The return of an expat in 5 words

Here’s an instruction manual for those of you who are going home for good this winter. 5 words to put into words those emotions that overwhelm you! But also 5 proposals to get back on the right foot.

1 – Stress

Not too much time to devote to these thoughts, as we have to dive back into the boxes. Is my passport in my bag? Damn, I didn’t get the paper from customs. And Nathan is late for his last soccer class. I almost forgot, I have to call back his godmother to validate that she is coming to pick him up on July 15th… That’s it, my heart is starting to beat again.

Proposal: I accept the stress. I realize how heavy this step is. Don’t worry, you were able to manage the departure, you will be able to manage the return home. But, you are going through one of the most intense moments of your life, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little stressed. And to help you, to-do-list, check-list, guides… you will find all the necessary resources on our website FemmExpat.com !

2 – Tears

Thinking about my friends that I will soon leave, seeing this photo album again, obviously, tears come to my eyes. Leaving is heartbreaking. Years later, without preparing myself, I will find this precious place of memory. And, to my surprise, the tears will always be there.

Proposal: make a final visit to all the places you have cherished. Greet the landscape of this memory one last time, and try to keep it in your memory. And if your eyes fill up with tears, you have a dust in your eye of course!

3 – Excitement

Winter, the end of year celebrations. To find his relatives. Winter is going to be lively. Finally, we won’t be the only ones who have to go home to take the kids to school in mid-January! We will enjoy our country, there is so much to do. Without forgetting the many countries that border our dear France, it is incredible how rich Europe is!

Suggestion: Just like at the beginning, keep these ideas in mind for the future. Try to think of all the things that lie ahead. But don’t create futile obligations for yourself.

4 – Anxiety

Finally the ball at the sale makes its entrance. How will the children adapt to the new school rhythm? And then, the environment is not the same anymore… less at home. Our furniture will never all fit in an apartment. Doubt still reigns in me. What will become of me? But then what? Who would want me with my atypical CV and so eventful by all this time abroad?

5 – Refusal

Going home was not my choice! That doesn’t mean I want it. I don’t want to lift our whole house once again, to reinvent a life for everyone in a new place. I hate boxes. They only have to pack themselves! Looks like I won’t be here on moving day. What if I change my mind? It’s never too late after all.

Suggestion: In this crazy time, making time for a little drink with your girlfriends will make you more effective. And don’t hesitate to give them those rejections. What could be more delicious than confiding one’s secrets to the femmexpats and having a good laugh about it! Not to make fun, just to take a step back. And then to leave to finish packing with a lighter heart.

This is an article written by Alix Carnot, Associate Director of Expat Communication, publisher of the website www.femmexpat.com.