Comments on: What to Do When Others Oppose Your Move Abroad

By: FutureExpat

FutureExpat — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:56:00 +0000

Fantastic article! I’m going to refer my blog readers to it.

I find it alternatively amusing and infuriating that, with my home country the US in such turmoil, high unemployment, a banking system run completely amok, health care bad but health insurance unobtainable by so many, people I share my plans with are SOOO concerned. “But what if you get sick over there? What if you can’t find a job?” Well, if I get sick over here, at the moment, I either stay sick, I die, or I lose everything I own trying to keep myself alive. And I don’t have a job here, either. So how is staying here a better choice?

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:51:12 +0000

William–it does help to have a certain amount of selfishness to move so far away from home! However, I think for most people forgetting about those who oppose their move is very difficult, especially if they need their emotional or physical support to make the move. I agree with your advice to ‘just do it’!

Rebecca–Glad to know Skype helps. Not sure how we coped before Skype!

Lana–Yes definitely talking/posting with other expats helps. I am wary about recommending some expat sites to new expats because there can be a lot of negative venting that might be less than supportive to emotionally uncertain people. Of course there are also some very useful and supportive sites, as I mentioned in my 3rd point in how to deal with the opposition, and thanks for the link!

By: Lana

Lana — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:10:10 +0000

I also find that sharing my frustrations or talking with other expats helps.I’m a member here for expats living in the UK and this subject comes up frequently! Especially with having to deal with family & friends who even after you make the move are opposing your decision!

http://www.americanexpats.co.uk

By: William Wallace

William Wallace — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:22:04 +0000

If you want to move and live the dream, just do it! Forgot about all those that have no sense of adventure in their soul, leave them to their sad and meaningless lifes…..

By: rebecca+subbiah

rebecca+subbiah — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:11:45 +0000

William I agree, love your name by the way. Great post, most expats get this, I know my Mum and Dad have struggled with it and probably always will, skype helps, but now with a baby I spend too much time on there!!!