Back from 7 months abroad and feeling lost – has anyone experienced this?

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immigrantstoryteller@reddit

I hear you, and hope you feel better soon first of all. I have recently started a youtube channel navigating issues of immigrants, interviewing folks, hearing and sharing tips and advice. What you experienced (or still are experiencing) seems to be pretty common. One thing is what we hear about emigrating, life abroad and how wonderful it is (part of what you shared above) but there is a whole other side about being an immigrant. Sometimes heading abroad is not easy, sometimes returning is not easy. We are not the same anymore. You mention words like freedom and adventure. I think what could help, at least initially, is to try to get all those options and thoughts out of your head. Not to remove or erase them, but to organize them. And ask yourself some questions? Is this something I enjoy? Why? What is it that I really like, not at a superficial level, but going as deep as you can into it. Is this something I loved because it was a month or a year, or do I really see myself doing it for a decade or for life? What are the key things I like/love about being in Germany? What are the things I cannot stand about it? (same thing about being abroad, and where...) Will this new place and situation provide those things I do not have here? Will I be able to live the life I want? How? What am I willing to lose to do so? Etc etc. Again, I do not know you so hard to tell what can really help, but in my experience and those folks I have interviewed for my channel, sometimes removing thoughts from your mind and putting them on paper, helps you see them all together and a bit more objectively. I hope this helps, there is also therapy of course (I have also interviewed psychologist experts on dealing with expat issues in particular, and for some that cna help too) Good luck!!

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ccbs32033@reddit

this might not be the best sub for what you’re experiencing, but i’ll just say that this is a totally normal reaction. you’ve gone abroad, and now home doesn’t feel like the home you once knew. you also learned a lot about the world, yourself, and the possibilities for making a life while traveling, and now you’re tasked with the hard work of integrating that with your current realities at home in germany. Take it easy on yourself, it’s a transition period that is hard for just about everyone.

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Jay-Dee-British@reddit

Before I emigrated (but after I'd worked in Spain for a year), I backpacked for about 2 years. When I got back I felt like the proverbial round peg in the square hole. Days were so routine and 'boring' compared to a life on the road. I missed meeting so many new people for brief but intense friendships that I made when travelling. Things, places and people were always changing. It was exciting, sometimes scary but always interesting. It passes though - it's almost like grief in a weird way. I got a job, got used to a different but more secure life. Got used to keeping friendships because people, and myself, stayed in one place. It did take a good few months though so don't expect to fit right back in straight away.

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HVP2019@reddit

Well did you asked those people if they are actually doing this long term and if they are doing this long term, what do they do for living?

Because if you were asked them and if they were to answer honestly, you may see a more realistic picture.

I am sure some are managing such lifestyle well, but some are “stuck” because they spend too much traveling abroad and now can’t return.

I am originally from less wealthy countries that get some westerners looking for adventure…Most westerners can’t tolerate such adventurous lifestyle long term.

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Kindly-Valuable-2191@reddit

Bro. First off, take a deep breath. What you're feeling is so real and so damn common they should hand out a warning pamphlet with your passport when you come home.

This isn't an identity crisis. This is your soul having jet lag.

You spent seven months rewiring your entire brain. You didn't just go on vacation; you got a taste of a completely different operating system for life. You met people who live by a different set of rules, the "work-to-live" crew, not the "live-to-work" one. You saw the cheat codes.

And now you're back. You've leveled up, but you've been put back in the starting zone. Of course it feels weird. Of course the old quests, like a draining delivery job, feel pointless. You're not the same character you were when you left. You've outgrown your old save file.

So how do you deal with it? That delivery job isn't your life. It's a temporary mission. You're an adventurer in disguise, funding the next expedition. Every euro you earn is a step closer to the next flight. Give the suck a purpose.

And that feeling of being overwhelmed by possibilities? That's a powerful place to be, but you gotta turn that chaos into a plan. You saw what people do. Teach English? Look up a TEFL certificate online. Work remotely? Your social work degree could translate to remote roles for international NGOs. You have skills, bro. You just need to figure out how to pack them for the road.

You feel like you're between two worlds because you are. So find other people in that space. Look for expat meetups in your city, join online groups for digital nomads. You need to talk to people who get it so you don't feel like you're going crazy.

This feeling of being lost isn't a sign you failed. It's a sign you succeeded. You went out, saw the world, and it changed you. That's the whole point. The "you" from before is gone, and that's okay. You're just getting to know the new one. The next adventure isn't a distant dream; it's a project you start working on today.

You got this, pre. The world's still out there waiting for you.

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Swimming_Cancel_6053@reddit (OP)

Wow, this really touched my heart ❤️ Thank you so much for your words! They mean a lot and give me a lot of motivation. I really appreciate it. I know transitions aren’t easy and that chasing dreams always comes with struggles. I’ll do my best and stay positive. Thank you for taking the time to write this so kindly 🙏✨

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Mr_RD@reddit

That’s a 3-day old account and likely 100% AI slop. You would have gotten the exact answer and narrative style had you put your post into ChatGPT.

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throwaway_071478@reddit

It does sound like AI. I even saw another post in this subreddit with their comment.

But generally speaking, it means that you need to change something in your life. Maybe that means moving abroad. Maybe it means something else. Something needs to change. For some people, they can find comfort in their daily life, and eventually they adjust. Others, they never do. They have one foot out the door and always keep their exit open.

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Mr_RD@reddit

I don’t disagree, but I called it out because I felt bad that OP was replying so warmly to something he thought was a genuine reply.

This AI epidemic is only going to get worse it sets a dangerous precedent for someone to reply to posts like this with AI.

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Mr_RD@reddit

100% AI slop, get a life