Repatriation, which involves taking the step of returning to one's homeland after living abroad, is the dream of many expatriates as they long to move back home to be closer to their family and friends once more. But is repatriation the right step? What questions should you ask yourself if you are considering repatriation?

Overcoming Homesickness

It is no secret that expatriate life is extremely hard for many to adapt to. Not only must you become accustomed to a completely new culture and country, but you will also probably be doing so far from your family and friends. It can take two years or more before you feel fully settled living abroad, if at all. Some expatriates decide to repatriate in a bid to overcome their extreme homesickness and to be close to family and friends once more. Repatriation will help to heal the homesickness you have felt while living abroad, but moving back is not always the answer.

How Does Your Spouse Feel?

If you are married, you must also take your spouse's views into consideration before making any plans to repatriate. Does your spouse share your hopes, dreams and aspirations? Or does your spouse prefer to live abroad? Remember that if you are married to a foreign-born spouse, they may well feel completely differently about moving back to your home country than you do. Repatriation when there is no general consensus in the family can cause a lot of friction and stress in a marriage. Arguments over moving can even split couples up.

Life Has Moved on

Time does not stand still. It did not freeze the moment you boarded the plane, ready to resume again once you return home. If you are expecting to repatriate and pick up life where you left off, you are in for a shock. Not only will the lives of your friends and family have moved on, but many other aspects of life will also be different once you repatriate. Changes in education, work, the increasing cost of living and much more can be a real eye-opener when you have lived abroad for years and moved back.

Repatriation can work out for those who plan well and do not expect life to be exactly as they left it when they first moved abroad. Adjustments are required when you move to a foreign country. But do not forget that repatriation also calls for needed adjustments.

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 ©Sophie S