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Welcome Nicola66,

Always nice to have some 'serial expats' around here. If you're willing to share your experience with the rest of us, we're all ears (and eyes)

Tell me, is the relocating process stressfull for former expats ? Just curious.

See ya around,

Tom

Welcome Nicola66!

Don't forget to locate yourself on the user map if you haven't done it already

So how many countries have you been living in? Have a look to one of our poll : How many times have you moved?

Take care,

Julien

Tom
Is it stressful moving home/ country again?  Yes, it is every time but in different ways.  House moving is one of the most stressful events in anyone's life (research shows this) but its relatively straightforward when you know what you are doing (I've lived in 4 homes in between May 2002 and May 2004) - you produce lists for what to move, not move, what's yours/ theirs (landlords), what accounts, subscriptions, utilities to need to close/ open.  We are lucky as we usually get the support of relocation agents and removal experts so I always learn something new.  However, for me the stress is in losing friends, things that I enjoy doing, looking forward to the new yet feeling nervous/ concerned about it.  Knowing that after all the unpacking is done I will have nothing to do apart from run my child to play school or other activities for a couple of months until I start meeting people, finding out whats on etc.  Worrying about new language, my son in his new class, my partner in his new role, being left alone in a new country on my own for a week whilst he goes somewhere else.  I think the most stressful move though is usually the first, as you dont have any real true idea of what is going to change in your life and what you will miss.  My first move, I gave up a job I loved and friends and a lifestyle I had lived for 9 years happily with to within 6 months a new mother, alone in a new city without friends or family with a partner who was working 6-7 days a week long hours at that point due to project he was involved in.  Thats stressful.  So anything after that experience only becomes easier, but every time you will come up against something you didn't expect, don' t understand why its upsetting you and that youhave to start all over again.  It does get to be tiring having to start life again for a temporary period of time again and again, but then its also quite addicitive too - its stress!!!