Moving to a New Country

While working on a ‘Developing Adaptability Bootcamp’ I realised I have learnt so much moving to a new country. I have done this a few times now, so have become interested in the concept ot ‘adaptability’.

According to Cambridge Dictionary:

‘Adaptability is an ability or willingness to change in order to suit different conditions.’

Believe me, I know that relocating abroad can be an overwhelming experience. Filling out visa application forms, packing your belongings and finding accommodation in a new country can be overwhelming. In addition to these concerns – tickets, Covid-19 fast changing regulations, storage and furnishings are all on the top of one’s mind as well.

Adapting

Adaptability as a skill helped me to immigrate (a few times!), start all over again (a few times!) and now I am happy to be running my own business!

I am now connected to three countries: South Africa, the UK and my motherland Russia! I moved from Belarus to Russia to the UK and now to South Africa. Interesting?

What’s more interesting is that now, adaptability helps me to do what I love, to do what the world needs, to do what I am good at and pleasantly I can be paid for it! And I do it by working on accommodating three different communities in the world.

To help with the process, I have highlighted often overlooked questions and considerations, which we forget to think about.

Find your Why & Your Way

Life is a journey and along the way we always learn so much! All changes in our lives can be planned and unplanned. Some can be exciting and some not as much.

Let’s look at one common change that we all had to face – let’s look back at March 2020. Pandemic across the world. And as a example, cancelled travel, closed businesses, no family visits, no handshakes or hugs, no public places, washing hands, sanitising hands, no touching our faces and always wearing a mask!

It’s a lot of change to adjust to all at once, right?

Yes, these changes might be disorienting or even painful, but our ability to adapt will shuttle us to the other side healthfully.

After spending most of the last 18 months constantly adapting, we are now socialising and travelling again, experimenting with hybrid working and doing rapid or PCR testing more often to travel and even to attend events.

Pre-Pandemic Normality?

This is the world we all live in now and there will be no return to pre-pandemic normality any time soon.

Do you remember how you felt when it all started? Have you adapted to a new normal? How are you feeling about it now?

The scenario of moving to a new country

We actually never realise the strength and impact of the culture of your home country until you are moving abroad and are faced with a culture and different accents that can be very different from your own.

Moving to a new country with its own new world is not easy, but it is an amazing opportunity to explore more.

Whether you’ve made the move permanently or are just there temporarily, use it as an experience to learn and grow, opening up your mind to other opportunities. When moving, also remember: you can always go back!

Saying that, I never did!

What do you have to do to adjust after moving countries as well as continents?

After finding your Why, it is important to find your Way. These helped me to adjust, adapt and grow wherever I plant myself.

1. Change your Mindset
2. Find your tribe
3. Look after yourself

I moved to Cape Town, South Africa six months ago and I am working hard to adapt to my new home, a different life and starting my own business.

Moving to a new country is scary, but I am loving the process.

Join Yulia to Celebrate Women on Friday 13th August 2021 virutally, for her ‘Developing Adaptability Bootcamp’. Yulia will be sharing the stage with other amazing women for an afternoon of fun, activities, workshops and inspiration!