The Importance of Balance for Expats

Work Life Balance is a topic which comes up time and time again in popular discourse. And yet, for many it’s not clear what this actually means - or how to find it.

Work Life Balance is, at its core, extremely simple: it’s finding and maintaining time for yourself outside of work. Sounds simple, right? Well, it is for the individual. The difficulty is when other people (colleagues or bosses) get involved! Finding a good work-life balance is about sticking to regular times and separating your personal and work life.

This is difficult enough for everyone, but there’s an increased challenge for expats. When you find yourself in a new culture - as well as a new work culture! - with time zones to worry about and expectations from back home, it’s no wonder many expats struggle in finding the mythical perfect balance. Fortunately, we have some tips that can help you.

Becoming an Expert in the Local Work Culture

We all know that culture varies from country to country and that work culture varies from company to company. The combination of both, however, can be killer! And even if you’re working in the same company, work culture often still differs thanks to the local culture. But what does this look like?

Whether it’s number of paid days off, state days off, or expectations around overtime, a change in country often means a change in expectations around work-life balance. And this goes both ways - from people moving from countries that prioritise your holistic wellbeing to countries that prioritise industriousness and vice-versa. Managing these new-to-you expectations can be extremely difficult, but there are several ways you can adjust to this.

We’d always advise talking to your friends and colleagues to find out what normal is. Perhaps your work expectations are typical for your company/department/position - or perhaps they’re abnormal! We’d also advise going over your contract, especially with trusted others, to understand what’s expected of you on paper. Find out as much as you can - because that’s what is the first step to finding a good work-life balance.

Managing Stress and Overwork

The other side of the coin is the stress and overwork that can well be expected of you. When you move to a new country, you are automatically working two jobs: your 9-5 and settling into this new home of yours. Even without added work pressure and overworking, you will likely feel tired and exhausted at first. Communication barriers, unfamiliar social dynamics, the pressure to prove yourself…being an expat is a second full-time position! This makes it even more important to develop good strategies for when work pressures ramp up.

If you feel yourself being (chronically) stressed, take yourself back to basics - and focus on yourself. Focus on time management and setting realistic goals - and, seriously, say no to that extra work if you can’t deal with it at that moment. It’s vital you avoid feeling burnt out and being overworked, because once you start? It’s difficult and a long path to getting back to normal.

Creating a Support System Abroad

But what to do with all that free time! It’s crucial that you don’t focus all your efforts on your professional life. Really seriously consider your social life as well. You moved country (not an easy feat!) for a reason - what is it?

You should strive to get involved in several activities/communities outside of work. Perhaps that’s a hobby you already had (e.g. running or singing) that you can find a group for, or perhaps there are things you want to achieve for the first time - learning a/the local language, perhaps?

Even outside of structured activities, there are plenty of communities which organise events - not least expat groups. And when you’re missing home, indulge that and call your loved ones. The important thing is to create a separate life outside of your workplace.

Leveraging Flexibility and Remote Work Opportunities

Another great way to relieve stress and find yourself a better work-life balance is by exploring your workplace’s flexible or remote working arrangements (if applicable)!

Remote work is an excellent way to allow for a better work-life balance thanks to the reduced commute times and the ability to create a far more customized and comfortable work environment, and, with the right employer, you can explore options such as working remotely while abroad as a sort of working holiday. Whether you can negotiate this is unique to your situation, however, and depends on company culture, norms in your new home country, and your relationship with any higher-ups. That being said, many enjoy working remotely - even if it’s just for a few days or one day a week - and find it really helps them find a good work-life balance.

Practical Tips for Finding Balance

Now we’ve discussed the big picture, it’s only fair we help you with some of the details. What are specific things you can do to attempt to improve your work-life balance?

A clear one is setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. This will differ for each person and their own tolerance, but there will be a solution for you. Some decide to only ever work their work hours and never interact with work outside of that, while others will decide they’re happy to work overtime and answer the odd email outside of work - as long as it’s reasonable.

It’s also important to incorporate regular things into your routine that make you feel better/at peace for when you’re feeling stressed and overworked. This might be exercise or hobbies, or even exploring your new country, but it’s important to know what destresses you - to allow you to play as hard as you work.

If you find yourself still struggling to say no to work despite trying to change it, it’s never a bad idea to see a professional mental health worker or counseling service. While not a solution for everyone, they can help you understand what specifically you’re struggling with and give you the tools to improve and find that elusive work-life balance.

Finding work-life balance as an expat takes time and regular effort. The challenges of adjusting to a new work culture, managing stress, and building a support system can be tough, but balance is something you can achieve with patience. It’s important to set boundaries, take care of your well-being, and be flexible as you adjust to your new life abroad. You can create a healthier and more balanced lifestyle, but remember it's a process - so be kind to yourself as you adapt and grow in your new home!