How does moving to a new country impact a person’s sense of identity, and how can they rebuild or redefine it?
This article is one of many in the “Mental Health from a Job Search Perspective” series with Relocation Psychologists. To view the rest, click here.
Suvi:
When you move to a new country, it can be a huge shock to your identity. This is especially true if you’ve moved for your partner’s job or through marriage. Studies even refer to this as “trailing spouse syndrome,” where the partner who relocates is left without the same work setting or social connections, which can affect their sense of self.
A key step in rebuilding your identity is to stay connected to your roots. This could mean keeping in touch with lifelong friends, talking to your partner, or seeking guidance from a career coach or even a professional psychologist. These conversations can help you clarify who you are, what you want to do, and how to redefine your identity in the new environment.
“If you’ve always loved playing football, for example, try to find a place in Finland where you can continue. If you identify as a singer, look for a choir to join. ”
Another thing to keep in mind is maintaining activities that are meaningful to you. If you’ve always loved playing football, for example, try to find a place in Finland where you can continue. If you identify as a singer, look for a choir to join. These familiar hobbies can serve as anchors, helping you maintain a sense of self in a new country.
When I moved to a new country, I was starting over—I was no longer married, I wasn’t working in HR anymore, and I was starting my own business. I knew I needed to find places to practice yoga and to sing, as these were important to me. Slowly, step by step, I rebuilt the parts of my identity that I valued.
Additionally, consider embracing new roles or communities. For example, being a parent or volunteering can help you create new connections and a sense of belonging, which are crucial when adjusting to a new environment.
Niina:
Suvi made some great points. I’d like to add to the discussion, particularly about the narratives we create about ourselves. The way we talk about our identity affects our well-being and behavior. It’s closely linked to how we feel emotionally.
When you move to a new country, it’s important to manage your expectations. For instance, I worked as a consultant in Finland for many years, building strong client relationships. But when I moved to a new country, I couldn’t expect the same immediate success or network. It’s essential to ask yourself, “What do I expect from this new chapter?”
I had to reshape my story. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have—such as clients or a solid network—I embraced my role as a psychologist starting to build my business in a new place. This shift in perspective can make a big difference in how you view yourself and how you explain your situation to others.
You also need to ask, “Who am I referring to when I think about myself?” Are you measuring yourself against your former self, who had everything in place? Or are you embracing the exciting opportunities that a new country offers? The way you tell your story, both to yourself and to others, plays a big role in how you settle into your new life.
