When Expat Life Suddenly Speeds Up: Navigating Rapid Change and Unexpected Returns
On this episode of Nomadic Diaries, host Doreen Cumberford sat down with Chris O’Shaughnessy to explore the latest trends, challenges, and insights from the expat and globally nomadic community. From the impact of geopolitics on relocation patterns to the nuances of repatriation and the ever-present topic of belonging, the conversation is packed with truth bombs and practical wisdom for anyone navigating international lifestyles.
1. Trends Among Expats & International Moves
- Geopolitical instability is causing unexpected relocations and higher uncertainty for expatriates.
- More organizations are planning ahead or reacting quickly to global shifts, leading to both planned and rapid transitions.
- Repatriation—unexpected and often more challenging than outbound moves—is a significant and growing concern.
2. Navigating Uncertainty & Change
- Uncertainty is ever-present; dealing with unplanned change is top of mind.
- Quick transitions have become more common, with increased requests for guidance on managing these changes.
- The speed of change, rather than the change itself, is what tends to be most destabilizing.
3. Advice for Handling Change
- Processing our intuitive reactions to change intellectually—taking time to name and break down sources of stress—can lead to better coping strategies.
- Understanding and identifying different types of resilience (cognitive, relational, motivational) can help individuals address specific stresses more effectively.
- Leveraging “leaky perception”: Changing our environment or perspective can shift our experience and stress response.
4. Shifts in International School Communities
- Growing emphasis on student leadership and ownership in schools with international populations.
- Empowering students to act on new concepts and become advocates within their communities.
- Use of student ambassador programs and increased creativity from younger generations in addressing unprecedented global challenges.
5. The Evolving Concept of Belonging
- Belonging is an increasingly important (and complex) topic as changes in language, technology, and society shift how we understand and express it.
- Technology is both a challenge and a tool for fostering interdependence and belonging.
- New generations are redefining what belonging looks like, shaped by navigating multiple unprecedented events.
6. Recommended Resources
- Chris O’Shaughnessy's book: Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In Between
- Mention of TED talks by Rory Sutherland, specifically around the concept of "leaky perception."
Memorable Quotes
- “Repatriation is often seen as harder than an actual move.”
- “The speed of change throws us off.”
- “Perception is leaky—and we can use this to our advantage.”
- “The best advocates for their own communities are the students themselves.”
Resources & Further Reading
Chris's book: Arrivals, Departures and the Adventures In-Between
https://www.amazon.com/Arrivals-Departures-Adventures-Christopher-OShaughnessy/dp/1909193720
- Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Critical Conversations by Joseph Grenny
- Letters Now Sent by Megan C. Norton-Newbanks
Doreen's book: Life in the Camel Lane
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