5 Lessons For Mid-life Solopreneurs Starting Over In A New Country: Build A Fresh Start, Make New Friends, And Experience Different Customs

In 2019, I had just turned 40 and was making a life-changing decision to move 6,856 miles from my life in Hawai'i to start a new one with my partner in Sweden:

? I never moved for a relationship before (even in the States).

? I had to establish a new network in Sweden for work and personal life.

? I was excited and anxious to learn everything I needed about my new home.

Here are 5 lessons for mid-life solopreneurs starting over in a new country:

Lesson #1: Prioritise your mental health

Adjusting to new routines, environments, people, food, and culture can overload your nervous system.

Nothing can fully prepare you to move to a new country. And despite having travelled extensively, I honestly was not ready for the anxiety (especially during the pandemic). Total immersion into a new country is entirely different from an extended visit.

Moving to a new country tests the mental health of even the strongest people.

An easy solution does not exist. The only way to adjust is to learn how to align your interests with the local community. I met other expats who shared similar challenges when moving to Sweden.

Your network is not only helpful with business but also with mental health.

Lesson #2: Learn the language, local customs, and culture

I have always enjoyed learning new things, so I was excited to learn about Swedish culture.

The stereotype that Swedish people are "cold" is actually not true. Their approach to hospitality is more reserved. And the friends and colleagues I met have been generous and warm to me.

But learning Swedish has been challenging because most Swedes are fluent in English (pro tip: insist on speaking Swedish, or you will never learn the language).

One of my favourite parts of living in Sweden is allemansr?tten, the public's right to respectfully access certain public or privately owned land and waterways for recreation and exercise. My partner and I also love celebrating the holiday season by preparing all the traditional Swedish Christmas foods (neither of us are religious). Fortunately, my partner and his 93-year-old mother are history enthusiasts and have shared many stories about Sweden's history and culture.

Go out of your way to learn the language, local customs, and culture, as these will help you to appreciate and understand nuances that make your new home special.

Lesson #3: Explore and travel in your new home country

One of the best ways to learn about your new home country is to explore and travel through it.

On a local level, establishing a new routine requires learning the essentials like where to bank and buy groceries and how to get to the nearest hospital. Eventually, I knew how to navigate the public transportation system, which has helped me see more of my local area and other parts of Sweden. Once you have gotten down to the basics, expand your exploration by visiting national sights, festivals, museums, and even events in your local area.

Pro tip: Be easy on yourself, and do not rush to try to see everything quickly. This can lead to travel fatigue and diminish the learning experience of each new place you visit.

Here are a few fun hobbies I learned with my partner when I moved to Sweden: Nordic skiing and wild ice skating. Naturally, I wanted to learn skills to keep up with my partner while exploring Sweden's nature. As a lifelong athlete, I am fortunate to have a partner with whom I share much in common for exploration, physical adventure, and an immense love of nature.

Whatever your interests, find new ways to experience them with like-minded people who are willing to help you out.

Lesson #4: Network with like-minded people in business and recreation

My job requires physical fitness with outdoor activity.

One of the quickest ways I met new friends and colleagues was through my partner's network and with local organisations that put me in front of decision-makers in my field. At the time, it was paddling, and with this activity, I could build my network quickly. I worked hard to build rapport and requested testimonials to gain more work in Sweden.

I quickly learned how Swedish people liked to experience sports and outdoor adventures, which provided valuable information for creating marketing strategies that resonated with my ideal client.

As a lifelong athlete, I honed in on sportsmanship, community, and friendships—sports bond people from different backgrounds. And regardless of standing out like a sore thumb at most events, I used it as my "calling card" to meet new people.

Networking can be challenging no matter where you are, and learning networking skills ensures the fastest way to build professional connections and lasting friendships.

Lesson #5: Research the corporate laws of your new home country

As a business owner in the United States and Sweden, I had to learn how to handle taxes and annual reports with both countries.

To the everyday person, learning how to file corporate taxes is like trying to learn hieroglyphics. But knowing who to ask for help is critical. A reliable network of professionals and friends is handy when finding the right people to help you with complicated scenarios.

Research online and with your network to quickly establish your company correctly.

As a business owner, you are responsible for learning the laws that govern your business. Every city, region, and country has different ways of doing things. In addition to researching online resources, talk with local organisations specialising in expat services.

Do yourself a favour, prioritise research, and list the questions you need answered to run your business.