Written by Clare Kay
In this week’s podcast episode, I’m diving into a question I think almost anyone considers when planning an international move: Are we ever truly ready? Maybe waiting to feel ready might keep us from taking the leap at all—whether it’s moving to a new country, starting a business, or writing a book. There’s something to be said for taking the first step, even when we don’t feel ready. Sometimes, readiness doesn’t come before the action; it comes with it. In my experience, it’s in the doing that we find our way forward.
The Emotional Landscape of Moving
Looking back, I realize there were so many layers of emotion wrapped up in my decision to move. The move wasn’t just an upheaval; it was an uprooting. One of the biggest emotional challenges for me was the idea of leaving my mum. My mum had always believed it was a good idea for a couple to stay together in the same country. I explore this in the podcast where I share, “I was very torn. I’m not sure this is the right time for me.” My dilemma was: Do I stay with my mum or go with my husband?
The decision was made for me as my mum died the day before my husband received the email confirming his position. As I share in the podcast, “It was almost as if the veil was lifted, and the green light was given for me to join my husband and to go with him.” From that day forward, it wasn’t only the prospect of the physical journey; there was a whole internal journey that unfolded right alongside it. It’s personal, and it’s challenging. Feeling pulled in many directions is completely natural; it’s all part of the process.
I remember when my husband’s passport went missing while en route to be stamped for his work visa, it brought to the surface what needed to be in place for the move to be possible, but I felt so much more than frustration. No matter how prepared we think we are, moving is more than a logistical challenge. There’s a deeply emotional landscape to navigate, and it can catch us by surprise. As anyone who has moved countries knows, these emotional layers show up sooner or later, often in ways we don’t expect.
Lessons Learned for Future Movers
For anyone considering a move, I’d say this: it’s about trusting yourself to navigate whatever comes up along the way. You’ll uncover unexpected strengths, and you’ll build connections in ways you might never anticipate. On our departure from the UK, a long delay at the check-in desk led to a conversation with another traveller—a conversation that turned into a friendship I cherish today.
Small, daily interactions are what kept me grounded in my new environment. Friendly interactions with bus drivers, the people in my neighbourhood, and the amiable welcome bestowed on me at the laundromat—I can’t stress enough how much those moments mattered to me. They kept loneliness and sadness at bay, reminding me that connection sometimes just shows up.
Interestingly, with challenges that arose, I’ve learned with the wisdom of hindsight that sometimes we don’t know the right questions to ask until we have been through the experience.
Finding Your Way, Not Just Your Destination
Reflecting on my experience, moving countries is about so much more than reaching a destination. It’s about creating a life that resonates with who you are—even if that means discovering who you are. I often describe this journey as finding my own way because no one else’s path will look quite like mine—or like yours. Each of us finds our own resilience, our own sense of readiness, as we go.
So, if you’re considering a big move or any significant change, don’t wait for a perfect moment. Feel “ready enough,” take that first step, and trust that the path will reveal itself as you walk it.
About Moving Countries 101:
Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global relocation adds a unique perspective, `Moving Countries 101 offers listeners and viewers a raw look at the challenges and growth that come with relocation. Each episode provides valuable insights into both the practical and emotional aspects of moving abroad, presenting a paradox of moving to a new destination while focusing on the ongoing experience of having moved countries. As the podcast evolves, listeners can expect a blend of solo episodes from Clare, sharing her insights and experiences, alongside conversations with guests who bring their unique stories to the table.
Subscribe to Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights about moving countries.
Podcast Links:
You can listen to/watch Moving Countries 101 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Follow this week’s podcast here:
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj
YouTube
