After the honeymoon
My last blog looked at the honeymoon phase of re-entry. We talked about how to make the most of that time after re-entry when you are feeling buoyant and have some energy. But what happens once those feelings of excitement wear off? When life in your home country is no longer very appealing; when it […]
Rose-tinted re-entry glasses
How often during re-entry do you find yourself mulling over the great things about the country you just left? It has to be better than being in your home country and this re-entry lark, right? We all have a tendency to put on rose-tinted glasses when it comes back to thinking about our host country. […]
Re-entry is exhausting
Let me say that again, just in case you missed it. Re-entry is exhausting! So many of my clients have said to me how tired they are, months after coming home. In fact it’s not at all uncommon for people to find themselves still struggling with fatigue 18 months in. I don’t say that to […]
Re-entry and the festive season
Returning to your home country during the festive season can have many positive sides to it – family times, friends to see, fun traditions to keep, the weather that you are used to for the time of year… And yet it can also be particularly stressful when you’re in re-entry. Why? Because of all the […]
Mindset during re-entry
We’ve talked about several practical aspects of re-entry during the last few posts. We’ve looked at friendships; talking about your time overseas; making your house your home; and rediscovering your home country. Now we’re going to think a little about mindset during re-entry. The attitude you approach your re-entry and its ups and downs with […]
Building friendships during re-entry
What is it that makes you feel settled? When you’ve moved before, what has helped? Many things contribute to feeling settled in a location, as you will know from past experience. Getting to know language and culture, having a base to call home, and knowing your way around all play a part. I talked in […]
The hardest aspects of re-entry
It almost goes without saying: everyone has a different experience of re-entry. But perhaps you think that others are handling it better that you are? Maybe you think you are the only one finding it this hard? I’m pleased to be able to let you in on a little secret: the vast majority find going […]
Finding support during re-entry
It’s already been firmly established that re-entry is not the easiest of transitions (understatement). The vast majority of the 200 people who completed our survey faced common issues during re-entry: grieving and missing their life abroad, feeling a loss of identity, restless, unsettled, and misunderstood. When you go on an overseas posting, most people now […]
What you told us about your feelings in re-entry
I recently carried out a survey with some other re-entry coaches to find out what your struggles are in re-entry. We had over 200 responses! We looked at the range of feelings experienced and coping strategies used by expats from many different sectors (mission, Non-Governmental Organisations, corporate, educators, students, military and accompanying spouses). I’ll soon […]