A journey from the late 80's in Africa till now

Living in multiple countries has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional relationships. One of the biggest misconceptions people have about me is that I’m an extrovert, when in reality, I consider myself more of an introvert with some extroverted traits. I don’t like to be confined to labels, but what I’ve realized is that being an introvert who has traveled widely and embraced different cultures has made my interactions much easier. Whether personally or professionally, I can connect with people at all levels. In today’s world, where cross-cultural communication is essential, these traits are more valuable than ever.

Beyond relationships, my global experiences have also shaped my habits and ways of thinking. One of the most significant habits I’ve developed is following global news from multiple angles, often comparing how different countries or regions narrate the same events. You’d be amazed at how differently a neighboring country—or even a former colonizer country—portrays a situation. Another habit is always thinking globally, especially in professional settings. A phrase that sounds great in one language might be offensive in another where I might want to sell a product or service in the future. The well-known phrase “think global, act local” truly resonates with me, as I’ve applied it across various aspects of life—from work and networking to even dating and dancing.For those considering moving abroad, it’s important to take a step back and truly assess the decision. Ask yourself (and if applicable, your family) these critical questions:

• Is moving abroad a need or a wish?

• Am I willing to sacrifice certain things in exchange for new opportunities

• How long will I give myself to decide if I love or hate this new environment? (Remember, the honeymoon phase typically fades after 3-6 months.)

• What does this move mean for my career? Will I earn the same? Will it align with my long-term goals?

• Can I adapt to a country where the religion, language, cuisine, and people look different from what I’m used to? Can I integrate, even if I don’t agree with everything?

A practical way to evaluate these questions is to write them down, rate each answer on a scale from 1 to 10, and sum them up. I’d say you need to have a good 70% to 80% to give it an OK.  This only works if you’re honest with yourself. Self-deception won’t make an international move any easier.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned from living in different countries is this: You only know what you know, and you don’t know what you don’t know. The key is to remain intellectually curious. Explore, experience, and then decide if something aligns with you. If, after gaining understanding, you still don’t like it, that’s fine—but at least your perspective will be based on knowledge rather than ignorance.

What’s the most practical takeaway you’ve gained from working as a professional in a foreign country?