What did I learn in the last 1,5 years?

If you are thinking about moving to a different country, be ready to deal with different situations and some cultural shock.

In the beginning, everything is a honeymoon. Different people, different environments, different air... We get excited about everything! 

After a while, the new country becomes your home. That being said, you can find yourself back in a routine, the lack of time, too much work, and of course, missing home (or people at home). It is not a honeymoon anymore, but you are still happy (at least some people are). 

There been a year and almost six months that I am leaving in Canada. I went to all the HAPPY and SAD phases. Now, I considered that I am in my best judgement to make my decisions, and I LOVE this place. I saw many people leaving and going back to their countries. I saw many people working hard, and doing everything that is possible because they don't want to be back in their country. What did I learn from all of this? Well... moving to Canada, doing my postgrad, and working here made me realize some things (more than I can write here, so I will tell you what it is work-related). 

• Making new friends can be hard after you are getting older

Making new friends can be hard after we start getting older. It does not matter if it is in a new city, country, school, work, or in a different language. Getting to know people on my 27th was not comfortable (and I am considered an extrovert person by others). 

My strategy was to take myself out of my comfort zone. I push myself to different situations, to go out alone, to invite random people for a coffee or a beer. All of this helped me to have the friends that I have now. 

To have the "Brazilian group" that you can hang out with sometimes, and speak Portuguese is excellent. However, it is much better when you have the Brazilians, but you also have Canadians, Colombians, Mexicans, Indians, Germans, and every other country that you can imagine. 

• Food is a great way to start things

Who does not like to eat? Who does not want to try different things?

When you are in an office full of people that you don't know, and they are all from different countries than yours; why not take something different for them to taste? Alternatively, even something local like Tim Bits for Canadians. Everybody will love to have some candy or food for them to eat in the common area. Besides, it is an excellent opportunity to write a note:

"From the Brazilian co-worker. I hope you like it" — a great ice breaker for those who are shy.

• Be kind and pay attention to the differences

It is common for us to think that OUR way is the right way. It is common for a person to believe that people are not adequately behaving based on their experience and culture. 

Every time that you think that someone is being rude or behaving in a way that you don't like; try to consider first:

Do I know much about their culture? Do they behave like this or it is just this person?

How can I adapt - but not lose my essence - to deal with this person/situation?

Read about cultural differences, research on google, talk about it with locals, and ask. I have learned a lot from the simple sentence:

"I am not sure if this is a cultural difference between us. In my country, this sounds/seems like ... What about in your country? How do you see this situation?" 

Communication... Communication... Communication

• Planning is good, but planning too much can be a problem 

Brazilians are known for doing things fast. Dealing with difficulties and finding solutions. We are always ready to deal with "fire." However, doing things fast and without proper planning/timing can make us work more than we should/need. Besides, it is not always the best solution.

On the other hand; Canadians (in my humble opinion) are more planned regarding the projects and work routines. For them, it is better to do it right and once - it does not matter if it takes a longer time. 

Now my opinion is: we don't need to rush, but planning too much can be harmful also. If you don't plan, we might have to deal with many mistakes, but if you plan too much, some things never leave the paper, and it is easier to adapt to the routine and never change again. 

• Work Balance

I always had this feeling that work balance was something beautiful in theory, but impossible to achieve. 

I don't know if it was Canada and the culture here that changed me. Or, if I changed my mindset. I think it was a mix of both. 

I am learning that we can be good professionals, working and doing the things that we have to do. Moreover, we can have a life. Go out with friends after work for a wine/beer, read a book, go to the gym, go hiking on a Monday. You don't need to work 12 hours a day to prove that you are competent. In Canada, I can work until late when I need it, but this is an exception. My daily activity allows me to live and do what I LOVE (Human Resources).

In conclusion, if you decide to move to Canada or any other place (or even if you don't move anywhere), don't forget to get out of your comfort zone; taste different food and invite people to get to know your culture better; be kind with others and with the differences between people; find the balance between planning and doing; but mainly, find the balance in your life.

What makes you happy?