The question most people ask themselves when they start travelling is what it would be like if they could actually live in this place. When you are travelling across the world, it’s so easy to picture yourself in these locations, because they are far removed from your normal life.
If you really want to live somewhere else, it’s important to ask yourself the right questions, because it might be the best thing you ever did. Or it may be a risk you’re not willing to take.
Either way, here are four questions you should ask yourself.
1. How Hard Is it to Get Into This Country?
Every country has its own set of rules. When you’re applying for a visa, or a “leave to remain” status, you’ve got to recognise that there will be a number of hoops to jump through.
For example, as part of the application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you need to have a specific level of English language, and you will also need to take a British citizenship test. It’s these rules you need to be aware of before you jump right in. You may fall in love with a place, but the procedures to get there could be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared.
2. How Much Does it Cost to Live There?
We should never underestimate the cost of living somewhere. It’s important to find out through the locals how much every little thing is, such as the rent, taxes, and the food. The better the idea you get before you arrive, the more prepared you are. And this is especially true when it comes to negotiating a salary.
If you go to a new location with a job offer under your belt, you need to be aware of the cost of living, but also make sure that you are getting the right salary for your skillset. You should conduct research on salary ranges for roles similar to your own to see what the market is like in the area you are moving to.
3. What Will I Lose If I Leave?
Moving to another country involves making a lot of sacrifices. We are making significant changes. But the sacrifice should be worth it and we will know if it feels right. The problem is when you have made a decision to leave permanently, life won’t be the same again.
When you move far away, it is possible to come back, but if you left without tying up loose ends, or you left because you wanted to run away from something, if you go back it could feel like you are going back with your tail between your legs.
4. Is This Right for Me?
This is not an answer you need to know right away, because it’s not going to happen until you’ve moved. But be aware that every step you take in life should be with a decision to move forward. You should move because you want to progress, not just because you are running away from things.
A new place will not change who you are. It’s vital that you do the work to change. But you should never assume that just because you change your location, things are going to get better. It is your responsibility.
Got Something to Add?
Have you recently moved to another country or perhaps you’re planning to do so in the future? Or maybe you’ve moved countries many years ago and have good or bad outcomes from the experience. Either way, we’d love to hear your tips on things to consider when moving country. Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, happy travelling.
Helen, Nial and Lewis.
Welcome to Pikalily, an award-winning food, travel and lifestyle blog. We are Nial and Helen, a happily married couple from Northern Ireland, who share a passion for food and travel among many things. We became parents to our beautiful boy Lewis in 2017. Follow our adventures through the blog.
