That feeling in the pit of your stomach when you’re about to make a life-changing decision – I know it well. As someone who’s moved between countries multiple times and now helps others do the same, I’ve become intimately familiar with the unique anxiety that comes with international relocation.
Whether you’re staring at job offers from different countries, researching schools in your potential new home, or trying to figure out what to do with your pension when you move abroad, that nervous energy can be overwhelming.
Your mind might be racing with questions: “What if it doesn’t work out? What if I can’t adapt? What about my retirement plans? Will I regret this decision?”
Here’s the thing about anxiety – it has a sneaky way of pulling us into two directions at once. It drags us back to past experiences (“Remember when that other big change didn’t work out?”) while simultaneously catapulting us into future worries (“What if I can’t make friends in my new country?”).
Meanwhile, the present moment – where we actually have the power to act – slips away unused.
As C.H. Spurgeon wisely noted, “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.” This resonates deeply with me, especially when I’m working with clients who are planning their international moves. The anxiety about future financial scenarios can be paralysing, preventing them from taking the small but crucial steps that could actually improve their situation.
So, what’s the antidote? Action.
Not big, life-altering actions (you’ve got enough of those on your plate!), but small, manageable steps that you can take today. When I work with clients who are feeling overwhelmed about their upcoming move, we break things down into bite-sized pieces:
- Today, we might just make a list of the financial documents you’ll need
- Later this week, we could look at international banking options
- Next week, we’ll review your pension arrangements
- The week after, we’ll explore tax implications
Each small step creates a sense of progress and control, helping to ground you in the present rather than letting anxiety pull you into past regrets or future fears.
Remember, moving abroad is meant to be an adventure, not a source of constant worry. Yes, there are many things to consider and plan for, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone, and you certainly don’t have to figure it all out today.
At Northern Cross Wealth Management, we specialise in helping people like you turn the anxiety of international relocation into excitement about new opportunities. We understand both the emotional and financial complexities of moving abroad, having helped countless clients across the UK, US, France, and South Africa make successful transitions.
The key question we often ask our clients is simple: “What would make this problem better?” Sometimes, the answer is as straightforward as getting clarity on one specific aspect of your financial future. Other times, it’s about creating a comprehensive plan that gives you confidence in your decision to move.
Whatever your concerns may be, remember that anxiety about the future doesn’t have to control your present. Take one small step today, then another tomorrow. And if you need a helping hand along the way, we’re here to guide you through each step of your international journey.
