Discover new adventures
Regardless of the reason you're moving abroad, whether it's for work, studies, retirement, or setting up your business, it's no less an adventure. Being a solo expat will open the doors to a whole world of new opportunities while inviting you to discover cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and learn new languages. You will find the strength in yourself to go expand your abilities, overcome your limits, and define new goals.
Once you have settled in your new home and set up a new routine, the time will come to discover your host country. You may take a tour of the city or neighbourhood after work and make a short trip to the countryside and go explore nature on the weekends. Moving with your spouse would mean having to plan your next outings. For example, if both spouses are working, you will probably have to choose a date that suits both of you, and if you have children, better wait for the next school holidays.
As a solo expat, the only thing you have to do is get your backpack ready and let your intuitions guide you. For the rest, improvise!
It makes you independent
Being a solo expat means more freedom, even if you have a full-time job or are an entrepreneur. Firstly, you don't have to get a big accommodation as you are not bringing your family. Depending on the duration of your stay in your host country, you can also manage with a short-term rental. It's usually easier to find studios or apartments than houses, especially in cities. Flat-sharing can also be a good option, allowing you to meet and interact with new people with different origins and backgrounds living under the same roof, and also save a bit.
Being a solo expat also means that you can choose when you want to go out and for how long. Moving with your family would mean having responsibilities such as making dinner, getting home on time to be with your spouse, and planning outings and exploring together. So if your colleagues are going out for a drink after work, more often that not you will probably have to turn down the invite and rush home to spend time with your family. As a solo expat, you will have more opportunities to participate in events and activities and expand your social network independently.
It's also a unique opportunity to pay attention to yourself and your needs, to get inspired by your surroundings, set new goals, and start projects that have always been dear to you. Some people go further by developing more meaningful relationships with their colleagues or making new friends. For those who are single, maybe the time has come to go out and meet your soulmate!
You will be able to have savings
Expats are usually advised to plan their budget before moving. For those who are employed, they have to make sure that they will be able to survive on their salary given the cost of living in their host country and the lifestyle they have chosen. When moving with your family, many expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, leisure, and school fees have to be taken into account. However, being a solo expat is much more straightforward.
For example, flat-sharing or renting a studio or a single-bedroom flat will be much cheaper. Also, you can enjoy the means of transportation available to get around rather than buying or renting a car. You don't have to fork out large sums when taking your family out for dinner. You can also pick and choose where you want to eat. Smaller restaurants and street food can be a good option if you're on a budget, while allowing you to discover the local cuisine.
You will adapt more easily
Moving abroad obviously means having to adapt to new languages and cultures, and things can get tricky for those moving with their family. While you might be mentally prepared to face all kinds of challenges, your spouse or kids may not adapt as easily and might experience culture shock and a language barrier. Not only would that stress you out, but it also means that everyone would feel more comfortable sticking to what they already know and not necessarily try to learn the language or explore the culture.
As a solo expat, you will be more curious and daring, and this will encourage you to go beyond your abilities and expectations. Once you have understood the corporate culture at your workplace, and the local customs, traditions and lifestyles, nothing can stop you from being an integral part of your surroundings. Who knows, your host country might even become your new home permanently!
Expanding your social or professional network will help you adapt more rapidly, and this will be much easier if you're a solo expat. Feel free to take advantage of all new opportunities, whether it means having a drink with your colleagues, making new friends, or attending events in your city or elsewhere.
It makes you stronger
It's human nature to feel lonely or homesick during the first few weeks or months. However, do not give up. Keep in mind that as a solo expat, you will have experiences that will inevitably make you stronger. Let's face it: moving alone takes a lot of courage and boldness.
During your stay, you will face situations and challenges that will require you to analyse, think, and react differently by relying on yourself. Being a solo expat teaches you to reach your full potential with determination while recalling all the reasons why you made this choice. You can, therefore, feel proud of what you have achieved on your own.
Without getting yourself in trouble, you will learn how to get out of your comfort zone, to be curious and follow your instinct and to see the brighter side of life. Then only you will become a mindful expat.
We hope that these few tips have helped you in making up your mind. Should you wish to share your solo expat experience, feel free to drop us a comment below.
