Ideally you will start preparing for repatriation before departing your host country. But you should also be prepared to put time into the process of readjustment when you are back in your home country.
A brief honeymoon
“When your expat life begins, your honeymoon period can last many months, but when you repatriate that ‘high’ might only last a few days. It can come as a big shock for many repats when they look around and feel like they don’t fit in anymore,” says coach Patti McCarthy, who has repatriated five times. “I personally believe it can be harder to come home than to relocate.”
Advance preparation
“The best preparation is to understand what you are going into, so before you return home, connect with repats and see what it was like for them. It’s very useful to be aware of the emotional challenges you could experience, for example, feelings of regret, frustration, guilt or insecurity,” says Patti.
Braced for change
“I recommend sitting down with your partner, while still in your host country, and writing down a) all the ways your home country has changed (that you’re aware of) and b) all the ways you have changed. Usually people will end up with two long lists and any thoughts that life might be the same, as if it could be trapped in amber, will quickly evaporate.”
Expectations versus reality
“You can also write down a list of expectations. Who do you think your friends will be? How will you fill your days? Then, after being home for a month, compare this list with reality. This will help you move toward a sense of acceptance. I’d advise doing this exercise with a friend, fellow repat or coach, as it’s very hard to be objective with oneself.”
Odd one out
“Feeling like the odd one out and not being able to relate to friends and family any longer can be a shock too. You might feel as though you can’t talk about your expat life, whether it’s the highs or lows, as friends don’t express interest. This could be because they feel threatened, sleighted, jealous or resentful of your expat existence. This can be a very tricky gap to bridge, as your expat life is now a big part of who you are. Make sure you find people / places that allow you to express your ‘global self’, for example by seeking out expats or international clubs in your home country. Otherwise you risk feeling like you’re being forced to be an incomplete version of yourself.”
Photo: Jessica Ticozzelli, Pexels
This article was originally published for the thousands of expat partners that Global Connection supports around the globe. It is reproduced here in its original form.
