Working as an Expat Abroad – 5 Struggles

Working abroad as an expat is exciting, inspiring, and something I wouldn’t trade for anything. But it also comes with its own set of struggles — the kind people don’t always talk about. So here they are, honestly and openly.

1. You don’t share the same background
It sounds obvious, but it shows up in unexpected ways. Different school systems, different childhood memories, different TV shows everyone else seems to know. Conversations can suddenly shift into nostalgia and you’re just… not part of it.

It’s not that people exclude you. You just weren’t there. And sometimes, that feels harder to find common ground in personal conversations.

2. Language is more than just words
Even if you speak the language well, it doesn’t always feel effortless. People speak quickly, softly or a bit “inside their mouth.” And suddenly, you’re trying to piece together a sentence you almost understood.

In your native language, you would have caught it even half-listening. But here, it takes just a bit more energy. More focus. More guessing. And that can be exhausting since its not just a conversation at work, but all day.

3. You will always keep learning (and doubting)
There are always words you don’t know or moments when I hesitate about the right sentence or word. And then there are the small things — spelling a word like “rhythm” as “ritme” without thinking. Mixing languages in your head. Switching too quickly when typing.

It’s not a lack of knowledge. It’s your brain juggling multiple worlds at once. Luckily everyone understands and are impressed you speak more languages then ‘just’ English.

4. Expressing yourself feels harder
Especially when things get a bit more complex. When you want to explain something carefully and don’t want to offend someone. When nuance really matters.

In your own language, you know exactly how to say it. Here, I sometimes search for the right words — and sometimes settle for something that feels… not quite ne.

And that can be frustrating, because you know you have more to say but are limited by either overthinking it or finding the right words.

5. Reading people isn’t always easy
Coming from a culture where people are direct, I’m used to knowing exactly where I stand. But not everywhere works like that.

Sometimes people are more reserved. Less open. Less clear in what they think or feel. And suddenly, you’re second-guessing conversations, wondering if you understood correctly. It takes time to adjust.

A soft reminder to myself (and maybe to you too)
Even on the days when you feel like an outsider, you are doing something incredibly brave.

You are building a life in a place where you didn’t grew up in.
You are learning, adapting, growing, every single day.

And maybe that feeling of “not fully belonging” is also what makes this experience so special.