Living Overseas in Vancouver, BC
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Living Overseas: 7 Lessons I’ve Learnt in a Year

Although it certainly doesn’t feel like it, last weekend marked one whole year since I took the plunge and left my home to try living overseas. I quit my job, sold my car, and packed my whole life into a couple of suitcases. I said an emotional goodbye to friends and family, and left everything behind. In all honesty, I had no idea what to expect. I did, however, know that if I didn’t do it soon, I probably never would. Everything moved pretty quickly. I received a job offer in Vancouver and had just a few weeks to find an apartment. In this time, I had to get my shit together before I started my new role, and move my whole life to another continent.

Granville Street, Vancouver
Views across Vancouver

The anniversary has come round extremely quickly. It has certainly had me reflecting on everything I’ve been up to in the past year. In a nutshell, I’ve faced new challenges and successes in a new life and a new role. This is all with new people, all whilst seeing new places whilst travelling across the continent. To those of you considering moving abroad and living overseas, here are some of the key life lessons I’ve learnt.

1. Gaining independence

This is undoubtedly the most obvious thing I’ve noticed since living overseas. I’d never really lived alone before moving to Vancouver, always sharing houses or apartments previously. That, or I’d always had guidance or people in a similar situation. I was a little worried that I’d be lonely having made the move alone, or that living alone would prevent me from meeting people. It certainly takes some adapting and can be a little on the pricier side (especially in Vancouver), but I’ve really embraced it, developing my own routine and lifestyle. From little things like struggling to opening jars, to paying full rent for one, and learning to deal with issues alone when you’d normally have a housemate to cry on, it’s not always easy but has been an incredibly valuable lesson for me to learn.

At the top of the Stawamus Chief, Squamish
Climbing the Chief, Squamish

2. Realising who’s important

This is a little cliche but really couldn’t be more true. I was always concerned about losing friends and damaging family relationships before moving. It can be hard to sustain when you’re not there in person to attend events or simply catch up for a weekly coffee like you used to. Besides, we’ve all heard the phrase ‘out of sight, out of mind’. This isn’t to mention the time difference. Being eight hours behind all your friends and family makes everything that little more tough when you’re both leading separate lives. It’s been a valuable lesson, and I certainly have seen some relationships I’ve had in a new light, but luckily most of them understand and support my adventure. Living in a new city also proves that you’re never too old to make new friends, and it’s quite a privilege to have them both sides of the Atlantic.

Living overseas - Joffre Lakes, British Columbia
Enjoying the glacier views at Middle Joffre Lake

3. Experiences over material things

Having limited funds due to shelling out most of my money on rent (not to mention the price of Canadian groceries!) has certainly made me shift my spending pattern. Before moving, I was most definitely partial to a bit of clothes shopping. I had expensive taste and enjoyed at least one luxury holiday a year, but this hasn’t been possible for me since moving.

I’m lucky enough to have a job that enables me to travel, and it really shows me the importance and value of exploring new places. I’ve seen new things, and met different people – important particularly when you’re young. Although I’m often frustrated that it’s unlikely I’ll be able to buy an apartment or house in Vancouver or when I can’t afford that dress or more make-up, I realise these things will come in time. For now I’m destined to spend my time living life. I need to make the most of the opportunities in my path and work hard in my new job.

Views across Pacific City, Oregon from the sand dune
Views across Pacific City, Oregon

4. Becoming better at handling situations

I definitely feel like I’m becoming a more well-rounded and experienced person now that I’m living in a new place. Since moving, I’ve been dealt different situations I would previously been unsure how to deal with. Yet when you’re alone and abroad you really have no choice but to handle them. This certainly applies to people too. It’s been a learning curve meeting, socialising, and working with people of all ages and different cultures, some of which brings challenges. Even with Canadians, despite speaking the same languages, I constantly have to readjust my vocabulary and realise people aren’t going to understand me when I say ‘water’ in my British accent. But it’s all about working to adapt, learn, and react, and I feel much richer for doing so.

Sunset Beach, Vancouver
Sunset across the aptly named Sunset Beach

5. Perseverance is key when living overseas

Sometimes things get really tough. Those times when you’ve had a shitty day at work and want a shoulder to cry on, or when you miss your mum’s cooking, or you’ve simply had enough and want to escape and go home – but you can’t. The last year has been turbulent for sure, and I’ve certainly had wobbles where I’ve questioned all of the decisions I’ve made, but by sticking with it I feel proud of myself and my achievements, remembering not everyone could up sticks and move overseas alone. Perseverance is, as they say, a huge character building exercise, and now I know I’m capable of doing so. Hopefully others will recognise that in me too.

Mist over Stanley Park, Vancouver
Mist across Stanley Park, Vancouver

6. Relationships can be a challenge

Sometimes I think I never fully appreciated how small England is! It’s one thing getting into a relationship with someone from another town over there, let alone meeting someone from another part of the world’s second biggest country. Before moving, I naively thought moving would solve all my romantic troubles. I thought I’d find my very own Canadian other half and we’d live happily ever after – but unfortunately it isn’t always straightforward! Unless either of you are willing to make big sacrifices about where you live, and can live away from friends and family back home, it can be a little tough.

Cannon Beach, Oregon
Exploring Cannon Beach, Oregon

7. Living overseas isn’t always glam

It’s difficult. You’ll often miss people, wish you were at home, and miss food from home. You might even want to walk away from everything. You may wish you had more money, or worry about what you’re doing with your life. But you’ll experience things you never have before. You’ll meet people from all corners of the globe, and see places you’d never have previously dreamed of visiting. So, should you do it? I certainly don’t regret a thing.

Skyscrapers of Vancouver
Night time across Vancouver

What have you learnt from living overseas? Where did you move to?

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