In the age of the global pandemic, uncertainty has become a major part of all of our lives. With that uncertainty has come a revaluation of our values, hopes and dreams. Now more than ever, I’ve been getting asked the question, “Is expat life worth it?”
In a single answer, yes.
But in reality, the answer goes much deeper. For me personally, expat life has been one of both the hardest and most fulfilling things I’ve done. I always tell those who ask about expat life, that the reward is worth it, but it will not come easy. Below I’m sharing some of the positives and negatives of living abroad. It’s really up to you to decide your own answer. No one can make such a big life decision for you.
So read on and let me know in the comments – is expat life worth it to you?
Xx, Kelsey
Adjusting to a new country is hard
Like really really hard. I pride myself on being very flexible since I moved every few years growing up. But nothing can prepare you for the challenges of living in a new country. Customs and culture are so different. It will take time to adjust to all of the major life changes.
The travel will change your life
This is my number one reason for living life as an expat, and it is even more amazing than I predicted. Particularly in Amsterdam, where we are able to jump on a plane from Schiphol and go pretty much anywhere. I have had so many amazing experiences traveling abroad and wouldn’t trade those for the world.
You’ll miss friends and family
It’s definitely hard to be apart from friends and family. Between time differences and the differences in your experiences, the relationships you have with friends back home will definitely change. And you won’t be able to visit family as often. But at the same time, we’re so lucky to have the internet which makes connecting again so easy.
New cultures will broaden your horizons
Living expat life doesn’t just mean you’re introduced to one new culture. You’ll be introduced to many. There will be things you will carry with you forever – I’m particularly fond of the Dutch work-life balance. There will be other things that infuriate you to no end, and you will have to live with.
Expat friends are the best
No one understands expat life except for other expats. They know the highs and the lows. You can grab a glass of wine together and complain about cultural differences. You can also experience new things together. And expats are so understanding of each other’s travel schedules. We are all trying to make the most of our time abroad, so there’s a mutual understanding that you’ll see each other in between trips.
Your career may not be what you expected
Americans have such a set idea of success in our careers. You work the grind at all hours to make a lot of money. But in Europe the mentality is very different. Salaries are lower across the board (but life is more affordable). And if like me, you moved without a consistent job, it can be very unsettling. Finding a job abroad is not easy and may leave you feeling a little lost when it doesn’t go as expected.
Sharing the adventure is the best way to do it
I can’t speak for those who jump into expat life alone (bravo!). Personally, I am more grateful than ever to be here with Jon. We are able to share our experiences together and help each other navigate difficult situations like finding a job or renewing a visa. Expat life is so stressful, that it’s great to have someone who understands and experiences it alongside you.
Flexibility is key
If you’re super set in your ways, expat life will not be worth it. Day-to-day there are so many things that change, are uncertain, or are confusing. Being able to roll with the punches is essential. It will be impossible to be happy as an expat if you cannot let certain things go. It takes a very willing and open mind to see past the things, like not being able to find stick deodorant or figuring out your bills in another language.
It will be so fulfilling
There’s something unexplainable about expat life that makes it so incredibly worth it to me. Beyond the travel, the experience abroad has been life changing. Knowing that you had the guts and wherewithal to uproot your life and move so far away is something to be proud of.
At this point, Jon and I are coming up on our third year anniversary of moving abroad. It’s hard to say what the future will hold and how much longer we will be here in Amsterdam. But no matter what, I’m so incredibly glad I have had this experience thus far.
