1. Won't You Miss Your Family/Friends?
Pardon the language but obviously you will. Naturally, when you relocate to another country, you'll long for your loved ones and companions. It's unavoidable. This yearning lingers regardless of how much time has passed. You'll miss milestone moments, celebrations, new arrivals, ceremonies, and so much more. Certain people will appreciate this and remain supportive. Others, however, will find the distance too challenging to maintain.
I've experienced this with both close friends and relations. When I visit home, I'm not prioritising certain individuals over others. If circumstances allowed, I'd connect with everyone on each trip back. Regrettably, finances and schedules make this impossible. Watching relationships fade because you chose to live abroad is an incredibly difficult burden to bear.
2. Immigration...The Stomach Ulcer of Departments
Honestly, once my immigration paperwork is sorted, I'll dedicate an entire article to it. But I doubt anyone wants to wade through a 68-page essay on my immigration troubles right now. Unless you're on a simple visa type like a Tourist Visa or Work and Holiday Visa, immigration will transform into your greatest challenge.
Nearly every day, one of my mates navigating immigration has a meltdown. I can only speak about the Australian immigration system, but it's demanding and perpetually shifting. I'm not exaggerating—roughly every two weeks something changes on the website. Even contemplating logging in makes me anxious. However, if you plan properly, have brilliant support, and treat yourself to ice cream when needed, you'll manage.
3. Lack of Support System...You're Crashing and Burning on Your Own
Most people I've talked to relocated to Australia independently. They had no connections, their families remained overseas, and they faced it alone. I chose the safer option, settling in Australia rather than England because I knew people in Melbourne. At minimum, I reckoned I had one familiar face to turn to.
I recognise that plenty of people, wherever they're from, lack the privilege of having close mates or relatives. It's rather rubbish having to navigate existence without support. Yet for those fortunate enough to possess a strong support system, consider a crisis requiring their urgent assistance. The challenge is straightforward: it's a minimum 15-hour flight plus additional travel time to reach you. You face monetary struggles, and there's a real risk you'll end up in a precarious situation. You split from the person you relocated countries to be with, and you're sobbing alone into a tub of $15 Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream whilst listening to Sarah McLachlan rather than crying with your mate.
Even with a fantastic support network in your adopted country, you're frequently plagued by worry about being too demanding. Are people asking you to join festive celebrations because they genuinely want you there or because they feel they must? If tragedy struck, would they actually step in? What if they regard you as too demanding? Wonderful anxiety!
4. The Constant Justification of Your Decision
Not everyone will grasp why you decided to relocate to another nation. Whether driven by jealousy, ignorance or simply unkindness, encountering such people is rarely pleasant. I've personally heard, "what are you escaping?" or "you'll just struggle and return home in a few months". I've had mates told they were foolish for relocating across the globe for someone they love. I've encountered tales of people completely cutting ties because they disagreed with their friend's move.
To begin with, these aren't your bloody choices. Migrants don't need to justify anything to anyone. If they're sharing their experience with you, you likely matter to them. So get your act together and be genuinely supportive. Relocating to another nation is challenging and frightening. Every migrant has their own reasons for moving. Accept it.
Thirdly, quit using the "your relationship won't succeed, and you'll end up stranded abroad alone" argument against relocation. If it's acceptable for people to migrate interstate for romance or experience multiple marriages, why shouldn't someone relocate internationally for love? Statistically, there's a 50/50 chance it'll work out but if that individual is content, who honestly cares!
5. Potential Loss of Identity and Assimilation
Upon relocating to another nation, you're perpetually caught between honouring your heritage and embracing your new surroundings. Your birthplace has shaped who you are, yet if you hold too tightly to what was, you'll discover yourself despondent, lonely, and desperate to return immediately. What's the right balance between keeping what was and accepting what is?
Luckily, the US and Australia share quite a few common traits. For me personally, settling in wasn't all that hard. Yet I've talked with mates from different nations who found the adjustment challenging. It wasn't a lack of willingness to embrace Australian culture—it was simply too much to take in. They felt they were losing who they were entirely. Not the most pleasant experience to go through.
Relocating to another nation is a deliberate decision that comes with its own set of obstacles. The fact that someone doesn't perfectly match the country's stereotype doesn't mean they're not making an effort to fit in. If you have a mate who's an immigrant, make an effort to see things from where they're standing. Offer them guidance on adjusting to their new surroundings. Show support for what they're going through and how they're managing it.
Until we chat again...
Keep Wondering
Stay connected on social media so you won't miss out on adventures:
