Setting off on an assignment can feel like the start of an adventure and there will hopefully be many magical memories to be made. But you will experience plenty of mundane moments, too.
Grass is always greener
In the age of social media, it’s easy to believe many people are living incredible lives all the time. The grass is always greener on Instagram. Even before you go on an assignment, you might have friends who are living as expats in a far-flung exotic place. You will have seen them at the beach or on safari, posing by heritage buildings or scoffing delicious local cuisine. “Gosh,” you might have commented, “what an adventure you’re all having…”
What to do?
Of course, nobody posts a picture of themselves when they’re trying to figure out how to pay the internet bill. But just like at home, once you get settled, your life abroad can be a humdrum affair, too. If you have kids, they will soon be going to school. Meanwhile, your partner is at the office every day. And there you are wondering what to do with yourself…
Striving for normality
Thankfully, taking care of simple tasks helps you not only fill your day, but also get a feel for your surroundings. Whether you’re trying to find your kids’ favourite cereal or figure out how to use a range of unfamiliar appliances, the first phase of your expat life may often be more about unglamourous household management and problem-solving than sightseeing or painting the town red. Yes, moving overseas is an adventure. But on a domestic, day-to-day level you’re also striving for normality in a foreign land.
Social media mood-boost
If you are feeling a little bored or frustrated during the week it’s time to remember there’s a whole city, and a country, to discover and memories to be made. So plan a weekend getaway or some kind of exciting activity in your new hometown and have some fun. Then on Sunday evening, you can open Instagram or Facebook to post a picture of you and your family having a whale of a time, just to see if any of your friends comment: “Gosh! What an amazing adventure you’re having…” And after that? Well, you can get back to figuring out how to pay your internet bill.
