What I’ve Learned about Life, Career, Family & Myself After Moving Halfway Across the World.

Answering the Call to Adventure

About a year ago, I received a LinkedIn InMail message about a fascinating “giga project” being developed at the Red Sea to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. After taking the time to go through the message and material, I decided to ignore it. My wife and I were enjoying our lives in the sleepy mountain town of Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Both of us were fulfilled by our careers and the lifestyle we had set up for ourselves. The thought of moving was not in the cards, let alone halfway across the world.

Although I had chosen to ignore the message, I did casually bring it up to my wife. At this point, she encouraged me to have the conversation. Why not, right!? Little did she know this would spark a series of conversations which would eventually lead to her having to manage a twin pregnancy on her own (more on that later…). These conversations, many of which happened very early in the morning or late at night due to time zones, then formulated a career opportunity which I viewed as my formal Call to Adventure. Sounds great, right!? Wrong. Answering the Call to Adventure sounds easy but is incredibly difficult. I can’t explain how difficult it is to tell your friends and family why you “HAVE TO DO THIS” and field a lot of feedback, some of it which will inevitably be not what you want to hear. There are many sleepless nights and of course tough goodbyes. In the end, it’s all worth it if you’re following your heart. ?

Insights:

• You won’t regret following your heart, even if you take an L.
• Don’t let the possibility of public failure deter you. Those who would judge you for failing, don’t have the cajones to answer the call in the first place.
• When making crucial life decisions, tap into the wisdom of your elders. Most of the best life advice I've been given has been from folks who have been around long enough to have experienced some sh*t. This wisdom is invaluable.?

The Journey Begins

After many conversations and sleepless nights, I decided to accept the job and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. After formally signing my new job offer and resigning from my prior position much of the stress and anxiety leading up to the decision dissipated. I was able to refocus my attention on being present in the moment and enjoying what was left of my summer.

Fast forward to the evening before I left, my wife and I decided to take a pregnancy test to make sure there were no unexpected surprises coming our way that would impact “our plan”. Sure enough, the test was positive! We were astonished with the timing and how quickly our lives were about to change. Hugs and happy tears were had. I will never forget it.

I’ve bounced around a handful of times throughout the course of my life, but that goodbye was different. I now needed to absorb the news of the pregnancy, leave my wife (and my beloved dog Moose) for 4-5 months, and get mentally prepared to take on my greatest career challenge yet. Needless to say, it was a reflective plane ride.

Insights:

• When you make a career decision where you’re “running to” (vs. “running from”) you will naturally have short-term buyer’s remorse. It’s harder to mentally transition out of job you love. Be patient as this is part of the process and will subside once you’re absorbed in your new job / life.
• When life changing circumstances are happening, it’s difficult to stay present mentally. You’re constantly looking forward in the future and this mindset hurts one’s ability to enjoy the present moment. Set an intention to be present for moments big and small ahead of the transition.?
• Expect the unexpected. I love the quote “when man makes plans god laughs” which certainly applies here.?

Settling In (kind of)

After landing, I quickly changed mindsets to the task at hand of immersing myself in work and my new environment. Upon reflecting, I’m not sure how I adjusted so quickly. I challenge someone to find a greater contrast of environments than between Canmore, Alberta, Canada and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From a remote/hybrid role at an office on Elk Run Blvd (if you know, you know...), to a BUZZING office in Digital City, Riyadh. From the -30s of Canadian winters to the +40s of Saudi summers. From commuting on my single speed bike to weaving through crazy rush hour traffic. What a wild ride! ?

Fast forward 2 months, just as I’m getting my head wrapped around my new job and life, I received a FaceTime Video call at 2AM. I knew my Wife had a doctor’s appointment that day so I left my phone on in case there was anything “urgent” to discuss. As soon as the call connected I saw tears and a happy glow, the seconds felt like minutes before she finally yelled, WE’RE HAVING IDENTICAL TWINS!!!

Mashallah.

Just like in business, my wife and I needed to be agile and adjust our strategy. We made the decision to do the birth in Canada meaning I would have more time solo here in Riyadh before coming home in March to support the birth. This process has been equal parts challenging as it has been empowering. On one hand it’s been agonizing being apart, on the other, it’s empowering as we’re crushing it supporting our future family in separate ways.

Insights:

• Who you marry is the most important decision you will ever make.
• If you’re moving and working internationally, find your “facilitators”, i.e., the people who know the in and outs of the workplace and/or culture who can help you navigate it.
• Working internationally will restore any lost faith you have in the world. Collaborating with brothers and sisters from all over the planet has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life.

More to come...

Stew