Finding Home Abroad: My Relocation from France to Ireland and Spain, sharing my mistakes and lessons learned.

Welcome to this month's newsletter! Today, I want to share with you the transformative journey I embarked upon, relocating from France to Ireland and subsequently to Spain. It was a period of growth, exploration, and seizing new opportunities. Join me as we dive into the experiences and lessons learned throughout this remarkable chapter of my life.

As a career coach, I understand the importance of embracing change and stepping out of our comfort zones. Relocating to a new country can be both thrilling and challenging, opening doors to personal and professional growth.?In 2017, I decided to leave France to pursue a childhood dream of moving to an English-speaking country.

When I arrived in Ireland,?I thought I had a good level of English, my years of practice in English and my internship completed a few months earlier in London didn’t prepare me for the Irish accent. I worked at Apple for my first two years as a technical advisor. I was helping customers calling with technical issues on their Apple devices.?

My first mistake was to surround myself only with French speakers. I was supporting the French market at work and on the Apple campus, all the advisors’ offices were split by language, so I befriended some of my French speaker colleagues.?

Don’t get me wrong, I met amazing people but during my first two years, I barely practiced my English. I know some of my friends who stayed there for over 4 years and still have a questioning level of English.?

While building my career, I also recognized the importance of continuous education. I took advantage of the excellent academic institutions in Ireland and pursued?a part-time Bachelor’s degree in Business studies?to enhance my professional expertise?which would later bolster?my skill set and?my confidence?as an entrepreneur.?

A few months later I quit Apple for a job in recruitment at Amazon. My colleagues were from everywhere in the world I finally got to practice my English and eventually moved in with an English-speaking housemate.?

Beyond the professional realm, living in Ireland provided me with a rich cultural experience. I fully immersed myself in the Irish way of life, embracing traditions, festivals, and the warm hospitality for which the Irish are renowned. I learned the art of conversation over a?hop house?and discovered the joy of traditional music sessions in pubs. The Irish people's friendly and welcoming nature made me feel at home, fostering lasting connections and a second family for life.?

However, life is a constant journey.?Last year, I made the leap from Ireland to Spain. The?weather, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes enticed me. The transition brought its own set of challenges, as adapting to a new language and cultural norms can be both exciting and daunting. But with an open mind and a willingness to embrace change, I began building a life in Spain.

Moving from Ireland to Spain also taught me to adapt my way of living. The salaries being lower in Spain than in Ireland, I needed time to adjust my finances accordingly. I wouldn’t be able to live the same way in France, Ireland, or in Spain. The cost of living and the salaries are different.?

Reflecting on this relocation journey, I have grown both personally and professionally. It has taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and embracing the unknown. Through each relocation, I discovered new layers of myself and developed a?new?sense of cultural sensitivity and understanding.

As a career coach, I draw on these experiences to guide my clients through their own career transitions and relocations. I understand the fears and uncertainties that come with such life changes, but I also know the incredible opportunities that await those who are willing to take the leap.

So, for those of you considering a relocation or career change, let me share some practical tips for a successful transition:

1)????Research and Preparation: Thoroughly research your target destination, including the job market, cost of living, and cultural aspects. Prepare yourself financially and emotionally for the move.

2)????Network and Seek Guidance:?If you want to learn a new country, befriend and surround yourself with people who speak the language you want to speak, join a Facebook group, download meeting apps, look for this type of co-workers, etc.??Seek guidance from?locals,?tax advisors, or relocation services to gain insights and support.

3)????Embrace Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture, customs, and language. Engage with the community, participate in local events, and be open!?

Thank you for reading me!?

Damien?