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Homepage > Expat life > Are you experiencing identity crisis while living abroad?
October 25, 2020 In Expat life

Are you experiencing identity crisis while living abroad?

expat-identity-crisis-abroad-projectabroadblog

Identity, even by definition, is the set of qualities and characteristics that describe a person and distinguish them from others.

“Who a person is, or the qualities of a person or a group that make them different from others” Cambridge Dictionary

“The characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is” Oxford Dictionary

When living abroad for a while, we sometimes forget that identity is formed through our experience, growth, actions. We can shape it, explore it and choose what we identify with.

Just like we did when we were teenagers, during our first identity crisis. And then when we lived on our own for the first time. And when we start a serious relationship. And when we get married. And when we have children. And when these children leave the nest. And when a close family member passes away.

You see, life events happen. Whether we live abroad or not. And when they do, we tend to adapt how we act and how we think about ourselves. We grow. We evolve. The same happens when we go abroad.

We can choose different characteristics to describe who we are and what we identify with. ⁠

⁠Good friend

Tech-savvy

Good with people⁠

Life smart

Effective leader

Optimistic

Parent

Lawyer…

Why then when we go abroad, the feeling of losing identity can suddenly become so apparent? ⁠

Maybe abroad you cannot be a lawyer because your degree is not recognised.

Maybe your people skills don’t work that well anymore.

Maybe you are not as resilient in this particular environment as you were back home.

Maybe you didn’t ever define yourself that much through your nationality, but abroad it became one of these traits… yet, you don’t quite feel so aligned with that nationality either.

You may start asking yourself many new questions too!

Am I still the same person who left? ⁠

⁠If I adapt to the local culture, will I lose myself completely? ⁠

⁠Do I need to fake it till I make it? ⁠

Identity formation explained

There are multiple theories around forming of personality and identity. I want you to know the most popular and prevalent one, which I find really helpful when thinking about such an abstract concept. Identity formation theory by J. Marcia dates back to 1966, but still feels very true. Maybe we’re not changing as fast as we would like to think! 😉

According to him, there are two dimensions/stages to the formation of identity: Exploration and Commitment.

If you’re just exploring and never commit to one path, at one point you may feel in this constant limbo. Quite a ‘stuck’ feeling actually, where there seem to be so many paths, but you don’t know which one to take. It is however also a good place to be for a while, this pre-phase leading to identity achievement. (Moratorium)

If you’re committed quite quickly to your identity, but haven’t explored enough, you may feel like you’re living someone else’s choice. Maybe you copied someone, maybe you were influenced by your culture, maybe you just didn’t give it enough thought. (Forclosure)

If you’re neither committed nor exploring, then that’s an even more stuck place to be. It’s not only the “I don’t know” what I want to do with my life. It’s also the “I don’t care”. Dangerous to be stuck here for a long time. (Diffusion)

Now, all three places above may end up being the end version for some people. In most cases though, usually in our late teens, we do achieve the identity to which we commit and which we’ve explored and which feels ours. It’s the place where you can say “I thought about it and I know what I want to do with my life”. (Achievement)

The last one sounds a bit idyllic, but the point isn’t to have it all figured out at 18 years old. There are life events that happen and that keep forming us further, building on that initial base.

Achieving this mature identity is important not only because it may feel good and true to us. It is necessary for us in order to enter the new relations as an independent autonomous person. With your own world, opinions, characteristics. This allows the other person (partner, friend, colleague) to also have their own opinions and autonomy. It’s a basis of a healthy relationship, where two mature people are independent of each other, but also can create something together.

Identity crisis – what should I do now?

When big life events happen, sometimes we may go through this stormy process again. Is this really what I want? Is this really the option I’m choosing? Who am I?

When these things start ‘hitting’ you after moving abroad, try to think about some of your characteristics that are context-agnostic, meaning that they’re irrelevant of where you live. Maybe you can’t be a good lawyer in the new country because you don’t know the local language and regulations. But you can still be helpful, cheerful, caring, organised, believing in human rights etc. Maybe you were a good ‘people person’ and somehow building relationships here is more difficult – but you still have another massive strength of yours: the openness to learning.

You still have the strengths which you had before. You just need to figure out how to put them to use in the new environment. Detach yourself from a certain identity of a lawyer who acts a certain way and that it’s “the only right way to be a lawyer”. Go beyond the picture you always had in your mind. See what you can find there!

Start the two stages once again to help yourself go through this crisis.

Exploration means searching, taking action, trying various alternatives, questioning status quo, asking yourself “what is important to me?”, “What do I agree/disagree with?”.

Commitment means making choices, decisions on a given way of functioning and thinking, stabilising, leading yourself to thinking “I know who I am and what I represent”.

It’s a journey. But you can do it. Sure you can!

If you’re ready to try coaching to help you move through these challenges – schedule your free 30-minute consultation with me so that we can set goals for your transformation and start moving your forward!

And if you’d rather browse around first – join me in the newsletter to stay in touch and to get more tips on how to handle that whole ‘living and working abroad thing’!

expat life knowledge psychology
Previous StoryTemporary move which turned out to be a longer-term international adventure – Claudia’s Spanish story
Next StoryHow to stay connected with family and friends when living abroad

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Author

Marta Zielińska

Hi, my name is Marta. I am combining my psychological, business and intercultural experience to offer advice on successful living and working across cultures. I believe that everything is possible for such an ambitious and talented person as yourself! With some exercises, self-reflection and new knowledge, you can grow your cultural intelligence and build a successful international career, mind and life.

Learn more

Recent Posts

  • D.I.V.E. in with awareness or stay confused
  • How to stay connected with family and friends when living abroad
  • Are you experiencing identity crisis while living abroad?
  • Temporary move which turned out to be a longer-term international adventure – Claudia’s Spanish story
  • I knew I should expect something different – a story of an American teacher-turned-writer in Spain

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It won’t always be like that. #mayonthemove2022 - Words of Wisdom

Those of you who follow me for a while will know this one. It’s a saying that my friend’s grandma used to tell and it resonated powerfully with me. 

💪 It motivates me to power through the tough times, reminding me that it won’t always be like that. 
It won’t always be difficult, the bad times will pass as well. 

🧘‍♀️It also keeps me grounded. It won’t always be like that so appreciate what you have, express gratitude for all the good in your life each day, seize the good moments that happen. 

 #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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It won’t always be like that. #mayonthemove2022 - Words of Wisdom Those of you who follow me for a while will know this one. It’s a saying that my friend’s grandma used to tell and it resonated powerfully with me. 💪 It motivates me to power through the tough times, reminding me that it won’t always be like that. It won’t always be difficult, the bad times will pass as well. 🧘‍♀️It also keeps me grounded. It won’t always be like that so appreciate what you have, express gratitude for all the good in your life each day, seize the good moments that happen. #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
2 days ago
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1/9
It can be SOO easy to fall into the trap of other people's expectations of what it's like living abroad and showing that 'expected' life in social media. ⁠
You know, the working-from-the-beach, the seeing-the-world, the earning-lots-of-money, the living-your-life stuff. 🙄⁠
⁠
But - - we all know that while we chose a life abroad for a reason, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. 🦄⁠
⁠
It's simply life. ⁠
⁠
With its ups and downs. ⁠
⁠
And yes, we may choose to only show nice bits of it here on Instagram. But just make sure that you do take the time to build those truly nice moments abroad, versus just trying to meet expectations of how others think you should live.⁠
⁠
If you're stuck - you know where to find me 😊 ⁠
(in case you don't - simply DM me here!)⁠
⁠
⁠
#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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It can be SOO easy to fall into the trap of other people's expectations of what it's like living abroad and showing that 'expected' life in social media. ⁠ You know, the working-from-the-beach, the seeing-the-world, the earning-lots-of-money, the living-your-life stuff. 🙄⁠ ⁠ But - - we all know that while we chose a life abroad for a reason, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. 🦄⁠ ⁠ It's simply life. ⁠ ⁠ With its ups and downs. ⁠ ⁠ And yes, we may choose to only show nice bits of it here on Instagram. But just make sure that you do take the time to build those truly nice moments abroad, versus just trying to meet expectations of how others think you should live.⁠ ⁠ If you're stuck - you know where to find me 😊 ⁠ (in case you don't - simply DM me here!)⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
4 days ago
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2/9
We each have different thresholds of how much stress we can take. 
#mayonthemove2022 

It’s sometimes easy to judge others or yourself in situations of stress overwhelm. 

There was a time when I burst into tears in the middle of a workshop role play. 
And a time when during a company event I stood on the side counting minutes until I can leave. 
And a time when I was speaking and acting very fast. 
And a time when I made a mistake.

I’ve heard phrases like
“Unprofessional”…
“Immature”…
“Anti-social”…
“Too sensitive”…
I was told to “learn to prioritise” and “control my emotions to be like a swan who swims smoothly on the surface but moves its legs fast under the water surface”. 

When I was being told the above things, these particular people didn’t ask how I am, what’s going on, or how they can support me 🤷‍♀️

Can you guess what time of my life these examples come from? Yep, this all happened within the first three months of my move abroad. Not to say that it can’t happen in any other scenario, but for me that was a particularly stressful period of time.

Too many changes at once, too many stressors, too many transitions, a lot of new stimuli, and work pressures added on top of that. 

There’s a limit as to how much we can all take on. 

At some point the smallest additional pressures can feel like unbearable burdens. We can get more anxious and more easily triggered. 

And it’s great if we then have the opportunity to regulate these emotions in a safe and supportive space with colleagues or friends. Instead of suppressing them and pretending that it’s all ok. 

I was lucky enough to meet also these supportive people on my way 🙂 

What are some unhelpful things you’ve heard from people in stressful moments? Let’s craft an “anti-guide” together! 

#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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We each have different thresholds of how much stress we can take. #mayonthemove2022 It’s sometimes easy to judge others or yourself in situations of stress overwhelm. There was a time when I burst into tears in the middle of a workshop role play. And a time when during a company event I stood on the side counting minutes until I can leave. And a time when I was speaking and acting very fast. And a time when I made a mistake. I’ve heard phrases like “Unprofessional”… “Immature”… “Anti-social”… “Too sensitive”… I was told to “learn to prioritise” and “control my emotions to be like a swan who swims smoothly on the surface but moves its legs fast under the water surface”. When I was being told the above things, these particular people didn’t ask how I am, what’s going on, or how they can support me 🤷‍♀️ Can you guess what time of my life these examples come from? Yep, this all happened within the first three months of my move abroad. Not to say that it can’t happen in any other scenario, but for me that was a particularly stressful period of time. Too many changes at once, too many stressors, too many transitions, a lot of new stimuli, and work pressures added on top of that. There’s a limit as to how much we can all take on. At some point the smallest additional pressures can feel like unbearable burdens. We can get more anxious and more easily triggered. And it’s great if we then have the opportunity to regulate these emotions in a safe and supportive space with colleagues or friends. Instead of suppressing them and pretending that it’s all ok. I was lucky enough to meet also these supportive people on my way 🙂 What are some unhelpful things you’ve heard from people in stressful moments? Let’s craft an “anti-guide” together! #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
1 week ago
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3/9
Isn’t it a delightful discovery when you find some extra change in the pocket of the spring jacket you’ve just taken out of the wardrobe after a long winter?
#mayonthemove2022 

Ok, admittedly, today’s prompt took me to a funny place! 🙈

First thing that came to my mind was about that jacket. Likely because I’ve recently organised my wardrobe and have had such delightful discovery of a 5£ note in my pocket! Only a good excuse to take someone out for a walk and a nice coffee! ❤️

You know what’s NOT a delightful discovery of this kind though, that I hated when I was at school? Finding an old rotten banana in the backpack after the whole summer break while preparing for the first day of school again! Please tell me I was not the only one… 

Ok, I’ll stop now 😅 
What was your delightful discovery recently?

#expatlife #mindwonders #lifeabroad #livingabroad #workingabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #personalgrowth #reflectiontime #funnythoughts
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Isn’t it a delightful discovery when you find some extra change in the pocket of the spring jacket you’ve just taken out of the wardrobe after a long winter? #mayonthemove2022 Ok, admittedly, today’s prompt took me to a funny place! 🙈 First thing that came to my mind was about that jacket. Likely because I’ve recently organised my wardrobe and have had such delightful discovery of a 5£ note in my pocket! Only a good excuse to take someone out for a walk and a nice coffee! ❤️ You know what’s NOT a delightful discovery of this kind though, that I hated when I was at school? Finding an old rotten banana in the backpack after the whole summer break while preparing for the first day of school again! Please tell me I was not the only one… Ok, I’ll stop now 😅 What was your delightful discovery recently? #expatlife #mindwonders #lifeabroad #livingabroad #workingabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #personalgrowth #reflectiontime #funnythoughts
1 week ago
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4/9
Country Borders are an artificial concept, and yet they have so much impact on how the world functions.
#mayonthemove2022 

✍️So many borders in the world have been created by some guys drawing a line on a map. 

🏔Others have been agreed to run alongside rivers or mountains. 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦They’re supposed to facilitate functioning of societies with similar cultural backgrounds, to follow similar laws and ways of living, and create a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging though can also escalate with the “us” and “them” mentality. 

Yet still, there are so many social groups within these country borders who are marginalised, or are actually historically closer to another society just on the other side of that border. 

I don’t have any conclusion to these thoughts today, really. 🤷‍♀️ It’s just another thought-provoking prompt from @thefrustratednester and @mother_city_time who are the authors of #mayonthemove2022 challenge, so thank you for that!

📚I do have a super interesting read to recommend though, really worth a read! It’s “Prisoners of geography” by Tim Marshall - it explains how geographical location of a society/country impacts its history, and was an eye opening read for me.

#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
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Country Borders are an artificial concept, and yet they have so much impact on how the world functions. #mayonthemove2022 ✍️So many borders in the world have been created by some guys drawing a line on a map. 🏔Others have been agreed to run alongside rivers or mountains. 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦They’re supposed to facilitate functioning of societies with similar cultural backgrounds, to follow similar laws and ways of living, and create a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging though can also escalate with the “us” and “them” mentality. Yet still, there are so many social groups within these country borders who are marginalised, or are actually historically closer to another society just on the other side of that border. I don’t have any conclusion to these thoughts today, really. 🤷‍♀️ It’s just another thought-provoking prompt from @thefrustratednester and @mother_city_time who are the authors of #mayonthemove2022 challenge, so thank you for that! 📚I do have a super interesting read to recommend though, really worth a read! It’s “Prisoners of geography” by Tim Marshall - it explains how geographical location of a society/country impacts its history, and was an eye opening read for me. #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
2 weeks ago
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5/9
Challenge is a way to grow, but too much challenge can be overwhelming. 
#mayonthemove2022 

Is it obvious? For some of us, perhaps 🤷‍♀️ But for many of us it’s a useful reminder every once in a while. 

We are surrounded by messages encouraging us to be ambitious, develop, challenge ourselves, go outside of our comfort zone. Even mindfulness or self-care activities are featured as “30-day challenges”! 🙈

It can be a nice motivator when we need that kind of push and they can be quite effective as well in helping us build new habits.

👉 Too little challenge can be demotivating, boring. Too much challenge can generate excessive stress. 

I know that I’ve been on both sides for sure. And that “too much” one was not fun at all. 
But I’ve also been in the optimal challenge levels too when I was growing and learning new skills, fulfilling my ambitions, and having lots of satisfaction along the way. 

The latest one was when I needed to discuss with my leadership a change idea that I was passionate about, and get their buy-in. Being in the middle, all eyes on me, ideas challenged and questions asked was challenging for me of course, but I was prepared, had well thought through argumentation and was open to listen to their suggestions to find the best possible way forward. 

I invite you to listen to your body and analyse your thoughts around challenging situations. They can be a super helpful source of information which can help you find the sweet spot of the optimal challenge when you need it, but also to retreat when you feel it’s too much. 

👂What was one recent situation where you were challenged just enough and grew through the experience?

#expatlife #lifeabroad #expatchallenges #selfawareness #selfdevelopment #selfcare #personaldevelopment #globallife #globalleadership
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Challenge is a way to grow, but too much challenge can be overwhelming. #mayonthemove2022 Is it obvious? For some of us, perhaps 🤷‍♀️ But for many of us it’s a useful reminder every once in a while. We are surrounded by messages encouraging us to be ambitious, develop, challenge ourselves, go outside of our comfort zone. Even mindfulness or self-care activities are featured as “30-day challenges”! 🙈 It can be a nice motivator when we need that kind of push and they can be quite effective as well in helping us build new habits. 👉 Too little challenge can be demotivating, boring. Too much challenge can generate excessive stress. I know that I’ve been on both sides for sure. And that “too much” one was not fun at all. But I’ve also been in the optimal challenge levels too when I was growing and learning new skills, fulfilling my ambitions, and having lots of satisfaction along the way. The latest one was when I needed to discuss with my leadership a change idea that I was passionate about, and get their buy-in. Being in the middle, all eyes on me, ideas challenged and questions asked was challenging for me of course, but I was prepared, had well thought through argumentation and was open to listen to their suggestions to find the best possible way forward. I invite you to listen to your body and analyse your thoughts around challenging situations. They can be a super helpful source of information which can help you find the sweet spot of the optimal challenge when you need it, but also to retreat when you feel it’s too much. 👂What was one recent situation where you were challenged just enough and grew through the experience? #expatlife #lifeabroad #expatchallenges #selfawareness #selfdevelopment #selfcare #personaldevelopment #globallife #globalleadership
2 weeks ago
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6/9
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
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A day in... is not something I mind at all. #mayonthemove2022 I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down". A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes: ☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too 👗Organising things in the house Watching a lighthearted movie 🥗Having a nice meal ✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts 📖Reading a book In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities. What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it? #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
2 weeks ago
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And it requires a conscious effort to open them as well - it won't happen on its own! You're in charge of opening your mind :) ⁠
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#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #leadershipmotivation
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And it requires a conscious effort to open them as well - it won't happen on its own! You're in charge of opening your mind :) ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #leadershipmotivation
3 weeks ago
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8/9
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
projectabroadblog
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This is me, now #mayonthemove2022 Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊 By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable. 🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process!   🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward.   🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location. 🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it. Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. ✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing. #expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
3 weeks ago
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