Relocating for work? You’re not alone. As reported in the Guardian, a “study by the Work Foundation found seven out of ten employers said they needed to relocate staff within the UK and one in three abroad”.
That’s a whole lot of people moving around. Indeed, being asked to move around the country, or even abroad, is beomcing increasingly common place. Moreover, as the the newspaper highlights; “more and more contracts stipulate that a worker must be prepared to be relocated”.
Relocating temporarily for work can be an exciting opportunity, sure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. If you’re a fan of the bingeable Netflix series Emily in Paris, you’ve already had a glimpse into the many trials and tribulations of expat life and just how difficult relocating to a new place can be.
If you haven’t watched the show yet and you’re relocating for work, we’d recommend that you do so, if only to avoid the same pitfalls as her. With that in mind, and to help you make the most our of your temporary location for work, here’s our IDEAL guide on doing just that.
Negotiating Your Arrangement
First and foremost, and before you embark on your journey, you need to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of your relocation terms. Discuss the duration of your stay, job responsibilities, and potential career growth opportunities with your employer as a priority.
If possible, negotiate for flexible working hours or remote work days to allow yourself time to explore your new surroundings and adapt to the new environment. After all, you’ll want to make the most of the place you’ve relocated too, and you can’t do that by sitting behind a desk 24/7.
Many companies offer relocation assistance as part of their benefits package. Don’t hesitate to enquire about this. The assistance may cover moving costs, temporary housing, and even certain living expenses in your new location. If such benefits are not explicitly stated in your contract, consider negotiating for them. Remember, it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Deciding What To Take with You
When it comes to packing, less is more. Bring essential items that will help you settle into your new home comfortably, but avoid overpacking. If you’re relocating for a short period, consider renting furniture or using storage services to store your belongings when moving.
That said, adding a touch of personalisation to your temporary will make it feel more like a proper home, rather than a transient place to lay your hat, and will help you settle in more seamlessly. So, consider making an extra effort to create a familiar & comforting domestic space by bringing some of your favourite furniture and nick knacks from home, especially if your company are paying for your relocation and moving costs.
Finding The Right Temporary Living Arrangement
Your living arrangement plays a significant role in your overall experience. Consider factors like proximity to your workplace and access to public transportation. It’s best to ensure that your new residence aligns with your vibe and personality is crucial for a successful transition. Indeed, the suitability of an area significantly impacts your lifestyle, mental health, and overall mood. It influences the social interactions you engage in, daily routines, hobbies, and even the amount of stress you experience.
Invest time in researching the different neighbourhoods in your new city. Ask your work if they’ll send you over before your relocate so you can scope out different places to live and different neighbourhoods.
Choosing an area that resonates with your personality can accelerate the process of settling in, quickly translating to improved productivity at work. It encourages a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to unwind effectively after work in an environment where you feel comfortable and content.
Learn The Language
As that much-loved, much-maligned Netflix show we mentioned in the first paragraph highlights, if you don’t make an effort to learn the local language, then locals will look at you as an ‘outsider’. Moreover, if you don’t understand the language of the country you’ve moved to, and therefore the hustle, bustle and banter going on around you, chances are you’re going to feel isolated.
Read: Why everyone should learn a second language
Join An Expat Community
In your new, temporary hometown, you’ll likely find lots of communities and networking opportunities for those looking to meet like-minded people on both a professional and personal level. Connecting with these expat circles and networks is one of the best ways to banish that homesickness for good.
So, get sociable, and find friends to help you ease into your new home. Can you join a gym? Perhaps you could head to a class in the area, even if it’s a language class? Are there local art workshops you could get involved in? This way, you can make friends and meet people without feeling like an outsider.
Some expat communities have a virtual aspect, too. Here are just a few of them operating worldwide:
- InterNations – Connects expats in over 420 cities worldwide. It has a community of over 3 million members and provides various features such as events, forums, and guides for living in a foreign country.
- Expat.com – Designed to support expats throughout their journey, from the decision-making process of moving abroad to adapting to their new life in a new country. It has forums, classifieds, and a directory of expat-friendly businesses.
- Meetup – People with common interests are connected in various cities worldwide, including expat communities. Users can join groups related to their hobbies, interests, and cultural backgrounds, and attend events organised by the group members.
- Expatwoman – Designed specifically for expat women. It provides a platform for discussion, networking, and sharing experiences among women living abroad. It also has a directory of expat-friendly businesses and services.
- BritishExpats.com – This website has a forum section that connects British expats from all over the world. Members can ask for advice, share their experiences, and connect with other expats.
- AEON – Connecting American expats worldwide, the app provides a platform for discussion, sharing experiences, and networking with fellow Americans living abroad.
Read: Coping with culture shock: How to settle into a new country seamlessly
Networking: Six Degrees Of Separation
The theory of six degrees of separation contends that, because we are all linked by chains of acquaintance, we are just six introductions away from any other person on the planet.
Yep, it’s a small world! As Medium explains; “essentially, this phenomenon occurs when two people are connected by more than one path in their social networks. When this happens, their networks are more likely to overlap, allowing them to be connected in fewer steps”.
In other words, it’s fairly likely that you’ll know someone who knows someone that lives in the place that you’ve been relocated too. Take advantage of this theory, ask friends or colleagues if they know anyone and get them to set you up.
Eat & Drink Out As Much As You Can
The chef and TV personality Rachel Khoo once said that “I’ve always felt the easiest way to get to know new culture is through its food even if you don’t speak the language. Food will do it for you. It’s an universal language.”
Anthony Bourdain had similar thoughts, urging travellers to “drink heavily with locals whenever possible”, though we should add something about drinking responsibly here, perhaps…
If you ask us (that’s why you’re reading our magazine, right?), the absolute best way to settle into a new city, meet people and make friends is to go out and eat.
Bourdain also said “nothing unexpected or wonderful is likely to happen if you have an itinerary in Paris filled with the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.” While we wouldn’t discourage you from seeing the famous sites of your temporary home, it’s important to reiterate that one of the best ways to get a feel for a city’s culture is, without doubt, to sample its food.
So, dinner?
Say Yes (Within Reason, Of Course)
When moving abroad, become a ‘yes person’. By that, we don’t mean become an individual who always agrees with everyone, never gives their own opinion and won’t say no to their new boss. We mean, say yes to new, fun experiences. If someone asks you out for a drink or to go to a new gallery exhibition, say yes. It could end up leading to something soul-nurturing, like making a new friend or having an unforgettable experience.
Not only are you saying ‘yes’ to something new, but you’re also making the most of the opportunity that relocating is offering you. Carpe diem, and all that jazz.
The Bottom Line
While temporary relocation for work can seem daunting, proper planning and a proactive approach can turn it into an enriching experience. Bon Voyage!