Relocation Coaching
Are you moving interstate or overseas or returning home after some time away? This can be an overwhelming and stressful experience and one that friends and family, no matter how well intentioned, often do not have the experience to deal with. You may have no idea how to adjust in your new environment, especially if there are cultural differences. Equally it can be very hard to move back home after being away, because everything seems to have stayed the same but you have changed. Someone once said to me when I was about to move to Vietnam ' If you are a circle here and a square there, then you are going to come back a hexagon"!
No matter how you approach relocation, especially an overseas move, it is a process. You will go through several different stages, not always in the same order as another person. You may be in awe of your new environment and find it exciting, like on a honeymoon, or you may feel terribly homesick and frustrated. Because everyone responds differently you may feel isolated and worry that maybe the problem is you. This is not usually the case, you are actually going through an adjustment process and this is very normal. It is also proven to be very stressful. Feeling grounded and getting some sense of normality is what is essential in any move, but quite often we do the opposite. Not only do we have to deal with the physical practicalities of moving, like packing or unpacking and connecting or disconnecting amenities, we can also find ourselves in what can feel like a cloud of confusion. Sometimes this can be obvious, but other times it can feel like it has snuck up on you! We understand what you are going through because we have gone through several interstate moves, as well as 3 international moves and we would love to share what we have learned to help make your journey easier.
Moving Overseas and Dealing With Cultural Adaptation -
This is what is commonly referred to as Culture shock, but is much more than that. Culture shock is just one component. There are several stages in cultural adaption as listed below and as mentioned above they do not always present themselves in the same order for everyone.
Another component of an international move is how your spouse is coping with this transition. Often they are forgotten in the process and can appear to be getting off lightly when this is seldom the case. The trailing spouse may lose their sense of self, as they have no job to do in the new country and feel a lack of purpose. Because they may not be working they can feel more isolated, alone and perhaps miss family and friends more as a result. Understanding and being supportive of each other is an essential part of any successful overseas move.
Moving Interstate -
Don't underestimate the interstate move. It can be more stressful that you think. There is a lot to consider apart from the physical move, You may be leaving behind family and friends. Your parents may be elderly and you may feel guilty. Your children may be leaving behind grandparents and their school. You will more than likely be starting a new job and you will be unfamiliar with the roads and things you take for granted, such as where to shop. Your may find yourself wondering what all the fuss is about as it may only be an hour or two away by plane, but the reality is that you will not be sharing your life with family and friends in the same way and sometimes it can be difficult to break into existing social groups. The other side of course is you are on an adventure and this can be very exciting but it's all about balance. We help people keep things in check and manage their expectations.
Whether you are moving interstate or overseas we aim to help you -
No matter how you approach relocation, especially an overseas move, it is a process. You will go through several different stages, not always in the same order as another person. You may be in awe of your new environment and find it exciting, like on a honeymoon, or you may feel terribly homesick and frustrated. Because everyone responds differently you may feel isolated and worry that maybe the problem is you. This is not usually the case, you are actually going through an adjustment process and this is very normal. It is also proven to be very stressful. Feeling grounded and getting some sense of normality is what is essential in any move, but quite often we do the opposite. Not only do we have to deal with the physical practicalities of moving, like packing or unpacking and connecting or disconnecting amenities, we can also find ourselves in what can feel like a cloud of confusion. Sometimes this can be obvious, but other times it can feel like it has snuck up on you! We understand what you are going through because we have gone through several interstate moves, as well as 3 international moves and we would love to share what we have learned to help make your journey easier.
Moving Overseas and Dealing With Cultural Adaptation -
This is what is commonly referred to as Culture shock, but is much more than that. Culture shock is just one component. There are several stages in cultural adaption as listed below and as mentioned above they do not always present themselves in the same order for everyone.
- Honeymoon
- Crisis (culture Shock)
- Recovery
- Adjustment
- Honeymoon back home
- Crisis (re-entry shock)
- Recovery at home
- Adjustment back home
Another component of an international move is how your spouse is coping with this transition. Often they are forgotten in the process and can appear to be getting off lightly when this is seldom the case. The trailing spouse may lose their sense of self, as they have no job to do in the new country and feel a lack of purpose. Because they may not be working they can feel more isolated, alone and perhaps miss family and friends more as a result. Understanding and being supportive of each other is an essential part of any successful overseas move.
Moving Interstate -
Don't underestimate the interstate move. It can be more stressful that you think. There is a lot to consider apart from the physical move, You may be leaving behind family and friends. Your parents may be elderly and you may feel guilty. Your children may be leaving behind grandparents and their school. You will more than likely be starting a new job and you will be unfamiliar with the roads and things you take for granted, such as where to shop. Your may find yourself wondering what all the fuss is about as it may only be an hour or two away by plane, but the reality is that you will not be sharing your life with family and friends in the same way and sometimes it can be difficult to break into existing social groups. The other side of course is you are on an adventure and this can be very exciting but it's all about balance. We help people keep things in check and manage their expectations.
Whether you are moving interstate or overseas we aim to help you -
- Get a sense of normality through the chaos
- Focus on taking care of yourself
- Find ways to integrate into the community
- Find ways to feel grounded and have purpose
- Nurture your relationships through the process
- Understand your spouse / family and what they are going through