If you’re considering a big life change, whether it’s moving to a new country, taking on a career move or switching things up in your routine, I want to share ten key lessons I’ve learned from going through a big life transition (moving to a new country!) and how they can help you too.
1. Know Why You’re Doing It
Before making a big change, get crystal clear on why you’re doing it. For me, when we moved, my priority was settling my son into school and our family into a new life. So, work took a back seat. But after a year, I realized I needed to make adjustments to balance everything better. I found a babysitter for after-school care, joined a co-working space, and started networking. Life is always shifting, and so should your approach.
2. Do Your Research
Nothing beats local knowledge. You can ask for advice and read about your destination, but nothing beats being on the ground. If you can, visit first. If not, living somewhere short-term is the best way to test the waters before committing long-term.
3. Focus on the Short-Term First
It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking too far ahead. For us, the first 3 months were about settling into a new home and figuring out logistics. Only after that did we start looking ahead to the next few years. It’s all about taking things one step at a time.
4. Give Yourself Time to Settle
Moving and adjusting takes time - way more than you expect. Whether it’s a new home, a new routine, or making new friends, expect at least six months to a year to really settle in.
We've moved four times since we arrived, and it wasn’t until about 18 months in that I felt truly settled. Don’t rush the process; give yourself the grace to adapt at your own pace.
5. Trust in People
When you move to a new place, it’s easy to be sceptical. But I’ve been blown away by the kindness and support we’ve received from people we’ve met here. Whether it was a neighbor helping us find a house or a friend celebrating a holiday with us, we’ve had a community of people step up when we needed them most. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, and trust that people are often more than willing to support you through your transition.
6. Adapt to the Way Things Work
Every place has its own way of doing things, and some things will frustrate you at first. When we moved here, I was shocked by the slower service and the bureaucratic maze. But now? I’ve learned to accept it. Adapting isn’t about pretending things don’t frustrate you, it’s about rolling with the punches and finding your flow in a new environment. The sooner you accept that things will be different, the easier it gets.
7. Be Realistic About the Pros and Cons
It’s easy to get starry-eyed about a new place - especially somewhere with beautiful beaches and sunshine—but don’t be blinded by the view. Every place has its pros and cons. Yes, living here is amazing, but it’s also challenging in unexpected ways. Weigh the positives and the negatives, and keep your eyes open to both. It’s all part of the journey.
8. Embrace the New Lifestyle
The best advice I can give you? Embrace the change. When we first arrived, I was overwhelmed with everything I needed to do. But as I started to embrace the outdoor lifestyle, the new experiences, and the opportunities, I felt more at peace. Life is a gift, and I’m learning to take full advantage of everything this new chapter offers - from beach days to working outdoors. Find the joy in what’s different and lean into it.
9. See It As An Adventure
Moving to a new country can feel chaotic. We had no house for the first couple of months, didn’t have our visas in place, and dealt with tons of challenges. But I chose to see it all as part of the adventure. That mindset helped us stay positive and find solutions when things went wrong - like working with slow internet or figuring out basic living logistics.
10. Hold onto your vision!
If you’re thinking of making a big move or change, remember to trust in your vision. There will be tough moments, but there will also be moments of beauty and growth that make it all worthwhile. I’ve learned to appreciate how far we’ve come, and I’m grateful for the life we’ve built.
If you have questions or want to talk more about making big life changes, I’d love to connect. Thanks for reading!
Cover image credit: Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash
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