Originally shared via email. For early access to UN job search success tips and advice, subscribe to the newsletter here.

In response to last week’s message about curiosity, a client who recently relocated asked: How do I adjust to a new place and still show up strong at work?

Such a relevant question for international professionals.
 

Support for relocating staff varies A LOT. Some organizations have entire teams helping you move and settle in. Others, not so much. In the UN, what’s offered depends on contract type and context – moving to Geneva is one thing; Kabul, quite another.

Since we can't cover all scenarios, I figured we'd focus on what affects everyone: the personal and emotional side of moving.

First and foremost, we need to acknowledge one thing: relocating is stressful, no matter how excited we are.

Awareness

You might recognize the “adjustment curve”, which maps the typical stages of adapting to a new environment. You'll still live through each phase, but knowing that they're expected tends to normalize the experience.

There are many versions, but I like this simple illustration:

Image credit: UC Berkeley – click for their nice article on "Cultural Adjustment".
 

Your first big move is usually the toughest. When you arrive in a new place, even simple things like buying groceries or getting around town require conscious effort. Add to that new social codes that you're not even picking up on yet, a new language, and different work expectations – no wonder it's draining!

Acceptance

Nothing is wrong. You didn't fail to prepare. You didn't make the wrong decision. It's OK that you feel frustrated over how things (don't) work. You're simply going through a very normal process of adjusting.

The question remains: How do you adjust to a new place and still show up strong at work?

To start, be gentle with yourself. Cut yourself some slack. Give yourself time. You're doing just fine.

Action

When our stress level goes up, our support and self-care need to rise to a similar level. Here are some suggestions:

• Unless you're taking your entire household, at least bring some meaningful personal items and some favorite food items to help you feel at home in no time.
• Connect with home regularly. Take comfort in hearing a familiar voice, have a laugh, shed some tears. It's all good and normal.
• Make local connections - colleagues, the broader expat community, neighbors, parents at your kids' school, a place of worship, etc. In-person connections can have a significant impact on our sense of belonging and resilience.
• Build small routines to help you decompress. This might be taking a bath, reading a book, going for a run - whatever works for you.
• Make checklists to reduce overwhelm - one for home and one for work. Prioritize and tackle one thing at a time.
• Remind yourself – this is temporary. You will adjust. What feels effortful now will soon become second nature.
• Reflect and journal. Once the dust settles, reflect on your experience, lessons learned, and things you want to remember for next time - because you will forget!
• Engage a coach (like me 🙋🏼‍♀️). A coach has no invested agenda for you, as caring family members or demanding bosses inevitably do. Scheduling regular conversations during a transition can be tremendously helpful in navigating whatever comes up.

Ask

Clarifying expectations with your supervisor is key. As a new arrival, it's natural to want to prove ourselves, often leading to unrealistic expectations. Organizations know it'll take time to get you fully onboarded, briefed and trained. If it's unclear - ask.

Also, what seasoned pros take for granted, they might forget to communicate with you. Can you check out an apartment during working hours? Take an extended lunch to open a local bank account? If you haven't been informed, don't assume - ask.

In essence, awareness and acceptance help us manage our minds, while taking action and asking for clarity will ensure we make steady progress at work while getting our personal affairs in order.

Each move stretches us. But it also enriches us.
 

Got a question of your own? I’m all ears — just click here and let me know!