Moving Abroad: What I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Leap
A few years ago, if you had asked me where I saw myself in the future, I probably would have said the Philippines. I was happy there. I had a stable career, friends and family nearby, and no real reason to leave.
As a qualified accountant, however, I also felt that I was too young to settle into a predictable path. Like many young professionals, I wanted to explore what opportunities existed beyond the borders of my home country. When the chance to work abroad presented itself, I took it.
If I'm being completely honest, my motivation at the time was largely financial. I viewed the move as a temporary adventure, an opportunity to accelerate my career, save money, gain international experience, and eventually return home after a few years.
Life, however, rarely follows the plans we make.
The pandemic changed the way I viewed many things. What began as a career decision gradually became about something much bigger. I started thinking differently about freedom, personal safety, long-term stability, healthcare, work-life balance, and the type of future I wanted to build for myself.
At around the same time, my boyfriend was presented with an opportunity to work in Europe. What initially seemed like a fortunate coincidence soon became a shared dream. Rather than pursuing separate paths, we decided to start building a life together in a foreign country, navigating the uncertainties and opportunities that came with it.
Looking back, moving abroad remains one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. It has challenged me, stretched me outside of my comfort zone, and shaped me in ways I couldn't have anticipated. Yet it was also far more complex than the glamorous image often portrayed on social media.
For anyone considering taking the same leap, here are four things I believe are worth thinking about before moving abroad.
- Choose a Place That Fits Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Dream
It's easy to become captivated by a city's reputation, famous landmarks, or social media portrayal. But the reality is that you're not planning a holiday; you're choosing a place to live your everyday life.
Consider the lifestyle you want. Do you enjoy a fast-paced city or a quieter community? Do you prioritise career opportunities, outdoor activities, family-friendly environments, or cultural experiences? The right destination is often not the most glamorous one, but the one that aligns best with your values and daily habits.
A dream destination can quickly lose its appeal if the lifestyle doesn't suit you.
- Look Beyond Salary and Understand the Cost of Living
A higher salary abroad doesn't always translate into a better quality of life.
Before moving, spend time researching housing costs, utilities, groceries, taxes, childcare, and other day-to-day expenses. Rent, in particular, can vary dramatically even within the same country.
When I was planning my move, I focused heavily on earning potential. Looking back, understanding the overall cost of living would have been just as important. Financial comfort comes not from income alone, but from how much flexibility your income provides after essential expenses have been paid.
- Understand Your Transport Options
Transportation is one of those things people rarely think deeply about until they experience life without convenient access to it.
The availability of reliable public transport, walkable neighbourhoods, cycling infrastructure, or access to a car can significantly influence your quality of life. Long daily commutes can impact everything from your productivity and social life to your mental well-being.
One of the things I've come to appreciate is how much freedom comes from having multiple options to get around. The less time and energy spent commuting, the more time you have for family, hobbies, and the things that truly matter.
- Prepare for the Emotional Side of Moving
The practical aspects of moving are usually straightforward. The emotional side is much harder to prepare for.
No matter how excited you are, there will be moments when you miss home. You will miss family celebrations, casual gatherings with friends, familiar food, and the comfort of being surrounded by people who have known you for years.
This is why a support network matters so much. Whether it's a partner, relatives, friends, colleagues, or a community of fellow expatriates, having people you can turn to during difficult moments makes an enormous difference.
Moving abroad isn't simply a change of address. It's a process of rebuilding parts of your life from the ground up. Having people who can support you during that journey can make the experience infinitely more manageable and rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Moving abroad gave me far more than I originally set out to gain. What started as a financial and career decision eventually led to a new home, a new perspective on life, marriage, and the beginnings of a family.
The experience has taught me that moving abroad is not really about leaving one place behind. It's about creating a life that reflects who you are becoming.
And while I still miss home, I have come to realise that home is no longer defined by a single location. Sometimes, home is simply where the people you love are.
