When expat time is nearly up, nausea, panic and even feelings of disappointment can surge. For an expat on a fixed contract, it’s inevitable for that conversation to surface as the end of a contract nears. It’s typically only a matter of time. For me, it was just this week. 😳
Is expat time up?
Thankfully, whether to continue to stay here or go there was only a preliminary conversation. I’ve escaped the madness of starting a primary school search all over again – at least for now. 🤞🏻
And while I hate the feeling of knowing “it’s out there” and that sooner or later we’ll be discussing St Albans, Houston, or who knows where next, one thing is for sure. It’s just the right fire to remind me how important it is to make the most out of expat life – the culture, the food, the travel – the life that’s simply different from where you came.
Are you making the most of expat life?
I’d say we’ve created a life we love in the UK. So much so, in fact, we don’t want to leave. Between integrating, making new friends, trying new things and knocking off as many bucket list items our crazy lifestyle allows, we do our best to make the most of it. And you should, too!
Could we have done more? Yes.
Should we do more? Absolutely.
The reality is moving again isn’t top of mind once you’ve assimilated with the culture, your new house and found your way around. The truth is you tend to forget about it because it’s home.
But when you learn you might be moving again or the actualization sets in that the expat experience is nearly over, all the stuff you thought you’d do or would have time to do come rushing to the forefront.
Undoubtedly, flashbacks of moving abroad start taunting you again, but it’s the fear of moving on without feeling fulfilled that can really get you.
And so that’s what this is all about. Whether you have years left or days, are you making the most of it? Would you be ok leaving if suddenly the experience came to an end? Would you start doing anything different?
These are some of the questions that swirl around as the idea of moving sets in. And so I have to ask:
What will make you feel ready to move all over again without having regrets?
Sure, you can always return to visit. Technology makes it easy to feel like you’re simply next door and not a million miles away.
But what will make you feel fulfilled that you crushed your goals as an expat?
Is it finding yourself?
It is being part of a different culture so much so that you don’t even notice anymore?
Is it hearing your kids’ American accent actually turn British? 🤣
Is it mastering the underground without needing to check google maps at every station?
Is it checking off ALL THE THINGS on an expat bucket list…?
For me, it’s fear of not exploring and traveling enough while we had the chance – particularly when adventuring around the UK and Europe is within such easy reach.
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We’ve mastered many aspects of living in Britain with kids in a fully immersed British school but it’s travel, and whether we’ve done enough of it, that leaves me skeptical…not unlike living in Houston, Portland, Los Angeles…I could go on.
It’s not about balance but making trades.
The reality is that everyday responsibilities take over and the bucket list takes a backseat. Instead of a weekend to Bruges, it’s a weekend of kids birthday parties and laundry to be ready for Monday morning. The most exciting weekend adventure turns into a park walk and a Sunday roast. And even though I absolutely love our local pub and a good roast, will that be enough when it’s time to go?
Deciding on trades between everyday life responsibilities and expat extra-curricular stuff can be a struggle – especially with kids. But when the pressure sits in that you’re running out of time, it does boil down to laundry or a weekend in Paris. What would you do?
What are you waiting for?
Although how much time remains as an expat is unclear, it shouldn’t matter as long as you make the most of it. Figure out what will make your expat experience more fulfilling so that when the time comes to move again, you have no regrets. Make the trades and go after your bucket list – 1, 2 or even 3 at a time.
Naturally, you’ll want to check off everything. Realistically, you probably won’t (that’s amazing if you do!!!). But, at least you’ll know you made your very best effort while living abroad as an expat.
How to decide this over that?
If you’re struggling to prioritize this over that with what time you have available, I totally relate. In fact, I think a lifetime in London wouldn’t be enough to see or do it all. Big Ben aside, there are so many other places to see, food to try and more. But which ones?
Help me decide by commenting below on the Instagram graphics in this post. Or upload your answers to Instagram stories. Be sure to tag me @abroadpurpose. And while you’re there see my answers to favorite UK places.
And if you want a moving or expat life Instagram story template like any of the above for your own make-the-most-of-it planning, message me in the comments.
Looking for more expat life resources? Try these.
- 6 Fab Essentials Every Expat Woman Needs
- Tips For Expats Finding A Job In The UK
- Simplify expat travel & start checking things off with this 👉bucket list
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