Think relocation is just logistics?

Think again — the emotional work can last years, and it’s often overlooked.

Just over a week ago, I delivered a virtual presentation to staff at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Parma, Italy titled:

“Let’s Talk About Integration: Navigating Life in a New or Not-So-New Location.”

We explored what adjustment after relocation really looks like — not just paperwork and housing, but belonging, identity, and the emotional impact of building a life in a new (or not-so-new!) place.

The audience included:

✨ Newly arrived individuals

✨ People who relocated 1–20+ years ago

The takeaway?

➡️ Adjustment isn’t a phase — it’s ongoing, even years after a relocation. 

Whether three months or three decades in, belonging, identity, culture, connection, and resilience remain central to living life abroad.

Many participants shared a familiar experience: the initial excitement fades and the “honeymoon phase” ends. Even years later, the emotional work continues — reflecting on what has worked, what still feels challenging, and what needs attention.

Feedback highlighted one clear truth: support can’t be one-size-fits-all.

Programs should be tailored for:

1️⃣ Individuals newly navigating transition

2️⃣ Long-term residents managing identity shifts, cultural fatigue, ongoing challenges — and the emotional work that continues over time

This is why I started my business — to provide counseling and advocate for long-term, meaningful support. Emotional integration, belonging, and identity aren’t short-term needs. They’re ongoing, lifelong processes.

💡 The request for a deeper dive confirmed something important: this work is necessary — and it’s time we talk about it differently.

⚡ Organizations: if you're exploring how to better support international staff, I’m here to think it through with you.

⚡Individuals: if you’re navigating the emotional side of relocation, you don’t have to do it alone. I get it and am here to support you. 

Interested in talking further?

Contact me for a free call to talk further, let's see how we can work together.

Relocating involves long-term emotional adjusting. Why? Because you are living life in a new or not-so-new city.