I lived and worked in China for over 5 years. Though it might appear amazing to you, being abroad for an extended period of time isn’t nearly as glorious as everyone might think it is. You may see us posting on Facebook of photos of us on a tropical beach kicking back and sipping Mai Tais or us trekking up the Great Wall of China. But what we choose to post on social media isn’t the entire story.
Though true if you’re an expat or not, the vast majority of what people post on social media isn’t actually how they spend the 365 days of the year. Instead, what’s posted is only there if it’s going to reflect a positive light on themselves. Am I going to post about how my boss just demolished me on my recent quarterly evaluation at work? Or post about how I’m struggling financially and living paycheck to paycheck? Of course not. How is that benefiting me? I’m trying to express to the world how amazing my life, how shitty yours is, and how you wish you could be me. At the end of the day, social media is all about self-promotion.
And it’s no surprise that there are various studies that show that “too much time spent on social media correlates negatively with wellbeing and happiness.” When you’re stuck scrolling through all these positive experiences from your friends, how do you think you’ll feel? Recharged and ready to take on the world? Not quite.
While abroad, I would oftentimes receive messages from friends and family how jealous they were of me and how they wish they could do what I do. Granted, anyone can live abroad. Certain individuals might have more responsibilities than others (already married, have children, purchased a home), but it’s only those who truly see the value in moving abroad who actually do it. Regardless, what my friends and family think living abroad is like... is so incredibly far from reality. Broken toilet and don't speak Chinese? Good luck finding a repairman without the help of a Chinese friend or coworker. Want your favorite cereal or candy from back home? Unfortunately, you're probably not going to be able to find it, but if you do, you'll be forced to pay a pretty penny for it. You'll need to sacrifice a few things (and gain plenty of patience) in order to adjust to your new life abroad.
Living abroad is something that everyone should absolutely do at one point in their life. The sheer amount of experiences and people that you will meet is worth every minute and penny. It's certainly not for the faint of heart, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. You will obtain a wealth of information and knowledge by personally taking on all these experiences (both positive and negative). Just don't be mistaken in thinking that you'll be partying every night on the beach and breezing through life.
Interesting post. Living abroad is a growth, broadening and learning experience.
I have been living far from "home" for one year now. It's truly impossible to imagine what the experience really feels like. We find strength in the tiniest things, and become simpler.