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Life of an expatriate is as exciting as it can be, but all good things must come to an end. Getting back home after living the expat life can be tough and emotionally draining, especially if you are someone who is used to living life in different cultures. Being an expatriate, you develop a lot as a person, dealing with different challenges and unknowns that come with traveling, creating memories or getting to know various cultures. However, returning to your home, expats face a lot of problems and it requires some major renaissance to get used to a life you formerly belonged to. Some of these challenges are as follows.
A Refresher Course
In your hometown, you are familiar with everything. You know the streets in the back of your head, you know where your favorite pizza place is, you know where the gas station between your workplace and home is at, and you know who you will meet in every lane. However, these typical routine events which you were so used to, have become unknown to you. So, the first few days is a major crash course for you to relearn your old habits and get back into the game.
Expecting Changes
Apart from the change in your daily lives, you also have to deal with changes that were made to your old fortress in your absence. This transition can be the toughest, however, since you are an expat, dealing with changes is your forte. So, just be ready to challenge yourself and embrace the customs you were born with.
Plan Ahead
Sometimes, reintegration can lead to a dead-end for some expatriates; because you were always in a rush in the unknown land. Having to face a harmonized way-of-living can lead to demotivation. So, you only have to do one thing; plan ahead and don’t look back. Remember, life goes on, but the chances to have another crack at the expat life are still there.
Life of an expat consists of both challenges and excitement; however, just as Sarah Turnbull says, “It is a bitter-sweet thing, knowing two cultures. Once you leave your birthplace, nothing is ever the same.”
If you are an expatriate, how has your reintegration back into your home country been? Please share your experience and any tips you have for a smooth transition back home.
