Expat shares 7 hardly-talked-about realities of moving abroad for greener pastures

Living abroad is often romanticised as a journey filled with financial success, exotic experiences, and personal growth.

While these aspects are true for many, the experience also comes with its fair share of challenges—ones that are rarely discussed.

Rachan Hegde, an Indian national who moved to the UK in 2021, shared seven hard-hitting truths about relocating to a foreign country, from battling loneliness to dealing with financial realities.

1. Loneliness and Homesickness Are Real

On the surface, life abroad appears glamorous—higher earnings, better opportunities, and a more comfortable lifestyle.

However, the absence of immediate family, close friends, and familiar surroundings can take a toll on one’s emotional well-being.

No amount of video calls can replace a heart-to-heart conversation with a parent in the kitchen or a lively family dinner on a Sunday night.

“It will hit you harder if you have never stayed away from home or are from a very close knit family,” she started.

2. Moving for the Wrong Reasons Can Lead to Disappointment

Many individuals leave promising careers in their home countries for the allure of working abroad, only to find themselves in jobs far below their skill level.

Similarly, students often choose foreign universities without proper research, sometimes lured by the prestige rather than the quality of education or career prospects.

If the move is not well thought out, the initial excitement can quickly fade, leading to frustration and regret.

Passion, planning, and practical considerations should be the key factors in such decisions.

“I personally would never study something i don’t feel passionate about, no matter where in the world map it would put me,” she revealed.

3. The Struggle for Authentic Home-Cooked Food

For those who have grown up enjoying home-cooked meals, adjusting to foreign cuisine can be a challenge.

While restaurants making foreign dishes are common abroad, their offerings are often tailored to local tastes, making them feel inauthentic.

The cost of indulging in familiar dishes can also be steep, only to find it underwhelming, is a reality many expatriates face.

4. Earning in a Strong Currency Comes with High Expenses

One of the biggest myths about living abroad is that higher salaries automatically translate to financial freedom.

While wages may be higher, so are the expenses.

Renting a single room in a shared house in the UK suburbs can cost between £600-£800 (KSh 97,500-130,000) per month, with London prices soaring beyond £1,000 (KSh 162,000).

Add to that travel expenses, parking charges, and daily necessities, and the cost of living quickly eats into one’s earnings.

5. Social Life Shrinks, and Weekends Become Quieter

Making new friends as an adult is already challenging, and it becomes even harder in a new country.

Unlike in college or at home, where social interactions happen naturally, adult friendships abroad require conscious effort.

Many expatriates find their social circles shrinking and their weekends surprisingly free.

Those used to active social lives may find this transition particularly difficult.

6. The Sun Becomes a Distant Memory

Seasonal depression is a real struggle in countries with long winters.

In places like the UK, daylight can disappear by 4 pm during winter months, and wearing multiple layers to step outside becomes a daily frustration.

The grey, cold days can feel never-ending, making one long for the warmth of home.

However, the bright and beautiful summers do offer some relief.

7. The Initial Excitement Wears Off

The first time seeing iconic landmarks like the London Eye or the Eiffel Tower is breathtaking.

But over time, these sights become part of the daily routine, and the initial excitement fades.

What once felt like a thrilling adventure eventually becomes just another way of life.

Despite the Challenges, It’s Still Worth It

While moving abroad comes with its share of difficulties, it is still an experience worth having.

It offers independence, career growth, and invaluable life lessons in resilience, adaptability, and personal boundaries.

However, it is crucial to approach the move with realistic expectations, knowing that alongside the perks, there will be hurdles to overcome.

For those considering the leap, the key is preparation—financially, emotionally, and mentally.

Because while the world outside may seem full of opportunities, making the most of them requires grit, patience, and an open mind.