The benefits of moving overseas
Moving and living overseas isn't for everyone but if you ever get the chance to do it - I highly encourage it! From Wollongong to Sydney, to Vancouver (Canada) and now Seattle (USA), I've had my fair share of moving around and feel lucky to do so. So here’s why I think living overseas (even if it’s just for a little a bit) is beneficial.
Attachment and letting things go - Moving overseas was a really big eye-opener of how we as humans are attached to things. Trying to pack your whole life in suitcases really showed me what I really needed to survive, and it turns out 23 pairs of kicks wasn’t one of those things. Most things you own is replaceable and this changed my mindset when I was setting up our place. I tried to not buy things just to fill up space and in the event we move again (aiming to be minimalist).
A new sense of freedom - Back at home I felt like I was under many pressures: to be at the peak of career, family and social obligations, and following social norms of buying a house and having kids. Since moving, many of these pressures have been lifted off my shoulders, which gave me a new reality to look forward without being clouded by others. Hence, the feeling of freedom (fewer fucks were given). You are on your own path, no need to compare yourself to others.
Different environment, different you - Being able to understand who you are outside your family and friends and how you adult with no safety net (no parents around the corner, no friends to rely on). Also, how you adapt and change for the new environment and culture.
Feeling of new and "first time" things - That feeling of living overseas and doing your first grocery run in the supermarket, discovering your neighbourhood, going to the movies, concerts, setting up the kitchen and figuring out your new routine. I've had so many moments of "I can't believe I moved here".
Being selfish - Now that I'm unable to attend weddings, hen's night, baby showers, birthday dinners - I can now invest that time and money into my own experiences, travel and building a better version of myself. Be more engaged in what’s going on around the world. That’s not to say I don’t miss attending as well.
Access - Having access to different countries and new things! Now that I am based in North America - South America and Europe are much closer. Which means I can now easily explore this side of the world at a lower cost and less travel time. Bonus, having access to TV shows and events that I couldn't from Australia.
Learning new terminologies - This is probably the one I find the most amusing, how I've adjusted my language in each country or accidentally letting Aussie slang slip in conversation and seeing confused faces.
Eg. Australians say bathroom or toilet, Canadians say washroom and Americans say restroom. Sometimes it’s those little things that add to the experience.
Losing/doubting yourself - Speaking to others who have done the same, I realised this is a normal feeling to have when you are on this journey. Now that you have all this time to yourself, it teaches you how to refocus and what you really want to invest your time into. If anything, planning is key.
Expect the unexpected - I had all these expectations in my head, not a single one of them worked out. Then out of nowhere, something good will always come out from your bad experiences. You learn to appreciate what is in front of you. Try and be happy now rather than later.
Realising how good you had it - It wasn’t until you start interacting with locals you realise how good your situation is. Things that are so normal to an Australian can be perceived as lucky in America. The biggest example of this was finding out many Americans based in Seattle that have not visited Canada before. Especially since it’s only a 3.5 hour bus drive. Many who do not have a passport, had no interest in seeing what’s beyond their world or just thought “someday I will”.
Last of all experiences - You will definitely have some cool experiences to talk about.
The reasons above far outweigh what I really miss from home (besides the obvious like family and friends), I do miss:
Not be able to see the character development and growth of my nieces and nephews,
Attending milestones like weddings and
Having access to my usual food places.
It’s not for everyone but if you have the ability to travel, then travel often. It gave me a global perspective and how sheltered I was living in my own bubble.
