If you’re an accompanying partner / spouse planning to move abroad (or who has already) you’ll be experiencing some unique feelings and challenges. Here are some ideas to help you settle, adapt and start to enjoy your new life abroad more quickly. 1.Overcoming pre-departure nerves Moving because your partner’s job might mean your own life and career will have to be put on hold momentarily. This can be an unnerving experience, particularly if you’re also moving with children or are worried about leaving family behind. Tip: Focus on your positive reasons for moving; reassure family that you can be contacted at any time; do as much research as you can before you leave and set realistic expectations of what your new life will entail. 2.Conquering feelings of loneliness and homesickness These feelings affect some people more than others, at different stages and in varying intensities. If you’ve moved as an accompanying partner, and your spouse is already working, loneliness can be an even more powerful feeling. You might feel ‘left behind’ or think you’ve ‘lost control’. You may see your partner making friends through work whilst you’re still struggling to adapt. Tip: Accept that this is normal, tell your partner how you feel and keep in regular touch with home. Getting into routines again will also help. 3.Boosting your confidence Things you were really confident doing back home may suddenly be hard to face. Remind yourself that you've done these things before and can consequently do them again. Tip: On the day you’ve arranged to meet new people let the adrenaline that builds up push you towards the fear rather than away from it. Remember that trying new things was probably one of your reasons for moving abroad in the first place! 4.Starting a new career Lots of accompanying partners find job hunting frustrating and get despondent because they can’t find a job (a) at the right level/salary (b) in the right industry (c) that offers flexible hours or (d) fast enough! Tip: Stay patient and focused. Most overseas job markets are favourable towards skilled migrants and recruitment agencies will be happy to discuss your CV or application before you leave. 5.Communicate your concerns to your partner It’s common to feel unnerved by the fact that familiar tasks such as your routines, career, family life and financial situation can all dramatically change. Even the simplest of things can become extremely frustrating. Tip: Acknowledge that these feelings are normal and discuss it with your partner. Research has shown that an accompanying partner’s ability to adapt effectively has a massive impact on whether or not the expatriation is successful and of a long duration. 6. Lastly - set some objectives Be intentional about how you lead your new life abroad so that it doesn’t just pass you by. Tip: If it helps you, get some extra support and encouragement from a coach to plan some objectives and tangible actions to help you have the life abroad you’ve always wanted!