My relocation journey: 10 things I wish I knew before I relocated to the US
My very first relocation journey started at the young age of 18 months, when we relocated from Germany to Nigeria. At age 15 I returned to Germany to attend college. Fourteen years later, I followed my heart and relocated to the US. On this journey I have experienced and learned some things professionally and personally that I would like to share with you.
There will be some tears and frustration: when I moved to the US in 2015 I faced challenges I didn't expect such as opening a bank account, sorting out health insurance etc. Coming from a country like Germany where the Initial set up was easy, I was extremely frustrated. Have a plan and do your research before you move!
You will question if you made the right decision: I feel like for a long time there was a thought in my mind that I made the wrong decision to leave Germany and move to the US. The times will typically come when you face difficult times. This too will pass!
You need to build credit: Unlike Germany where cash payments are the norm, here you are encouraged to make payments with your credit card even if you have the money. Building credit is important here. Learn about the different financial requirements!
There are big cultural differences: This is one that I thought I had experience in as I had lived in Nigeria and Germany. I learned to navigate the new culture by being open-minded, talking to people and accepting that things are different here. Be open to a different culture!
The work culture is different: The way people work is very different. As a project manager, I needed to learn the art of flexible planning. Clients and team members expect flexible timelines. Learn and adapt to your new work culture!
You will be lonely: Building a social circle in a new country is not a trivial task and takes a while. It will take more effort to find new friends and professional alliances. Get out there, meet new people in unconventional places like classes, events, etc. Build a local professional and social network!
You’ll miss food you like: It takes a while to find food you enjoy: this might sound trivial. Good food played an important role in my journey. PS: I'm still on the search for great bread even after three years in the US. Look for small culinary pleasures!
You are now officially very far away from the rest of the world: Living on the west coast of the US, I quickly realized that I was very far from Europe and Africa where my family lives. I had to navigate nine hours’ time difference and at least 11 hours flight to see my family. Technology is your friend!
You need a support system of people who have relocated: there will be so many questions that you will have. My partner and other friends helped me navigate complexities as they had faced similar challenges. I say similar as everyone's situation is different. We should learn from one another!
It might take a while to feel at home in your new country: I moved to the US with the expectation that after a year I’ll feel at home. It has taken me almost three years to settle in. Give yourself time!
Relocating to the US has been one of the greatest learning experiences in my life and strangely I'm open to relocating to a new country. Although, my relocation journey was not as smooth as I thought, I have grown a lot and experienced great things in the past three years.
Have you just relocated or live in a new country? Share two things you wish you knew before your relocated to your current home country in the comments section below. I’m excited to start a platform for women who are on the relocation journey to share experiences and tips to help women who are planning or have just relocated to a new country.
Final thoughts:
You can be successful and thrive in a new country.
There are challenges that come from relocating to a new country.
A plan will make relocation much easier.
Be patient and share your experiences with others.
