Wednesday, 23 July 2014

Challenges of being an Expat by Chelsea Flynn, SteppingStones Recruitment

 Living away from family and friends:

Moving to a foreign place without your usual social circles and not being able to call round to see family as frequently as you are used to can always be a big challenge. It often makes adapting to a new place very difficult. However why not ensure that you put methods in place to allow you to keep in touch with everyone back home? Regular Skype sessions on the weekend, get your phone set up with International calls and stay in touch via social networking sites.

Adapting to a new culture:

If the culture is completely different to what you have known back home, this can also prove to be difficult when trying to integrate into a new place and adhere to the local traditions and norms. Do some research! This can be one of the best motivators for moving to a new place, to try a new way of life, to experience a new culture and place. For instance in Cayman, a lot of the bars close early on a Saturday and barely anywhere is open on a Sunday for religious reasons. Although it can be frustrating always having to plan ahead for events like a BBQ on a Sunday, it is also great to just relax on a Sunday!

Getting Homesick:

Feeling homesick in general is just a natural reaction to being away from home. It happens to lots of people when you look back and think the grass was greener. However, rather than missing your usual routine and environment, look forward. Think of all of the positives of living away from home. Think of the life experience you are gaining. Often we think the grass is greener back home but in actual fact, when you go back and visit, has much changed?

Getting used to a new career:

A new way of working is inevitable when you decide to move abroad. Depending on the type of organisation you transition to, whether it is going from an International company to a start up organisation or from an extremely structured and corporate organisation to a more relaxed and open company, you have to learn to adapt to a new style and new people. This can be very exciting! The professional development that you gain can be limitless and starting a new role in a new company is also a great way to meet new people. Lots of companies have on boarding processes that are great for new arrivals to help you to integrate in to the community and get to know new people so say “yes” to everything!

Being an expat is without a doubt one of the most fulfilling things you can do in life so take the plunge! Steve Jobs. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else´s life.”

Interested in working in the Cayman Islands? Visit www.steppingstonescayman.com 

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