role in Paris, or a luxury gig in Milan. You pack your bags and say your goodbyes to your friends and family and step into your new chapter.
In your case, it might be a smooth transition – but the reality for most is that adjusting takes a few weeks. Reality often sets in, and excitement gives way to long commutes, a steep rent, and a sense of isolation.
THE EMOTIONAL STRAIN WITH LANDING A JOB ABROAD
Recent research from Emlyon Business School, reported by The Financial, shows that emotional strain for some who move abroad is no joke. Unlike previous studies that frame international mobility as purely strategic, this one focused on the emotional and social struggles that come with these decisions.
Led by Professor Nikos Bozionelos at Emlyon, the study included 25 early-career professionals in their 20s who had moved abroad as self-initiated expatriates (SIEs), aka young professionals who relocate. He found that a good number of young professionals felt deep sadness and guilt about leaving their family behind, even when the move was necessary.
Once they arrived, high costs, intense work schedules, and nearly nonexistent work-life balance made adjusting even harder, sometimes leading to an early return.
MANY FACE ISOLATION
These challenges seemed the most pressing for those from developing countries or economically struggling regions.
Even those who found success faced a tough choice: either stay and deal with isolation, or go home to fewer opportunities, lower pay, and sometimes navigate the effects of reverse culture shock.
These struggles aren’t isolated to these 25 students surveyed. Many professionals face similar obstacles when relocating. Forbes listed tips for those going abroad. These included advocating for those who move to a new country to prepare their expectations by building up their local support system and adjust their expectations to prepare for a new type of work-life balance.
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