Moving to a new country for work is stressful - even if you've done it before. In addition to learning a new job, you have all the added pressure of trying to find a place to live, a cell phone carrier, how to get to work, figuring out the language issue, the local customs, etc.
If you've been following my blog, then you know I've moved from Toronto to Memphis, from Memphis to Tampa, from Tampa to Houston, from Houston to Sacramento, from Sacramento to Phoenix, and then from Phoenix to Saudi Arabia -- all in less than 8 years.
Yes, it's been hectic, but I've learned so much and grown so much with my career and leadership skills. I've been on the fast-track, but not with the goal of running up the corporate ladder. Instead, my goal was to be the best digital news/managing editor I could be by working my way through the local news markets. It's been fun and challenging -- and I really, really love my life, my career, all the people I've met and my lack of material stuff (can't really have a lot when you move as much as I do).
I've just been offered a great position with Frontiers in Lausanne, Switzerland where I'll be able to fine tune my skills and learn some new ones. This position is new for me as instead of running a digital news team, I'll be doing their communications. So it requires my skills, but from a different angle - a brand new way to challenge me.
When planning my move, I learned I couldn't even start looking for a place to live in Switzerland until I got my Swiss ID, which I can't get until my first day of work. So I decided I should be like a normal person and take a week off in between to clear my mind and refocus my energy rather than rushing there. Generally, I'm nuts and leave my job on Friday and then start the new one on Monday. That's what I've been doing for years -- even when I moved to Saudi Arabia. I arrived jet lagged and exhausted, but I was there and ready to work.
So yes, I tend to start my new jobs a little burnt out and in desperate need of a vacation which I won't get until I pass the 3 month probation period. I do this because I'm paranoid I'll run out of money before my first pay check or there will be unexpected moving expenses and I'll regret that I didn't work until the last second.
Yeah….life/work balance. Still haven't mastered that.
But I'm learning. This time for the first time ever I'm taking a week's vacation to refocus, rejuvenate and mentally get ready for the move to Switzerland instead of moving there directly - and I'm freaking out a little bit.
While moving to a new country or taking a new job is completely relaxing for me and so is not having an address as I'm floating between places, this week off for "pleasure" is stressful. For me, spending this money on myself knowing my next pay check is a month away is a risk - and outside my comfort zone.
Isn't it amazing what you learn about yourself when situations arise?
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