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Moving to a new country is a life-changing experience. As a career coach who recently relocated from Lebanon to Canada, I have gained valuable insights into the impact of international relocation on career journeys.
Here are 7 ways in which my relocation has shifted my coaching practice and how I support my clients through their relocation journey.
1. Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Living and working in different cultures requires a deep understanding of cultural differences and nuances. My relocation to Canada has given me a unique cultural awareness and sensitivity, which I can now pass on to my clients. Coming from a place where the emphasis is on the group rather than the individual, I now clearly make a distinction during interview coaching when clients start their phrases with “we.” I find myself pausing to explain that recruiters will want details of their individual contribution.
I am now more aware of the importance of adapting to a new culture, understanding different communication styles and recognizing cultural biases. Personally, I found the pace of life in Lebanon to be very different from Canada. I find that exploring cultural nuances can be especially useful for career coaches who work with international clients.
2. Networking and building professional relationships
Networking and building professional relationships are crucial for career success, especially in a new country. However, many clients feel they are too busy to be active online and build connections.
“I am now more aware of the importance of adapting to a new culture, understanding different communication styles and recognizing cultural biases.”
My own experience of relocating has taught me how building a network from scratch several months before landing in Canada was essential. Before relocating, I noticed that most of my professional connections were Lebanese; I spent a year engaging in Canadian spaces online.
I can now provide my clients with practical tips on how to network using social media. For instance, I encourage them to use LinkedIn to develop relationships with colleagues in their industry by commenting thoughtfully on their content, which also helps them build their personal brand in a new country. Networking before relocating will serve clients in the long run.
3. Job search strategies
Starting a new job search in a new country can be overwhelming. Through my own experience, I have gained insights into differences in the job search process in Canada. I have found there is a lot of labour market information available, which is not always the case in other countries. I have also learned the importance of tailoring resumes and cover letters to be achievement-based instead of task-based, which is a novel concept for many clients.
4. Managing change and resilience
Relocation can be a challenging and stressful experience that requires adaptability, flexibility and resilience. I learned how to be resilient while rebuilding my life from scratch – learning from those who made the move ahead of me and focusing on what I could control to maintain a positive attitude during difficult times. I can now support my clients in developing their own resilience and coping skills.
I noticed how the toll of relocation on mental health is often overlooked in general. Nothing prepared me to miss a pivotal moment in a close family member’s life. Although I could speak to them online, I hated that I could not be there physically for them when they needed me the most.
I also had to navigate a loss of identity and re-construct a new one and “find my place” in my new environment, which was something I never thought of before. I understand now how it is one thing to provide a client with a long list of resources and another for them to actually act on it, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
5. Balancing personal and professional goals
Relocating to a new country can also affect one’s personal and professional goals. It requires a careful balance between work, family and personal life. My own experience showed that it takes more time to settle than one thinks. I thought I’d be settled in a couple of weeks; however, I stayed in a hotel for a month, stressing over finding a place to rent while there was very little availability. And when I finally did, I was overwhelmed to step into a home that was completely empty. I had to get everything from the simplest cutlery to bedsheets. I spent those days in the stores gearing up to make sure my family had the minimum. Work was the last thing on my mind.
6. Understanding the legal and logistical aspects of international relocation
Moving to a new country requires a significant amount of planning and preparation. This includes obtaining the necessary visas and work permits, finding housing and arranging transportation. And oh boy, do some of these things can take time! Mine took a year, then COVID happened and I had to wait yet another year before I got my visa. I spent many days thinking about how I was going to pack my life in two suitcases. Not knowing by when I could travel gave me anxiety. I didn’t have a clear timeline to plan a resignation and all the logistics that came with preparing for a relocation. It’s important to be aware of this uncertainty when working with clients who are planning to relocate.
7. Building a support network
Moving to a new country can be a lonely and isolating experience. It’s important to build a support network of friends, colleagues and professionals who can help you navigate the challenges of living and working in a new environment. As soon as I found a place to live in and furnished it, I started walking outside to explore what was around me and struck up conversations with the employees and owners nearby. They have been and still are a tremendous source of information for any question I had and guided me to where I could find the Lebanese community in my new city. As a career coach, I can provide guidance on how to build a support network in a client’s new country while maintaining relationships with people back home.
My goal as a career coach is to empower my clients to lead their international career moves by embracing the opportunities that come with international relocation and to thrive in both their new homes and careers. Having gone through the experience, I realize how my assumptions were in the way of creating a deeper understanding and connection with my clients. Now, more than ever, I understand the importance of having a trauma-informed approach, actively listening with empathy and giving personalized attention to a client’s situation.
What other advice would you add for supporting clients through international relocation?
