4 Insights from My Relocation Experience

Imagine you are in a new country of residence at the local government registration office, listening for your name being called. In your hands are copies of legal documents you were able to hunt down, print out, and prepare for the appointment. Your fingers are crossed that, between their uncertain grasp of English and your basic knowledge of the local language, the visit goes as smoothly as possible. Or perhaps you’re at the post office for what seems like a twice-weekly visit, wondering when that urgent letter/package/card will arrive. Do they have my new address on file? What if it got sent to my old address? Did it get lost?

Relocating to a new country brings many new beginnings as you establish yourself amid various foreign systems. I have relocated multiple times—to Hong Kong, to Switzerland, and finally back to the U.S. more than 10 years later—and each one has given me different adventures, side effects, lessons, and headaches.

Relocation Insights: How My Experience Shaped My Career

These 4 insights from my relocation experience profoundly shaped my career. I first focused on corporate workforce relocations and now coach individuals and teams to navigate the complexities and nuances of the process. Also, my work in HR often required me to visit foreign countries to learn about the local practices, laws, and cultural norms. This added to a growing knowledge bank that I use to help my clients who are about to embark on similar transitions. With this in mind, let me share some insights I’ve taken from many years of hard-earned personal experience in relocating.

Insight 1: Health Benefits, Coverage, Insurance

Health coverage can work very differently in every country and possibly even by state/canton/province/township. In most countries outside of the United States, health benefits aren’t employer-sponsored and, therefore, exist as a process outside of your company. This requires a separate enrollment for which your company’s benefits specialist or HR may be unable to assist fully. However, HR should be familiar with the basics and can guide you through key healthcare considerations specific to your new location.

This is something to be keenly aware of as you consider the options and processes well before your move and research the different benefit provider options. Just keep this in mind as you discuss during your initial relocation conversations that ‘Benefits’ do not automatically imply or include ‘Health Benefits’. And don’t forget that other benefits may also be available to you as you localize to your new country with your employer, such as travel insurance or tax-free spending accounts, which may be something to consider and take full advantage of. This general guidance may also apply to other local insurances needed, as again, the need will differ depending on what life in your new country will require.

Insight 2: Your Life Admin Tasks Just Tripled

The number of registrations and deadlines you must keep on top of can be daunting. Registrations needed for local identification cards, new bank accounts, and even new tax deadlines will add up. These tasks are best managed via a calendar or another personal method to keep organized. This includes gathering documents required for registrations, as many countries require printing out documents in hard copy form. Date formats outside of the U.S. may also differ as it is typically a day/month/year format. I’ve overlooked this more than once and have now invested in white-out for such instances.

Insight 3: Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

Before every relocation I made a robust social plan on how to make new friends and join new communities. However, there is an added complexity to maintaining existing or friendships or relationships once you move abroad — something I wasn’t always prepared for. Due to all the changes and adventures of your new life, you may feel like you have moved on from some of the relationships you once cherished back home. You may underestimate the effort involved in maintaining those connections. Some of this is inevitable.

However, even small interventions, such as scheduling or planning Facetime calls in advance or texting more often to see how a friend is doing, can make a huge impact. Yes, relationships are a two-way street, but the person moving away has a greater responsibility to maintain the balance in long-distance friendships.

Insight 4: Try to Enjoy the Journey

The last (and most crucial) insight is to look at these possible moments of frustration as learning opportunities. Our first reaction is to compare every new experience to the familiar. It is a normal feeling when every seemingly easy process suddenly becomes complicated and slow. But remember, there is growth in struggle, even as simple as mixing up the day and month on a legal form. Eventually, you will laugh about this and accept that mistakes will be made.

With so many large and small considerations, it helps to put your trust in an experienced Relocation Management Company like Interstate Relocation, with experts who are either familiar with the exact processes or connected to professionals who can help. There is assurance in their knowledge and experience regarding what to expect and what to plan for. A relocation is a major life overhaul and doesn’t need to be navigated alone.

These 4 insights from my relocation experience highlight that relocating is a major life change, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The peace of mind that comes from partnering with seasoned professionals allows you to focus on the exciting new chapter ahead.

Adriana Frei is a Human Resources consultant and career coach based in the U.S. and Switzerland. She leverages 15 years international HR experience in her approach to guide professionals in their career growth, with an emphasis on developing global leadership skills and strengthening work performance. She can be contacted at www.adrianafrei.com