Moving Countries 101 – Navigating the realities of relocation: “There is constant evaluation and re-evaluation.”
In a revealing episode of the podcast Moving Countries 101, this week host Clare Kay and her husband, Tunji Akinsehinwa, share their journey of moving from the UK to the United States. This episode candidly explores their experiences, challenges, and insights from navigating this significant life change.
Tunji, a university professor at Boston University, highlights the contrasting perspectives of being the working professional versus the ‘trailing spouse’. He discusses the emotional and logistical hurdles they faced, from finding accommodation and opening a bank account to starting a new job in a foreign culture.
Clare and Tunji also discuss their assumptions about moving to an English-speaking country and the unexpected challenges they encountered. They assumed it would be easier coming to the US and that it would have similar systems to the UK, but they found it vastly different. This reflection provides a realistic understanding of what to expect when moving to a new country.
Adding another layer to their story, they compare their experience to their earlier move to Nigeria, where they found it easier to adjust despite different challenges. This contrast highlights the unpredictable nature of relocating and the importance of being prepared for anything.
“If you really, really want to move, it can be a dream, but you’ve got to make your dream a reality. You’ve got to make it an intention,” Tunji says, emphasizing the importance of a clear intention when relocating. Their story underscores the necessity of flexibility and having a plan.
The upcoming November elections also weigh on their minds, potentially impacting their long-term plans. “Think about having a plan A, a plan B, and even a plan C,” he suggests.
Tune in to Moving Countries 101 to hear the full conversation and gain deeper insights into the complexities and rewards of relocating.
About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:
Moving Countries 101 is a podcast dedicated to exploring the lives and experiences of those who have relocated globally. Hosted by Clare Kay, it aims to inspire and inform listeners about the challenges and rewards of living in different countries through practical advice, personal stories, and expert insights.
Moving Countries 101 is available on:
Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-countries-101/id1724940782
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/4cxcZ9rbrvZ6A0B6UPMaXj
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo75XfTWDQl6JgTn4pzlvnA
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