Where Should I Move? Ask anyone who’s moved overseas for a work stint for either themselves or their partner and I'm pretty sure they'll tell you, it was a mind-altering and mind-expanding experience, and one that is likely, never to be forgotten. Even if it wasn’t quite the job of their dreams or the place they’d hoped would become their home away from home, people generally come out of these experiences a little wiser (and jaded). No just kidding! I mean fulfilled, of course! Changed forever. So, if you just happen to be toying around with the idea of moving overseas or find yourself in the enviable position of being offered a job abroad, this post might be for you. Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself first. Does the Culture of the Country Interest You? Now, here’s a good one. We all know that experiencing a different culture is a life-changing experience, which can be both good and bad. When I think about our time in Hong Kong and in mainland China, the cultural experiences we had, still blows my mind. Was I interested in Chinese culture before we moved to Hong Kong? Truthfully, not overly, but I had been to Hong Kong before and at the very least, the glittering harbour city had me intrigued. It was so different to anywhere I’d ever lived as far as everything from the traditions to the customs, foods, ways of living and thinking. And when we lived there, whilst my mind felt like it was on a continual roller coaster ride, absorbing new knowledge faster than you could say, "I want to get off," it was invigorating. Of course, the more I found out, the more I wanted to learn, and the more addicted to living life on the edge, I became. And of course, as you know, we then moved to the mainland and that was a whole different beast! But one I was eager (if a little naively) to go head to head with. Suffice to say, your transition to your new home, will be much more rewarding if you feel positive towards the country and take an active interest in that country's culture. If the country you’re transferring to is completely alien to you, chances are you can expect to feel some sort of culture shock (which is a very real thing, trust me) and adjusting isn't always easy. The more mentally ready you are for it, the better off you'll be. Ask yourself if you can handle the differences in living standards, language barriers, food, cultures, etc. Imagine what it's like to be somewhere where the usual holidays and traditions you embrace aren’t even celebrated, not even Christmas. It might be a tough ask but you'll definitely find out what you're made of. For some, there are things that are simply deal breakers. And that's ok. Not everyone's cut out to live away from home. You need to really want to experience something out of the ordinary and be prepared to stick it out for the long haul, hurdles and all. Try to find someone who's lived and worked their before, to get their views on what to expect. And if you can, having prior knowledge of the market your new role will operate in it will definitely be to your advantage. There's every chance, you'll hit the ground running with limited opportunity to do this. It will only make you more effective in your role if you can reduce what can be a super steep learning curve. Are You Allowed to Be There? This is an obvious one, but you’d be surprised to know how difficult it can be getting work visas for some countries and it often comes down to your home country’s relationship with the country you're transferring to. Obviously, if you're going with a company whose sponsoring you, they will endeavor to support you in every way possible and the transfer process is likely to be a lot easier. You'll still need to comply with all the regular rules and regulations of getting a visa in that country though. Take our first visa experience in China for instance, you can read here for some idea of what we went through! Chaotic and confronting, to say the least! Oh, and there’s nothing worse than getting everything ready to move, both mentally and physically, only to be told you can’t get a work visa. This also goes for spouses accompanying you, make sure they’re up to date with the country’s laws and their expectations aren't going to be crushed when they arrive. Some partners might expect to start a job instantly too, but just because you’re living there with your employed spouse, there are many countries you simply won’t be able to work in. And make sure your visa doesn’t expire while you’re there. In some countries this means grave consequences, like deportation or even imprisonment. And do make sure you dig out all that paper work and pack it safely in your luggage. Here are a few expat mistakes I've learned along the way, that you can hopefully avoid. ;) What Job Prospects Are There For You? Chances are you will want more than just a ‘living’ wage when you make the gigantic decision to move to a new country. You’ll be leaving behind much of your support network and you’ll likely incur a lot of expenses during your adjustment period. Obviously, it’s a far better option to have a job waiting for you in your destination country, but if that's not the case, be sure to arm yourself with enough savings to last you, until you are, at the very least, employed. In fact, even if you have been guaranteed immediate employment, it can never hurt to have savings for that rainy day. You never know what can go wrong and in a strange country, this could make or break you. Check out the country's wage and tax structures and make sure you know the legalities on filing tax returns there and back home. What salaries and living expenses can you expect? While we’re on salaries, when you’re talking about lifestyles in different countries, gross salaries aren't always the perfect predictor of the quality of life you can expect. Different countries can mean vastly different costs of living as well as perks that don’t necessarily reflect how enjoyable (or unenjoyable) a country can be to live in. For instance, a developed country like Japan, Singapore or Hong Kong with an excellent public transportation system may have relatively high living costs, but being able to move around easily and affordably can make all the difference. I'm thinking of Hong Kong with its affordable and efficient train systems and 'cheap as chips' taxis. There's no urgent need for a car, which is a huge savings. If you are presented with a 'job package' before you decide to take the plunge, keep all that in mind. The salary may be lower than what you're used to but there could be considerable tax breaks and lifestyle savings. Comparably, in mainland China, the cost of living was relatively cheap, but the quality of life was also significantly more challenging than back home. For us at least. Look at how much food costs, power, internet, petrol, cars, schooling etc. All of these expenses can be game changers if you’re not prepared. Oh and if you want to know some of the cheapest cities to rent in. Check this post out. While we're on schooling, if you are taking children with you, it pays to know exactly what sort of schooling your country of choice has. Are there international schools, do they speak your child's language, is the curriculum on par with theirs at home and how much are school fees? Moving overseas can be just as tough for our kids. Here are few tips to help them. How Safe is it? Naturally, political, cultural, and economic strife can be cause for concern, and these issues can directly affect crime rates and YOUR safety. Even things like the traffic situation, as well as the state of public works and infrastructure, can have a direct bearing on your health and safety. Think about how well buildings are made and what sort of weather conditions impact the country. For example, is it a place regularly affected by typhoons? If so, does the infrastructure reflect this. What about hygiene standards? Do you need to be cautious about what you can and can’t eat? Are there quality hospitals and medical facilities in place? Before you move, check whether the company you’re working for provides health insurance. If not, I can't stress enough how important it is to invest in international health insurance. There are plenty of packages targeted at expats and overseas workers. Now Health International and other specialized insurers are usually able to offer wide coverage for lower rates. How Important is it to Have a Support Network of People? Some countries are especially popular destinations for expat workers, whether it’s because of the living conditions, geographical location, work opportunities, tax breaks etc. Moving to a new country or even just a different state or province can be incredibly difficult, and while I believe there will always be an adjustment period (I give it nine months, just like a pregnancy), having likeminded people who’ve moved out of their comfort zone, around you, will make everything that much easier. Of course, you want to try and meet the locals as well, but bear in mind, the more unique a host culture is to your own, the harder it might be to find fellow expats who’ve got your back. Before you go, think about taking language classes and studying as much as possible about your prospective host culture. On a work level, if you're in a key expat city, join some local organisations, such as InterNations or the relevant Chamber of Commerce. Otherwise, seek out other expats in similar roles. It's a great opportunity to learn and connect with likeminded career professionals and you won't feel so alone in your new role. No matter how hesitant you feel, if you’ve got the bug, I say, go do it! We only live once, right? No matter how challenging and different to your own country, and no matter how long or short your stay is, one thing I’ve learned is you’ll never regret it. Go forth and conquer! … [Read more...]
Buying Your First House? 9 Tips for a Stress-Free Move
I don't take a lot of guest posts on MMM but when I do, I want to know that they're going to be interesting for you, my lovely readers. This particular one from freelance writer Allison Hail piqued my interest, given we were in a similar position not all that long ago. If you're about to jump into the housing market and buy your own home, this one's for you. *** You might be wondering what's the easiest way to move out of your rental property. There's definitely a lot to consider, but if you follow a few key guidelines you’ll save yourself a truck load of stress. Don’t rush things Yes, if you're anything like me, the first house you view might seem like 'the one' (take it from me, I had my heart set on every one we saw) but don’t buy it on a whim just because you’re so excited to finally stop renting and have you're own pad! Finding a worthy space is bound to take a while, so give yourself plenty of time for planning sessions, researching the market and area you want to live in. Commit yourself to the process and be in it for the long haul. Treat each viewing as if you are a potential landlord critiquing it, investigating assets and features such as accessibility, distance from your workplace and necessary amenities, house structure, and positioning for sunlight. (This one's a biggie because you'll regret not knowing which way is north facing when you feel like you're living in a dungeon!) Noting all the potential negatives as well as the things you love will ensure you aren’t looking at outwardly appealing properties with rose-tinted lenses – after all, you'll be the one living in the home and responsible for fixing any problems that arise, like that pesky mould issue or the aircon that doesn't work in summer. 2. Budget for your mortgage You might be up for paying more for your mortgage than you are for rent, or you might be looking at a similar figure – but make sure you budget well for your payments. A mortgage isn't as easy to back out of as a rental contract. If you can, regularly put aside money as a safety net, which will help you to feel secure and ensure that you don’t fall behind in payments if something adverse happens in your life. Even if you're choosing to pay 'interest only' on the mortgage for a period of time, make sure you still have the full amount put away, if necessary. 3. Stay organised Naturally, buying a home requires a great deal of paperwork, so it helps to be organised and to know what to expect. There will come a time when you're hightailing it into the city to get a cheque for 20 grand, and you'll need all your ducks in a row. Carefully research your obligations as a unit owner, and make sure you are prepared to meet them before signing a contract. Some people choose to invest in an agent who will take care of all of this for you, but it comes at a hefty price and unless you're out of the country, I don't recommend it. And if you are moving from overseas... here are a few tips for repatriation. 4. Remember your landlord So, you’ve finally found a place you want to buy! Don’t get so caught up in the elation that you neglect to consider your current place of residence. Remember to check the notice period for your rental property so you can offer your landlord advanced notice. It's all in the timing. You don’t want to be forced to pay a month’s rent for a place you won’t be living in, and it’s good to consider all parties involved – ending a contract or agreement on good terms is always a wise move. 5. Plan your move How are you planning on transporting your belongings? If your new place isn’t too far from your current residence, you may be able to recruit your friends (with the promise of a six pack and a pizza) to help you pack and move your furniture. (My tip: Start collecting those boxes early.) However, if you're moving house across cities or internationally, hiring professional movers will save you so much hassle. Just make sure you keep out all of those things you'll need sooner rather than later, because (especially if you're coming from overseas) shipping can take weeks if not months. International moves can be exceptionally stressful, as you will be separated from your belongings. You might like to consider renting a shipping container – built for durability, shipping containers are large enough to hold a decent amount of furniture and can be insured for peace of mind. Also, think about whether you'll be transporting all of your current furniture to your new home. If you won’t need all of it or are planning to redecorate (aka serious retail therapy), lighten your load now by donating, selling or even swapping your furniture for pieces you will soon need. Gumtree is a good one to get started on, just be prepared for lots of knocks on the door and potential buyers who suddenly back out. 6. Make yourself a toolbox When renting, you most likely had someone available to fix your fridge or a leak in the ceiling soon after you reported a problem. In your own home, any issues are your responsibility, so be prepared! Buy the necessary tools for repairs and ongoing maintenance. FYI, Ikea does a great mini drill! 7. Consider the furniture a new home will require Often, having been a renter means you haven’t had to worry about purchasing every single piece of furniture needed for a home. Don’t let yourself be caught out – make a list of the new furniture and appliances you’ll need, and arrange for them to be ready either before or as soon as possible after your move date. Sometimes things take time to be delivered and you don't want to be caught short without a couch or TV for several months. You'll also want to consider getting things like the internet and cable TV sorted before the big move. 8. Meet your new neighbourhood Before you move, get yourself acquainted with your new neighbourhood’s amenities. You’ll feel much more at home when you move in, if you already have a feel for the area and know where you can pick up food or petrol on a whim. If you've got children, of course schools are going to be a priority. Make sure you're in the right catchment for the school you've got your heart set on. Sometimes the same street can be split right down the middle and you're just a few houses out. 9. Enjoy the experience You’re finally paying your own mortgage instead of somebody else’s! If you follow your plan and treat the experience as exciting rather than terrifying, you’re sure to love the freedom that owning your place will give you. Moving to your first home is always rewarding – happy nesting! Allison Hail is a freelance writer residing in the North Island port city of Wellington, New Zealand. She especially enjoys discussing anything related to home living, travel, and lifestyle. To read more of her articles or simply say hello, visit Allison’s Perspective. *** Psst...If you're planning on staying in the renting game a little longer you might want to check out this post on the most affordable cities to rent in, in the world. Oh, and (shameless self promotion alert) if you haven't voted for Mint Mocha Musings in the 2018 Asian Expat Blog awards, it would be super appreciated by yours truly (Nicole). It's easy, just click the link and vote for me. :mrgreen: … [Read more...]
Gidday, Ni Hao, Kia Ora……Can You Have More Than One Hometown?
What’s the first thing you ask someone you’ve just met? “Where are you from?” Or “Where’s home for you?” Especially if you’re an expat, right. The words literally roll off your tongue, after, “Hi, I’m So and So.” And even if you’re not living overseas, it doesn’t take long for the inevitable question to crop up in conversation, “So, is this your hometown?” I never quite know what to say to that - "Well, I'm from Australia, but I was born in New Zealand....but we've been living in Asia, ummmm." Recently, I went back to my place of birth, New Zealand. It’d been 15 years! Needless to say, I was taken aback when the friendly lady at Customs said “Welcome Home!” And just quietly, it had me feeling a little bit nostalgic. Living overseas, as in not Australia, for a significant chunk of that 15 years, meant it was no longer a hop, skip and a jump across the ditch and well, life just got in the way. This time though, I had my husband, my Small Person and my mum along for the ride. I invited (some may say coerced) them into taking a trip down memory lane with me. We went back to the suburb I grew up in, we did a drive-by past several of my old houses, my primary school - still looking startling familiar after 40 years, and we pulled into the carpark of my old high school… which was also my mum’s! (Oh the memories!) We even, at my insistence, went down to the beach, where I made my first sandcastles and spent hours wiling away the dreamy days of an idyllic childhood with my grandparents, who’ve long passed. The trip back, got me thinking about the importance of place. Psychologist say, memories are cued by the physical environment. When you visit a place you used to live, these cues can cause you to revert back to the person you were when you lived there. The rest of the time, different places are kept largely separated in our minds. (Sorry if I reverted back to that sulky teenager who lived on a diet of potato scallops and milkshakes.) Does our birth place hold a piece of our heart, indefinitely? Growing up spending many a school holiday on my granddad’s boat, I'm definitely at my calmest and happiest when there’s water within my eye’s reach. Obviously, the factors that influence our identities are too numerous and complex to investigate in this single post but just how much or how little our birthplace shapes us, it seems, after doing some research of my own, is still debatable. For me, after 31 years in Australia, give or take a few, I feel more like an Aussie than a Kiwi. There’s little trace left of the former ‘fush n chups’ accent (except when I’m tired or have too many vinos); the sunburnt country long ago captured my heart. But here’s the clincher, I’m still not an Aussie citizen. Gasp! (Luckily, I’m not going into politics!) A couple of reasons have stopped me, mostly I credit laziness to this inability to take the citizenship test! I mean, I’ve covered more Australia Days as a journalist than I’ve had burnt sausages on a barbie. And in those early days, being a Kiwi in Oz, didn’t have much of an impact on those all important things, like free university tuition, etc.. But maybe, just maybe there’s a little bit of guilt or is it reluctance to let go? Does giving up your allegiance to your home country mean you’re saying goodbye to your past? (There was no dual citizenship back then.) I still find myself torn whenever the All Blacks are playing the Wallabies (I mean we all know who’s going to win, don’t we)? ;-) And I get a chill down my spine when the Haka plays - sometimes I have to stop myself from launching into the actions. When I’m called on to recite a song (and this happens more than you might think) I always choose the Maori song, Tutira Mai Nga Iwi, I learned in primary school. And I still miss certain things unique only to the Land of the Long White Cloud. Namely and most importantly my family members who still reside there, and I’m still partial to a Chocolate Thins biscuit, a Snifter or a glass of L & P. People often tell me, the fact that Ava, our small person, was born in Hong Kong and lived in Asia until she was six years old will have a big impact on her. Will it, I wonder? She’s what they call a Third Culture Kid (TCK) - a phrase coined by an American sociologist, referring to a child who’s spent a significant part of their formative years outside their parents culture. (Her Dad's English just to add to the equation.) People who fit the TCK bill have a tendency to mix and merge their birth culture with their adopted culture, creating one of their own: a third culture. Born in Hong Kong to a New Zealand-born mum, an English dad, (both her and him with Aussie citizenship) and three formative years in Xi'an China. Where's home? There’s no denying she’s more at home with chopsticks; and dim sum and rice are her favourite foods. She's more au fait with Chinese New Year than Australia Day, and perhaps it’ll be a favourite Chinese song she remembers in time over an Aussie one. Ask her where she’s from - it's undoubtedly Hong Kong. But Australia's blue skies and endless parks have definitely hit her sweet spot. For me, living in Hong Kong and Xian, my roots became more poignant than ever. So far away from everything I knew, we celebrated ANAC Day and Australia day with more gusto than I ever had on home soil. Even Melbourne Cup pulled on the heart strings. Experts say place does shape us at a fundamental level. We all learn to communicate and understand our world through sharing language, customs, behaviours, beliefs and values. And in all reality, doesn't each town, city, state and country has it’s own local vocabulary, accents, values, ideas, economies, industries, local newspapers and radio stations? In essence, it’s very own unique culture. Heck, in China each province has its own culinary delights. Winston Churchill famously proclaimed that “we shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us. I’ve stolen this quote from Cup of Jo’s fabulous blog, by actress Helen Mirren, “Where you grew up becomes a big part of who you are for the rest of your life. You can’t run away from that. Well, sometimes the running away from it is what makes you who you are.” Identity is attached to a sense of belonging, usually through family ties or deep emotional connections and it's pretty evident we all bare some of the cultural and emotional legacies, whether good or bad from our hometowns. Environmental psychologist Susan Clayton says: “For better or worse, the place where we grew up usually retains an iconic status. Is it any wonder memories of finding and eating oysters off the rocks at five years old are forever etched in the bowels of my mind. The iconic Pacific oyster! It might not be home now, but saying “Haere Ra…..” (Goodbye) forever to New Zealand was never really an option And as Henning Mankell says, "You can have more than one home. You can carry your roots with you and decide where they grow." I like that idea. What do you think? Do you have one home or many? To read more about where home is, check out The Expat Magazine's article Where is Home? here Read, about our repatriation back Down Under here... … [Read more...]
The Lord of the Rings! My Journey to China…And Back. (Podcast)
When Michael from Global From Asia wanted to chat to me for his show, how could I possibly refuse? An American who's kicking butt in Shenzhen, married to a Chinese lady, together they are giving others the knowledge and tools to take their business from Asia and make it 'global!' Pop over to his website to listen to the podcast. It's about 35 minutes and we chat about everything from culture shock to finding friends in China and learning how to navigate the Middle Earth that is China. So grab a coffee or stick those head phones in and carry on, carrying on. https://www.globalfromasia.com/to-china-and-back/ … [Read more...]
Life After China: Six Months in, the Reality of Returning Home!
Suddenly out of nowhere, it hits me! Ah hello, I’ve been waiting for you. Wondering when you’d make an appearance and rain on my homecoming parade. And here you are, almost like clockwork, six months to the day that we landed, back, on Australian soil. I can’t quite pinpoint the feeling. Is it a black cloud? A hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach? Whatever it is, I hope it’s fleeting, because black clouds aren’t my thing! Experts say it’s often those who’ve adjusted most successfully overseas, who have the most difficulty returning home. Is that us, I quietly wonder? That night, the hotelier hits the nail on the head, when he arrives home to our “normal” household in the ‘burbs. Small Person’s watching ABC Kids and I’m cleaning up(!), after a fairly uneventful day. He tells me he’s thinking about our next trip away. Away from normality, I think, because maybe we just don’t know how to deal with that anymore? This time last year we were clambering up the side of a mountain in Tibet, desperately trying to breathe, after all. Despite the frequency of trips to far flung places that often come with expat life (because, hello, everything’s much cheaper) believe it or not, we have been craving that thing called ‘normality’ for a long time, but now it’s here, do we even like it? In China, everything about life was difficult, unusual, or just plain strange. Deep breaths were the order of the day and a damn good sense of humour was non-negotiable, if you wanted to survive. Sounds alluring, I know! But life ran on a constant shot of adrenalin and we all know how addictive that can be. In a foreign country, normal day to day things like, work, the school run, sports days, even shopping - is carried out with tinted glasses, probably not rose-coloured, but there’s definitely an exotic aura. Even if you don’t always enjoy it, (actually it’s highly possible you’re hating it), you’re doing something out of the ordinary and that’s oddly comforting and yes, slightly addictive. Until now, moving back home has occupied our every being! Things like buying cars, sorting schools, different work projects and buying our very own house to nest in - fluffing it like a peacock parades his feathers - has all been part of the great repatriation reality... and novelty! But suddenly the joy of cleaning my own castle is peaking… I need to learn how to cook again and ironing is back on the agenda. (Anyone for midday champers?) I'm wondering if I need to get a proper job and this whole reinventing yourself thing takes effort and time.....(just write that bloody book, Nicole.) Whilst the freedom of driving is still fresh, the songs I was excited to bop along to and finally learn the lyrics of are wearing a little thin. There’s only so much Miley Cyrus “Next to yoouuu in Malibuuu” you can listen to, right? And while I'm keen to hear how "We do it, down in Puerto Rico!" I get the gist. Sitting in front of the TV with old faithfuls like ‘A Current Affair’ and ‘Home and Away’ feels equally as jarring (read: did we ever leave?) as it is comforting, when you’ve been living with 55 channels in another language. It’s kind of soothing to see you again Alf Stewart and I do like catching up with the local news every night, but admittedly it’s been quite nice living in denial. ;) Yes, one might call that 'avoiding reality!' (There's a lot to be said for it.) I still forget to turn the car lights on at night; And the distinct lack of people trawling the streets, at all hours….perplexes me (probably just as well if my lights are off), as does the nation seemingly finishing the day at dusk. Straya??! And Mondays for that matter? Do we just close up shop? And as much as I know, I complained endlessly about the squat toilets in China’s public areas (they are pretty disgusting), I think I’ve become quite partial to the ceramic ‘hole in the ground.’ It’s actually a lot easier than trying to hover over a “normal” western toilet! Who says old habits die hard! Oh and I’ve discovered my phone phobia is real. Yes, please don’t try to call me. Living overseas, I realise it’s been allowed to fester because very rarely people would or could call me….and if they did, I’d have no idea what they were saying and have to (conveniently) hang up. Here, every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to call, for a “chat!” A chat??! Just text me. Still….. running on adrenalin, constantly, can be exhausting, physically and mentally…which makes the ease I can live life with Down Under, a definite reason to exhale. That blue sky that stretches out forever like a luminous, glass rooftop still gets me, every single time; the fresh, crisp air and sheer ability to speak English at all times, makes just about everything effortless (despite those phone calls). The five minute school walk and the cushioning of a community is reassuring, even if it is a very different kind of community. My old community was a bunch of expats from around the world forever contemplating their next move and weighing up the pros and cons of raising children as global citizens. Here, it’s about which high school to send them to (in five years time, I might add)! Really? So soon! When our new Chinese tutor comes over, I can sense the excitement we all get, even the hotelier when he yells out ‘Zai Jian’ (goodbye) as she leaves and tries to get out his few Chinese words he spent years mastering. Just like old times, I giggle to myself. And it seems it’s not only us humans that need to adjust to a new life… pets do too. My friends have just repatriated to America, with their ‘Chinese’ Golden Retriever, Penny. Poor old Penny is having to learn how to ‘dog’ in America. Suddenly she is surrounded by space and huge fields of fresh green grass to run in. There are lots of other dogs just like her and she can even go swimming with them…. In America, it’s a dog’s life! But for Penny, it’s daunting and overwhelming… she just can’t figure out why everyone is being so nice to her and wants to pat, play…..and chat!! Me neither, Penny! I’ve heard on the grapevine, returning home brings a definite fear of forgetting your overseas experience. Does returning to your old life mean the expat one never happened? I hope not. No one said it would be easy…but it sure was nice being able to wind the car window down this morning without fear of choking on pollution! Perhaps I just need to get my adrenalin rush in other ways. Bungee jumping anyone? Six months in, this is repatriation. … [Read more...]