Finding Home Abroad: My Relocation from France to Ireland and Spain, sharing my mistakes and lessons learned.

Welcome to this month's newsletter! Today, I want to share with you the transformative journey I embarked upon, relocating from France to Ireland and subsequently to Spain. It was a period of growth, exploration, and seizing new opportunities. Join me as we dive into the experiences and lessons learned throughout this remarkable chapter of my life.

As a career coach, I understand the importance of embracing change and stepping out of our comfort zones. Relocating to a new country can be both thrilling and challenging, opening doors to personal and professional growth. In 2017, I decided to leave France to pursue a childhood dream of moving to an English-speaking country.

When I arrived in Ireland, I thought I had a good level of English, my years of practice in English and my internship completed a few months earlier in London didn’t prepare me for the Irish accent. I worked at Apple for my first two years as a technical advisor. I was helping customers calling with technical issues on their Apple devices. 

My first mistake was to surround myself only with French speakers. I was supporting the French market at work and on the Apple campus, all the advisors’ offices were split by language, so I befriended some of my French speaker colleagues. 

Don’t get me wrong, I met amazing people but during my first two years, I barely practiced my English. I know some of my friends who stayed there for over 4 years and still have a questioning level of English. 

While building my career, I also recognized the importance of continuous education. I took advantage of the excellent academic institutions in Ireland and pursued a part-time Bachelor’s degree in Business studies to enhance my professional expertise which would later bolster my skill set and my confidence as an entrepreneur. 

A few months later I quit Apple for a job in recruitment at Amazon. My colleagues were from everywhere in the world I finally got to practice my English and eventually moved in with an English-speaking housemate. 

Beyond the professional realm, living in Ireland provided me with a rich cultural experience. I fully immersed myself in the Irish way of life, embracing traditions, festivals, and the warm hospitality for which the Irish are renowned. I learned the art of conversation over a hop house and discovered the joy of traditional music sessions in pubs. The Irish people's friendly and welcoming nature made me feel at home, fostering lasting connections and a second family for life. 

However, life is a constant journey. Last year, I made the leap from Ireland to Spain. The weather, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes enticed me. The transition brought its own set of challenges, as adapting to a new language and cultural norms can be both exciting and daunting. But with an open mind and a willingness to embrace change, I began building a life in Spain.

Moving from Ireland to Spain also taught me to adapt my way of living. The salaries being lower in Spain than in Ireland, I needed time to adjust my finances accordingly. I wouldn’t be able to live the same way in France, Ireland, or in Spain. The cost of living and the salaries are different. 

Reflecting on this relocation journey, I have grown both personally and professionally. It has taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and embracing the unknown. Through each relocation, I discovered new layers of myself and developed a new sense of cultural sensitivity and understanding.

As a career coach, I draw on these experiences to guide my clients through their own career transitions and relocations. I understand the fears and uncertainties that come with such life changes, but I also know the incredible opportunities that await those who are willing to take the leap.

So, for those of you considering a relocation or career change, let me share some practical tips for a successful transition:

1)    Research and Preparation: Thoroughly research your target destination, including the job market, cost of living, and cultural aspects. Prepare yourself financially and emotionally for the move.

2)    Network and Seek Guidance: If you want to learn a new country, befriend and surround yourself with people who speak the language you want to speak, join a Facebook group, download meeting apps, look for this type of co-workers, etc.  Seek guidance from locals, tax advisors, or relocation services to gain insights and support.

3)    Embrace Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture, customs, and language. Engage with the community, participate in local events, and be open! 

Thank you for reading me! 

Damien