Expatriates can have exciting and challenging lives. Giving up the home life is a change, most people inherently resist changes. Relocating overseas involves many changes; climate, finances, living conditions, language, new friends, etc.

Living a expat life is different. Commonly the finances will be better - but more complicated; the lifestyle may be advantageous in many ways.

A single person can easily emotionally consider a overseas relocation as an adventurous part of life - living in a new situation and place. New experiences, climates, locations, friends etc., all can be fun.

A couple, or family, may have different viewpoints of the situations. Commonly one will be the person who has 'the job'. Other family members may have feelings of 'going along'. There may be an increased sense of controlling and hierarchy level in the family group.

Frequently, though not always, the culture of expat jobs involve the male of a relationship being the employed person.  The 'partner' will be arranging schools, clubs, socialising and the other aspects of life in the new place. The 'job person' will frequently have more demands from his job which will be new and very different.

Each person involved in the overseas move will have different viewpoints:

• The 'job-taker' will have their viewpoint:  It might be excitement and keenness to get into a more advantageous and interesting overseas job, with higher salary, benefits and promotion to a more important position.
• The partner will have their own viewpoint:  It might be a feeling that they should be supportive of their partner, along with disappointment of leaving their friends, family and interests. 
• There may be a very different 'style' of life which is expected - of both partners. Conforming with the local traditions may mean changes.
• Dependants/children will have their own viewpoints: They may be feeling that they are being wrenched from their pleasant life and friends to an unknown situation, over which they have no control. Their feelings will affect their parents.

I am a counsellor with a background of living and working overseas for much of my life, in many different locations and countries. I have now resettled back to England, with those overseas experiences and knowledge. I work with expatriate people who have chosen to live the life which I lived, thus I have knowledge of those feelings and problems.

For an appointment, email, call or text: 07757 233386 UK. Email: info@counsellingworld.co.uk Or use contact page.