YOLO
You Only Live Once. If not now then, when. Building transition mindset. Top 10 things to consider before moving abroad. And how living abroad changed my life.
Growth Mindset Ideas
The Power of Transition: From Success to New Beginnings
Transition is an interesting thing. It can feel like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, looking at everything you’ve known, everything that’s been comfortable, familiar, and successful, and then deciding to leap. To make a change. Even when it looks like you've already "made it."
I know this feeling all too well. I was living the life I had worked for, the dream I thought was success. But then, I decided to uproot myself and move halfway across the world, from Asia to North America. It was a leap I wasn’t sure I was ready for. A leap that, on paper, didn’t make sense. Why leave the comfort of a life that seemed perfectly built for me?
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since I made the leap. When I first arrived, I never imagined that I’d go on to build my own app, launch and scale a newsletter, collaborate with venture capital programs, and coach startup founders. It wasn’t part of the plan. It was a dream I never had. But this journey, this leap into the unknown, gave me the space to create it all. It was the conversations with talented people, the partnerships, the failures, and the experimentation that made it happen. I feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunities and milestones along the way.
The change is inevitable for all of us, whether we seek it or not. But choosing intentional change, especially when everything seems fine, is a different kind of challenge. It’s not about running away from success; it’s about stepping into a new, unfamiliar version of yourself, even when staying in your comfort zone feels safer. That’s the real leap.
From Familiar to Foreign
It doesn’t matter how much experience you have. How many milestones you’ve conquered. Moving from one continent to another is an experience that truly shakes the very core of who you are. It challenges everything you thought you knew. From the way humans interact to the way businesses operate, everything is different.
From One-Dimensional to Multi-Dimensional
In my case, I came from a society deeply rooted in tradition and structure. Success was measured by milestones that are linear. Arriving in North America, I was hit by a different rhythm. The pace, the attitude toward risk, and the approach to failure feel nimble.
It was jarring at first. I remember walking into workplaces, having conversations, and noticing how different everything felt. Creativity and flexibility are as valuable as efficiency.
Who could’ve imagined that a simple move would lead to building products, coaching founders, and creating an ecosystem of learning? I am no longer pursuing one goal in one lane. I am actively weaving together multiple threads of ideas, projects, and opportunities, and it feels possible. It feels right.
You know that concept of the "unknown unknowns”? - things you don’t even know you don’t know? That was my reality. The way people interacted, the way they approached their dreams, and even how they viewed their failures were all unexpected learning curves.
You are forced to expand the boundaries of what you thought was possible. You push yourself beyond what you were comfortable with. You begin to redefine your own potential. That feeling is both humbling and powerful; it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
The Transition Mindset
The idea of "arrival" is a myth. Because you will never have it all figured out. Life is a journey that needs shifting focus from the destination to the experience.
My experience taught me humans are the same, but we operate in profoundly different ways depending on our environment. The way people communicate, the way they dream, and the way they approach problems all vary, while the underlying thread of desire to connect, to contribute, and to grow remains universal.
You have to let go of the idea that transition means instability. Transition means expansion. Transition is a gift. Lean into it with courage. The best is yet to be.
Life lessons that you can’t afford to ignore
10 realistic things to consider before moving abroad.
Moving abroad isn’t just about landing a new job; it’s about moving into a new phase of life.
Before you take the plunge, take the time to consider the below factors carefully. It’s not just about whether you can make it work; it’s about whether it’s the right move for you and the life you want to create.
1. Why Are You Doing It? Find the right reasons for YOU.
Ensure your reasons for moving align with your personal and professional goals. Is it for growth, adventure, or escape?
2. Work Permits
Research visa/work permit requirements and the career trajectory in your new country. Understand how long you can stay, whether you can transition to permanent residency, and how your career can evolve in the next 5 years.
3. Cost of Living
Evaluate the full cost of living, beyond rent, including utilities, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Consider how your finances will adjust with the lifestyle you are seeking to build.
4. Social Life and Family Connections
Moving abroad means creating distance from loved ones. Drastic change in your social life and family that you know of. Are you ready for potential isolation or the challenge of creating new, meaningful connections?
5. Healthcare System
Research the healthcare system. Understand insurance, the quality of care, and how easily you can access medical services, especially for pre-existing needs.
6. Family and Related Movements
If relocating with family, evaluate your partner’s work options, school for children, or care for parents.
7. Cultural Fit and Workplace Dynamics
Research the work environment, communication styles, and how the local culture may impact your daily life and professional growth.
8. Language Barriers
Consider whether you speak the local language or if you’ll need to learn it. Language proficiency affects everything from work interactions to everyday activities.
9. Long-Term Career Prospects
Look at the long-term career goals. Will your career continue to grow in this new location? Understand the potential advancement over the next 5+ years.
10. Legal and Tax Considerations
Understand tax obligations in both your home country and your destination. Research social security, pension plans, and potential double taxation before you move.
Moving abroad requires adaptability. There will be challenges, but look at them as growth milestones that will help you thrive. You’ve got this!
Best reads from the internet
Smart learning is learning from the best around you. Curated shares from the smartest on the internet. Ideas that aligned or challenged my thinking. I hope you’ll enjoy them.
About GPUs - chips that pair perfectly with AI
Researchers on obesity prediction using genetics data
Perspective: How Living Abroad Changed My Life?
Expert tips on moving to another country
Muse
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
~Socrates
Have you experienced a transition similar to moving places that are very different from one another? What worked for you?