5 inevitable pros + cons of the expat lifestyle
Honestly, I did ZERO – absolutely ZERO research on the expat lifestyle before I was thrown into this journey. And at the time I thought that was a smart decision, “ahh I’ll just wing it and see what happens, I don’t want to expect anything etc etc” which is VERY FAIR. But truthfully, I did myself DIRTYYYYYYYY man. If I would have known what I know now (says everyone ever) I would not have hit absolute rock bottom the way I did!! Like, Baylie, what were you thinking!!!! *I wasn’t*
Though, if I didn’t take the hit the way I did – I wouldn’t be able to be writing all of these post for you to take advantage of, RIGHT?! You’re so very welcome 😛 Jokes aside, I think it’s extremely important to know what you’re getting yourself into and how to LEARN to see the positives! I say learn because it will NOT come naturally (at least for me) <- of course I’m just now realizing this so please please do the research, do the planning/prepping – your mental health will thank you later, I promise. These 5 pros and cons of the expat lifestyle will help you IMMENSELY when preparing for your new adventures! For me, it would have been something I would save and reread on days I needed it 🙂
*if you’re unsure of how this works ^ just simply tap on the picture of the item you would like to see, in the slideshow, and it will take you directly to the site, EASY PEASY! You can also tap on the picture itself above and it will take you directly to my LTK page where all of the items on that specific collage can be found!
PROS + CONS OF THE EXPAT LIFESTYLE
1.) making + maintaining friendships
CON: Moving away (probably far away) from friends and family, it becomes extremely easy to lose touch/maintain those friendships. Especially if time changes are also a factor. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible – absolutely not! I’m just saying it’s inevitable to happen at some point in your life, and expat living may have a quicker impact on it. Plus, the friendship you do make in the specific area you’re in, will most likely not be from where you are, or where you are going. Ya know! 🙁
PRO: You make SO MANY friends along the way of this expat journey that you now have friends that live ALL over the WORLD! And that itself is so incredible! It’s crazy to think that almost anywhere you decide to go for a quick trip or vacation, you might just know a friend, or two, there and can meet up and reconnect/catch up! It really is amazing! Wait, not to mention all of the different cultures/ways of living you get to learn from them, first hand!!
2.) expensive travel home
CON: Majority of the time, expat living brings you far from home. Which makes it extremely inconvenient on making quick trips home, yeah?! Flying home can get stupid expensive, especially if you’re going as a family (husband, kids, pets etc.), so sometimes that may not be an option! Not to mention the time off and the jet lag! Shew!
PRO: If it were so easy to go home all the time, it would be extremely difficult for you to fully embrace the new culture and life you’ve just been emerged in! I know for me, I would have gone home every time I felt down or sad, and would have probably missed out on all the learning I actually got from the experience! Take advantage of your new city and time there!
3.) normalcy
CON: Nothing, and I mean nothing, will feel “normal” to you when you begin this journey. At allllllll. The grocery stores may be operated differently. Restaurants most likely won’t be the same. Clothing and beauty stores/salons might not be what you’re use to. The way of living in general (slow pace, fast pace, language, currency, tipping, mannerism, etc.) will most likely even be different for you!
PRO: Getting out of your comfort zone is terrifying, but THAT is where the actual learning and growing happens!! Everything that is not “normal” to you is only teaching you something new. Trying new things; aka restaurants (even for me – the pickiest eater alive) is something extremely cool. Yes you might not have Target or Ulta but relaxxxxxx, most beauty brands you’re use to are sold in many many places so you’ll likely be able to find what you’re looking for. Hopefully haha! If not (do your research) stock up before you go! Example, oddly enough, women’s stick deodorant was extremely hard for me to find in Scotland. Something I wouldn’t have even thought twice about!
4.) language barrier
My unpopular opinion has always been, and always will be – everyone should speak the same language. There should have never been THIS MANY different languages. Like why can’t we embrace others cultures in other ways!!!! Like whyyyy. Is it because I’m married to a French Canadian and cannot speak to his family without him translating? Or is it when we are traveling we have to look like idiots and pull up every source we have (thank god for google translate) to ask a simple question?! Like, I’m not kidding here! PLEASE tell me I’m not alone.
CON: You may be thinking, “well a lot of places speak *insert your language*” but let me tell youuuuuuuu. It.Does.Not.Matter!!! It may make things extremely easier YES, but you will still 100% find it difficult.
PRO: Like I said above, I’m just not a fan of different languages all together. BUT, I will say a pro is learning a new language and having the ability to at least “get by” in a new place is so rewarding. And in some cases, it shows your willingness and respect to that specific culture to learn THEIR language! It’s also for sure a bragging right to all of your friends back home 😛
5.) lack of community
CON: People THRIVE in communities. It’s just that simple. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, a sense of community of some sort is essential to humans! Packing up and throwing yourself into an unknown place with unfamiliar people literally takes every ounce of community you ever had and tosses it out the window!
PRO: Creating new communities in an entirely new environment is so amazing and refreshing. Bringing that sense of human interaction with something you love and enjoy, brings friendships you’ll have forever! Ex. join a class (fitness, arts, cooking, etc etc) This is also huge for helping with your mental health.
I also DEFINITELY want to add that this is MUCH easier said than done… If you would have seen my first year ‘expating’ (and even some present days), you would know exactly why I’m writing this!! But with time, also comes experience and acceptance! It may be tough at times, but you can do this <3
Is the expat lifestyle for you?!
If you think you’re independent now, try living the expat life and you will discover an ENTIRELY new meaning of the word “independent” LOL! With all of that above being said, is the expat lifestyle for you? Another question, if you were basically thrown into this lifestyle, do you THINK you would thrive? Or do you think you’d find it more difficult?! I’m very curious because of how I THOUGHT I would handle expat living, was the complete opposite of how I actually handled expat living! *inserts laughing/panicked emoji! If the expat blogs are your thing, be sure to circle back, subscribe below, and get ready for more of my expat posts coming very soon!
If these 5 pros and cons of the expat lifestyle were a help to you, or someone you know, please reach out and let’s connect! You’re never alone. XOXO!
Thank you all so much for being here and reading my posts! As always, please subscribe to be notified first, when a new post of mine is published! How exciting! See you next post!
XOXO – B
.
.
.
This page may contain affiliate links. This means, if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at NO extra cost to you)! This does NOT effect my opinions or my reviews on ANY products. Everything I do is to benefit you as the reader. Therefore, all of my reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.
