💻 What Was the Hardest Part About Moving Abroad? It Wasn’t the Visa.

People often assume that the hardest part of moving abroad is the paperwork—the logistics, the visa application process, the red tape. And yes, all of that is challenging. There were delays, unexpected requests, multiple trips to consulates, and many moments of uncertainty.

But honestly? That wasn’t the hardest part.

The most challenging part of my international move wasn’t the bureaucracy—it was the emotional weight of doing it mostly alone.

First: You Really Have to Want It

Let’s start here: the most important ingredient in making a move abroad is desire.

Not casual curiosity. Not “maybe one day.” You need a deep, anchored knowing that this is something you want. Because no matter how organized you are or how perfectly you plan, something will go sideways. There will be hiccups, delays, and curveballs—things no spreadsheet can prepare you for.

But if you truly want it—if you feel called to this change—those obstacles become manageable. The persistence it takes to keep going doesn't feel like struggle. It feels like devotion. I was able to move through challenges not because it was easy, but because it was aligned.

Desire gives you endurance.

The Unexpected Hard Part: Feeling Alone in the Process

What I didn’t expect, and what hit me harder than I imagined, was the emotional isolation of this move.

I’ve moved many times. I’ve closed chapters, relocated for jobs, started fresh in new cities. But this time was different. I think I held a quiet hope that my friends or family would show up in more tangible ways—offer help, check in consistently, or simply be emotionally present.

Instead, I had to face the reality that choosing a path that’s deeply personal and non-traditional often means doing it solo.

And honestly, that stung.

Not because people were wrong or unkind—but because this move was my choice. And my growth is not anyone else’s responsibility. I couldn’t expect others to carry the weight of a decision they didn’t make, no matter how much they love me.

It was one of the most isolating moves I’ve ever made. But strangely, it was also one of the most affirming. The solitude clarified that this decision was mine, and only mine. And that made it even more meaningful.

Investing in Support—However It Looks

Whether I paid for services, leaned on professionals, or asked for support from people I love, I realized that what mattered most was that I had my own back. I took responsibility for every step of the visa process, every document, every emotional wave. I made sure I was supported, even if that support didn’t always look the way I expected.

And that’s what I’ve learned about big transitions:
We don’t need a crowd cheering us on. We need clarity, commitment, and the courage to keep going anyway.

💫 Ready to make your own move—with clarity and support?

As a career and relocation coach, I help you navigate not just the logistics of moving abroad—but the emotional and intuitive journey behind it. If you're feeling the pull toward a new chapter, let's talk. Book a 1:1 session or explore my relocation offerings here. You're not meant to do this alone.