There’s an unglamorous side to living abroad that no one talks about – the paperwork, visas, bureaucracy, and financial adaptations. The homesickness, or burnout from constant change.
Every country has its own set of rules, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, you move again and start from scratch.
Working abroad comes with its own learning curve. Some places value work-life balance, others expect 60-hour workweeks. Some cultures encourage open discussions at work, while others expect hierarchy and formality. Finding your place professionally can be as much of a challenge as adapting personally.
And then there’s the money side of things. Different currencies, fluctuating exchange rates, unexpected costs, and navigating banking systems in multiple countries – it’s all part of the package.
The homesick feeling can creeps from time to time as well as the burnout of being constantly on the move, never really finding the time for yourself.
Let’s look at some of these.
Visas & Paperwork
Ah, the never-ending saga of visas and paperwork – the part of traveling and living abroad that no one really talk about! Every new country comes with its own set of rules, applications, and endless forms to fill out. Some are straightforward, others feel like a full-time job just to prove you exist and won’t be a burden to their system.
There’s the stress of waiting for approvals, the panic of realizing you missed a document, the frustration of dealing with government websites that crash right when you need them the most.
The best way to go about it is to rely on official government websites and trusted sources. Be careful of scam websites that promise quick approvals or give outdated (or just plain wrong) information.
Figure Out Your Situation – Do you just want to visit, or are you looking to stay longer? Will you need a work permit? What are your options based on your age and personal situation? These are the first questions to ask yourself before making any big moves.
I won’t dive into the details of specific visa processes because, honestly, what’s true today might not be tomorrow – and I’m not qualified to give that kind of advice anyway. Let’s be real, this is one of the biggest parts of planning a move, if not the most important one. Get it sorted early If you’re planning a move, do your own research when the time comes to ensure you have the most up-to-date info and check what visa would suit best your need. Bureaucracy is a pain, but being well-prepared can save you a lot of headaches!
Personally, I made all my big moves so far using Working Holiday Visas (or WHV). This type of visa that allows young travellers to live and work in a foreign country for a set period, usually between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the country. It’s designed to help you fund your travels while experiencing a new culture.
Each country has its own eligibility criteria – usually based on age (often 18-30 or 18-35), nationality, and sometimes financial proof or health insurance. Some visas have restrictions, like limited work hours or specific industries you can work in.
It’s a great way to travel long-term without draining your savings, but always check the latest requirements on official government websites before applying! Now, there are more and more countries offering this options, don’t miss out!!
That being said, don’t worry, you will figure it out. You will learn to navigate the maze of bureaucracy, develop a deep appreciation for organized paperwork, and celebrate the small victories – like finally getting that stamp in your passport or an email that says approved. It’s a hassle, but it’s also just part of the deal when you choose a life that doesn’t fit into one place.
Career & Work Opportunities
The challenges of finding work, adapting to different work cultures, or even switching careers to make this lifestyle sustainable – especially when you’re not a digital nomad – a fairly new way of working!
One of the most interesting (and sometimes stressful) parts of moving around is figuring out how to make a living in each new place. Some countries have thriving job markets, while others make you question if you’ll ever land anything decent. Sometimes, your previous experience means nothing, and you have to start from scratch. Other times, you fall into opportunities you never even considered before.
I’ve done jobs I never thought I would, learned skills I never planned on, and realized that career paths aren’t always linear – especially when you’re constantly on the move. You become adaptable, open to new industries, and way more resourceful than you ever thought possible. And one thing I have realised, if you are motivated and willing to learn, usually employers will give you a chance!
I moved to Australia with very little money in my bank account. Within just a few days, I found a job as a waitress at a newly reopening restaurant. The only catch? The paid training and actual work wouldn’t start until the end of the month, so things were tight until then. Good thing I had already paid for my hostel!
Two years later, I met a man through my best friend – he owned a wealth management company. At first, he was just offering to help me find a good job so I could stay in Australia longer, as he didn’t have a position for me. But long story short, we got along, and he ended up hiring me! He taught me everything, and I worked with him for five and a half years – my longest job ever!
When I say that motivation and a willingness to learn can land you a job, I mean it! I had never waitressed before, and I had never worked in finance (never even thought I would!), but I was eager to learn, and training was provided. Just try – if you don’t ask, you’ll never get!
And let’s talk about work-life balance – because depending on where you are, that can be a game-changer. Some places live to work, while others actually enjoy life outside of office hours (what a concept!). Finding the right balance between career growth and the lifestyle you want is a whole journey in itself. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s no one “right” way to do it. You just have to figure out what works for you in each new chapter.
Australia and New Zealand gave me the best work-life balance after France. Canada… not so much. The city I chose didn’t help, but as I’ll mention below, all these countries have a high cost of living, and I lived in some of the most expensive cities in the world. And when you choose such places you NEED to find a good-paying job – and fast – otherwise, your savings will melt like ice in the sun! That being said, I felt the pain of living for work and taxes way more in Canada than anywhere else!
Financial Adaptation
Budgeting in different currencies, cost of living surprises, and learning how to handle money in a global lifestyle.
Money hits different when you’re constantly moving. Every country has a different cost of living, currency, and way of handling finances, and trust me, you feel it. Going from a country where you live comfortably to one where your pay check barely covers rent? Brutal. On the flip side, earning in a strong currency and spending in a cheaper country? Perfect!
You learn to adapt – fast. Budgeting becomes second nature, you start tracking exchange rates like a stock trader, and you figure out the best way to move money around without losing half of it in fees. You also learn the hard way that some bank cards just won’t work in certain countries.
As I mentioned before, some places can be very expensive to live in, and adapting isn’t always easy! Sydney, Australia, and Toronto, Canada, are both high-cost cities, but in Australia, I had a better quality of life and was actually able to save money. In Toronto… I spent more time working and paying taxes than truly enjoying life. People are always busy, rushing from home to work and back again – especially in winter, when it hits even harder!
I chose Toronto because I knew I’d find a job quickly, and I did. But if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t pick this city.
At the end of the day, managing money while living abroad is a constant learning curve. Some places will stretch your budget further, while others will drain it faster than you expect. But every experience teaches you something – whether it’s how to be smarter with your spending, which places truly offer the best work-life balance, or simply that money isn’t everything if you’re not enjoying where you are.
Homesickness
Although I don’t miss living in France, there are definitely aspects of it that I do miss – like stumbling upon a bakery with delicious pastries on nearly every corner, or the culture of simply taking time to do nothing. Grabbing a drink on a terrasse after work, enjoying the long summer evenings when daylight stretches late into the night -those little moments felt so natural there.
I felt this contrast even more in Toronto. Life here is all about the hustle; people juggle two, sometimes three jobs just to live decently. The pace is fast, and while Toronto is a great city, winter makes everything ten times harder. Let’s be real – Toronto shines in the summer, but when the cold sets in, it’s a whole different story.
I’m not gonna lie – my two years in Toronto weren’t the best. I still had fun, met some great people, but it just didn’t compare to my time in New Zealand and Australia. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’ve spoken to other travellers, especially those from Europe, and many share the same experience.
I remember a girl I met during my first winter here – she told me she spent her first winter alone, crying herself to sleep at night. She struggled to meet people, spent Christmas by herself, and felt the weight of it even more. But she pushed through, and after a year, she finally managed to make some friends. Still, she has no plans to stay here long-term. And honestly? I get it. It is not for everybody!
So, what to do when homesickness hits hard?
- Create a Routine
When everything feels unfamiliar, having a routine helps bring a bit of stability. Find a go-to coffee shop, take the same morning walk, or set little daily habits that make your new place feel more like home. It doesn’t have to be big – just something familiar to ground you.
- Stay Connected (But Not Too Much)
Keeping in touch with friends and family is important, but don’t overdo it to the point where you’re stuck in the past. Video calls, voice messages, and updates are great, but also focus on being present in your new surroundings.
- Find Comfort in the Familiar
Watch your favorite TV shows, cook food from home, or listen to music that takes you back to good times. It’s funny how something as simple as a familiar dish or an old song can feel like a warm hug.
- Make New Friends
Easier said than done – I know! But putting yourself out there is key. Join local groups, go to events, or even use apps to meet people. It can feel awkward at first, but finding a community makes all the difference.
- Explore & Stay Busy
The more you immerse yourself in your new environment, the less time you spend dwelling on what you miss. Try new foods, visit local spots, or pick up a new hobby. If money is tight, check out free activities where you are.
- Give It Time
The first few weeks or even months can be tough. But at some point, the new place starts feeling normal. Be patient with yourself – it’s okay to miss home, but also give yourself a chance to love where you are now. At least try. And if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay too! Maybe there’s another city or even another country that suits you better. Keep moving until you find where you belong.
When the Adventure Starts Feeling Heavy – Burnout from Constant Moving
No one really talks about this side of the nomadic life. You chase new experiences, new cities, new cultures, always packing up and starting over. At first, it’s exciting – the thrill of the unknown, the fresh start, the endless possibilities. But at some point, it hits you. The exhaustion. The mental load of constantly rebuilding a life from scratch.
Finding a new place to live (again), setting up a bank account (again), figuring out where to buy groceries, meeting new people, saying goodbye to them, and repeating the cycle over and over… It’s a lot. And sometimes, you just don’t have the energy to do it all over again.
You start craving stability, familiarity – something to hold onto for longer than a few months or years. But at the same time, the idea of staying put feels just as suffocating. It’s a weird in-between feeling, like being pulled in two directions.
In Australia, I thought about leaving from time to time, but then I’d think about everything it would involve, and honestly, I was exhausted just thinking about it. I simply didn’t have the energy to go through another big move. But after a while, that feeling shifted – I felt like I had done what I needed to do there. I had made my time in Australia. The visa chase was draining, and that frustration started outweighing the comfort of staying. That feeling grew stronger and stronger until finally, I made the move – again.
Sometimes, you need to slow down and it’s fine. Take a break if you need it. Not every move has to be a big adventure. Sometimes, just staying still for a little while is what you need to recharge. And when (or if) you’re ready, you’ll know when it’s time to pack up and go again.
To Summarize
The nomadic lifestyle looks exciting from the outside – the freedom to go wherever you want. But the practical side? That’s the part people don’t talk about enough. The constant admin, the never-ending visa stress, figuring out finances in different currencies, adapting to new work cultures, starting over again and again – it can wear you down.
There’s no sugar coating it: this life comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s not just about chasing sunsets and adventure; it’s also about resilience, adaptability, and sometimes, pure stubbornness to keep going. But despite the struggles, through every frustrating moment, there’s also growth, independence, and a perspective on life that I wouldn’t have gained any other way.