To Move or Not to Move: A Pro Con List Helper
Let's get organised about this! If you're thinking of moving to the UK, it's time for a good old fashioned Pro / Con list.
If you're here, you're thinking about moving to the UK. Let's be honest, moving to another city is a tough decision but moving to another country is monumental.
I've been there before. In fact, I've moved to the UK three separate times. I'm here to share my experience with you so that you can skip past common pitfalls.
So how do you make the decision?
On one hand, it's exciting. It's an adventure. It very well may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
On the other hand, it's daunting. There are a lot of unknowns.
You need a way to sort out your thoughts and that's where a pro/con list is helpful tool.
What it is: An overview of a variety of items and how the move affects them.
What it isn't: A cost comparison
Costs are a huge driver for many of us, so a costs comparison is important. But that comes later.
Everyone's reason for moving is different. Maybe it's about lower college/university tuition. Maybe it's for your career. Everyone's pro/con list will be different.
If you are planning on moving with others, this should be a group exercise. Ideally, everyone should make their own lists and be ready to discuss together.
But there's one thing that everyone has in common at this stage: emotion. Whether it's excitement or trepidation, putting together this list stirs up some emotion. That's why it's easy to forget something, even something really critical.
We're here to help you get started. When you're making your list, think about items such as:
Family and Friends:
Who will you be leaving behind? How will it affect them?
If you belong to any social clubs (scouts, sports, social cubs), consider how long you'll be away and whether you can maintain your membership or make plans to rejoin upon your return (if you plan on a return)
Home:
Do you have pets? Review services for taking pets (long stays) or pet-sitting while you're away. Do you have relatives or friends that could take the pets?
Do you own or rent your home? Do you need to consider house sitting, subletting, reselling or terminating a lease? How will this affect your strategy for a return (if you plan to return)?
Career Opportunities:
Where are your career opportunities in the UK? Think long term. Will you get opportunities in the UK that you won't get elsewhere?
If you're travelling with others, where are there career opportunities? Will your partner be able to work in the UK?How will it affect their career trajectory?
Education Opportunities:
Where are your educational opportunities?
If you're travelling with others, where are their educational opportunities?
If you're travelling with kids, it's important to think about your academic goals for the kids. Will they be homeschooled? Will they be enrolled in school? Since the curriculum is very different, are you prepared to work through extra tutoring to make sure they are successful? (For example, math - or "maths" as you'll learn to call it - is roughly a grade level above what is taught in the US. Even the cursive letters are different! This is a real commitment. I've got an overachieving, grade-skipping kid and it took her months of tutoring to be on top of her school work in the UK.)
What will happen if you don't go?
Will there be consequences if you don't go? How will it affect your life, your relationships, your career, your education in the future?
Do you have a plan for return?
Will it be possible for you to return? If you need to come back, where will you call home?
Are you ready for a new life?
I've always thought of the UK as "Europe-lite" from the American perspective. It's easy to find both Pop-Tarts and pretty cheap French wine. But there's more to it then the questionable meal of Pop-Tarts and cheap French wine (no judgment here!). There are changes when assimilating to a new country and you'll need to make sure you're ready for this shift in your life.
Are you travelling with a change-adverse teenager or open minded toddler? How difficult will the adjustment be for them?
Good luck in creating your list!
