Moving abroad often means more than just changing countries—it can involve career shifts, family adjustments, and personal identity changes. Learn how to manage these dual transitions with clarity and confidence.

Relocating to a new country is a big life change. It can be exciting, inspiring, and filled with possibility. But here’s what we don’t always talk about: moving abroad often happens alongside other major transitions.

A career change. Retirement. Kids growing up or moving out. Pausing your own goals to support a partner’s opportunity. These dual transitions can pile on, leaving you emotionally drained or questioning your decision.

You’re not alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed—and there are ways to move through it with intention and grace.

Dual transitions are overlapping life changes that happen at the same time as your international move. And they can significantly affect how you adjust to your new environment. Here are some common examples:

Career and Retirement Transitions

Starting a new role, switching careers, or retiring altogether reshapes your daily rhythm and, often, your identity. Many retirees envision a calm, joyful life abroad—only to feel a surprising emptiness when the structure and purpose of work disappear.

Family Shifts

Relocating with kids changes everything—from school choices to your social network. Some parents find themselves raising little ones without any support nearby. Others may be facing an empty nest as their children move out for college or independence.

Identity Changes

Spouses who give up or pause their careers to follow a partner abroad may struggle with a loss of identity. Without a professional role or familiar structure, it’s easy to feel invisible, unsure of your purpose, or emotionally disconnected.

When multiple life shifts collide—especially in an unfamiliar setting—it’s easy to push emotions aside. You might tell yourself:

“I chose this, so I shouldn’t feel upset.”
“This will pass.”
“I’m just overreacting.”

But here’s the truth: emotions don’t disappear just because we ignore them. In fact, they often show up in unexpected ways—resentment, low energy, or a vague sense that something’s not right. Sometimes, people blame the new country, when what’s really happening is unprocessed change.

1. Be Honest About How You’re Feeling

This is the foundation. You can’t move through what you don’t acknowledge. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, nostalgic, sad, confused—even if you’re also excited and grateful. All of these emotions can live side by side.

Don’t judge yourself for needing time to adjust. This is a big deal.

2. Seek Connection, Not Just Information

Google can’t give you comfort—but other people can.

Look for local expat groups, international online communities, or people who’ve walked a similar path. Talking openly with others who get it can make a world of difference and help you feel less alone in the process.

3. Rebuild Purpose in a New Context

If you’ve left a job, closed a chapter, or shifted family roles, you may be wondering: Who am I now?

The answer comes in small steps. Try something that lights you up:

• Volunteer in your new community
• Revisit a hobby you loved years ago
• Learn something new (language, skill, creative pursuit)
• Start a blog, small business, or project that gives you meaning

For me, it was diving into psychology and becoming an expat coach after leaving my corporate career. What started as a personal passion turned into a whole new purpose.

Let’s be real: transitions aren’t supposed to be easy. They stretch us, shake up our routines, and sometimes leave us raw. But they also open the door to incredible personal growth.

Instead of rushing to “get back to normal,” ask yourself:

What is this moment teaching me?

When you allow space for discomfort, you create space for transformation.

If you’re in the middle of a move abroad and juggling other life changes, take a deep breath. You’re navigating a lot—and you’re doing better than you think.

Recognizing these dual transitions, finding connection, and rebuilding purpose will help you adjust with more ease, clarity, and compassion for yourself.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to support your journey.

Let’s work together to make your move abroad not just successful—but meaningful.
Learn more at www.expatjourneyprogram.com