Struggles When Moving Abroad
I’ve lost track of the number of jobs I’ve quit during all my travels.
Is it me or is it all these weird business owners I have met over the years?? I guess it must be a combination of both…
So yes, I’ve quit a job again. This time it took me just two months.
What happened? Well, I don’t want to bore you with all the little details because I’m sure we all know how things can turn out completely different from what we thought or hoped.
But this is the short version:
My plan this summer was to work for a dive center in Soller, on the Spanish island of Mallorca. I would work there in exchange for free accommodation and a professional diving qualification (a PADI divemaster certification).
Unfortunately, accommodation turned out to be a mattress on the floor in an empty, dirty, shared apartment. Training to become a divemaster turned into spending most of my time doing their marketing work for free.
And when I then found out they weren’t the safest company either, not sticking to PADI rules and regulations nor providing everyone with mandatory dive insurance… I decided it might be best for me to leave.
I’ve had some great days with them though. Taking the boat out to different dive sites, exploring Mallorca’s amazing coastline, learning more about diving and this industry (mainly from my colleagues with all their great stories of working all over the world), and getting to know a new, beautiful island.
But, after two months of working 12-hour days without getting paid, surrounded by quite a bit of tension in the dive center (I wasn’t the only one who disagreed with the way things went here, nor the only one who quit…), I had enough.
Thankfully I did make sure to do all the mandatory training, skills and tests to be able to get certified as a divemaster and now, just over two months after arriving in Mallorca, I feel sorry the “job” didn’t work out but definitely not sorry I tried.
I met some great people, some interestingly different people, I got to experience a new industry and I ended up on a beautiful island.
And therefore I’m staying in Soller, for now. I found a new place to live at least for the next month and I now finally have time to explore the island, meet more people, and enjoy summer here…
Also Read: What to See & Do in Soller, Mallorca
When Moving Abroad, Better Be Flexible!
If there is one thing I’ve learned from traveling and living abroad it’s to be flexible.
Things most of the time don’t work out exactly as you want them to. People can positively surprise you but also disappoint you… I guess in the end it’s all about how you deal with it.
I also strongly believe you learn from every experience.
So instead of seeing a job I’ve quit as something that has failed, I honestly just see it as having tried something new.
I’m always grateful to be able to experience something new. And if that something new only lasts for two months… Who cares? I got to experience it and I learned something new… That’s what keeps life interesting!
“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient.”
– Steve Maraboli
Is It a Good Idea to Move Abroad?
I would say ‘Yes’!
Moving abroad teaches you so much. About the world but even more so about yourself. And even if it doesn’t all work out the way you hoped, it’s an experience you will forever remember.
In fact, I wrote an entire article about why moving abroad is such an incredibly valuable experience.
I have had jobs and done volunteer work in more than 10 countries all over the world. Some of those jobs turned out to be disappointing. But, the opportunity to live in those countries and to be a part of everyday life is priceless. It’s something you can’t experience if you just travel to a country for a few days or weeks.
So yes, there are many great reasons to move abroad and I can highly recommend it!
Difficulties of Living in a Foreign Country
Of course, living in a foreign country comes with certain challenges.
The language barrier, culture shock, the struggle to make new friends and to fit in. They are all difficulties I have heard other expats mention and have definitely experienced myself as well.
But, if you keep an open mind moving to a new place is a great experience!
Also read this article with some not-often-shared things about living abroad and how it changes you.
Reasons Not to Move Abroad
As much as I think moving abroad is a great experience, that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. And that’s okay!
Here are some solid reasons not to pack up and head to a new country:
1. If You’re Expecting a Perfect Experience
Life abroad won’t solve every problem you have back home. In fact, it might throw a few new ones into the mix!
If you’re looking for paradise, remember that reality doesn’t care where you are—it comes with ups and downs everywhere.
2. If You Don’t Like Change
Living abroad can turn your routines, expectations, and even your sense of self upside down. If you function better when things feel familiar and predictable, this change might be more frustrating than freeing.
3. If Language Barriers or Cultural Differences Worry You
New cultures and languages are part of the adventure, but they can also feel isolating if you’re not ready for them.
Things as simple as shopping or making friends can become harder if you’re uncomfortable with these differences.
4. If Stability and Close Connections Are Important to You
Moving away from family, friends, and support networks can be tough. If you’re someone who relies on close connections, moving abroad may feel lonelier than you’d like, especially in the beginning.
5. If You’re Moving to Avoid Problems Back Home
A change of scenery won’t magically solve everything. Most of life’s usual challenges will still be there, even with new scenery. Moving abroad can be fantastic, but it shouldn’t be used as a quick fix.
Give these 5 points some thought. It will help you see the pros and cons of moving abroad and decide if this is really something you’d like to do.
If You Are Interested in Living and Working Abroad, Also Read:
- Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
- How to Find Work Abroad
- Living & Working Abroad: What It’s Really Like vs What You Thought It Would Be Like
- Things to Do to Prepare for Moving Abroad – A Checklist