Moving abroad is often seen as an adventure—new cultures to explore, languages to learn, and opportunities to seize. Yet, for many international professionals and their partners, the reality is far more complex.
After gathering insights from a recent informal survey and several talks I conducted this past month, I wanted to share with all of you some key themes that surfaced and reflect on how these challenges shape our expat experience.
The Struggle to Belong
Among all the topics discussed, one stood out above the rest: the deep desire for social connection and belonging. In one way of another, all participants mentioned this topic and shared that without meaningful relationships, life abroad can feel very lonely and isolating. Not surprisingly, this lack of human connection often had a knock-on effect on mental well-being, self-confidence, and even a sense of purpose.
Feeling out of place in a new country is not just an inconvenience—it can erode our self-esteem and make it harder to adapt. Humans are social creatures; we thrive when we feel part of a community — our tribe —, and this need doesn’t magically disappear when we cross borders; actually, it becomes even stronger, as we've left most of our social support network back home.
Understanding the new cultural environment that surrounds you — it's new rules, customs, values, etc — can take a while and finding how to fit in (while keeping true to yourself) even longer...
This insight is both powerful and deeply personal because creating meaningful connections and remaining authentic to ourselves are something we all need to navigate, wherever we are in the world...
Career, Work-Life Balance, and Purpose
Another prominent theme was the challenge of building a fulfilling professional life in a new country.
Many participants spoke of "language barriers", the difficulty of being seen as "equally competent" as locals in the workplace, or simply understanding the new job market and its rules. Others highlighted the ongoing struggle to figure out their next steps: What do I want to do? Where am I headed? These career questions tie back to an underlying search for purpose—something that feels particularly urgent for those who have uprooted their lives and are seeking to make the transition worthwhile.
Connected to this was the quest for a healthy work-life balance. Relocation often brings upheaval, making it harder to maintain routines that support well-being. A demanding job, combined with the stress of adapting to a new environment, leaves many feeling stretched thin and unsure of how to recalibrate. Even in countries such as the Netherlands (known for a higher degree of work-life balance than most), figuring it all out can be extremely difficult; putting it into action, even more.
The Bigger Picture
There were also challenges beyond the personal realm, such as navigating relocation logistics— from visas and taxes to bureaucratic hoops.
But looking at the survey as a whole, one common thread emerges: much of what international professionals and their accompanying partners struggle with comes back to finding a sense of stability or clarity —whether in relationships, careers, or personal well-being. These areas are deeply interconnected, and it’s clear that addressing one often leads to improvements in the others.
What’s Next?
This feedback has been incredibly valuable as I think about how I can offer the most support to the expat community. While I can’t provide advice on visa applications or tax regulations, I am focusing on where I can make a meaningful difference: helping individuals build connections, find balance, and define their purpose in this unique chapter of their lives. The question I am still pondering on is 'how'...
To this end, this week I'm hosting an online co-creation session to confirm some of these challenges and finalise some ideas still in formation to tackle these challenges head-on... If the insights here resonate with you, consider joining whatever comes next :) I’d love for you to be part of it!
Living abroad is a journey full of contradictions: exciting but daunting, rewarding yet challenging. By addressing the core needs of belonging, balance, and purpose, we can transform it into a truly fulfilling experience. Let’s work together to make that happen!
I truly believe every international professional (and their partners) can turn a stay in a new country into an extraordinary life and thriving career and I want to empower them, in every country they go to, to upgrade their life and career to reach a new level!
See you soon ;)
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