After relocating between several countries, Yasser Abbas began asking himself a difficult question: why do some expats thrive abroad while others struggle to settle, despite exciting opportunities and careful planning?
Uprooted and rerooted
Yasser’s corporate career has taken him from his hometown Cairo to Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Switzerland. Along the way he got married, started a family and experienced first-hand both the excitement and emotional complexity of relocation. “You are uprooted from so much,” he reflects. “Your traditions, values, friends and family all form part of your comfort zone.” Adjusting to a new culture, he believes, is not simply about adapting practically but emotionally too. “You don’t want to completely change who you are, but you do need to adapt. The goal is to find harmony between your identity and your new environment.”
Looking beyond salary
Like many professionals, Yasser admits earlier relocation decisions were heavily influenced by salary, job titles or lifestyle assumptions. However, starting a family became one of the key factors that changed his perspective. “Relocation is often hardest for the spouse or partner. Raising children abroad adds another layer of complexity,” says Yasser. “What makes relocation difficult is often not what people expect. You can prepare the paperwork, organise the logistics and still struggle emotionally once you arrive.” Throughout his career, he also saw colleagues leave assignments after struggling to adjust culturally or emotionally.
The four directions
These experiences inspired Yasser to develop The Rerooted Compass – a framework encouraging expats to reflect honestly before accepting an international move. At its centre are four key questions. The first is “The Soil” – whether a country genuinely aligns with your personal values and lifestyle. Then comes “The Wind”, inspired by the Arabic word riyāḥ, meaning winds from multiple directions. “You need to ask what is pulling you towards a move and what you might be trying to escape from,” he says. “The Sunlight” focuses on what you realistically hope to gain, while “The Thorns” asks whether you are prepared for the sacrifices and challenges expatriation can bring.
Making conscious choices
Ultimately, Yasser believes there is no perfect destination. Every country comes with compromises, frustrations and adjustments. The key, he says, is making relocation decisions consciously rather than emotionally or impulsively. Open conversations about careers, relationships, identity and family life are essential before any move. “I hope my work helps people avoid the bitterness that can come from unrealistic expectations,” he says. “Every place has its thorns. The important thing is making peace with them before you go.”
Photo: Yasser and his family
