What Happens When the Expat Dream Calls You Home?

There is a certain romance to expat life. The allure of a foreign assignment promises adventure, professional growth, and the chance to immerse yourself in unknown cultures. Yet behind the curated photos of picturesque cityscapes and exotic landscapes lies the reality: an expat’s life is one of perpetual transition.

And sometimes, the call back to headquarters comes sooner than expected.

As the year draws to a close (where has the year gone!) - a season often marked by reflection and recalibration - some expat leaders are asked to return home. It’s a moment of duality: the professional opportunity of a lifetime meets the personal upheaval of uprooting a life carefully built abroad.

Imagine this: You have carved out a rhythm in a foreign city. Your children are thriving in international schools. You have created a sense of belonging in a community that once felt distant. And then - suddenly - the phone rings or an email from HQ is in the inbox. A new opportunity, a shifting strategy, or the simple call of home disrupts it all.

What follows is often a whirlwind: farewell dinners, packed boxes, and the heavy task of explaining to your family why their world is about to change. While you (hopefully) are still valued and employed, the transition can feel like both an ending and a beginning.

The journey back isn’t just a physical relocation; it’s an emotional one. For many, the unspoken grief of leaving behind a chapter is just as real as the excitement of starting anew. Spouses may feel the loss of a close-knit expat community. Children often struggle to adjust to environments that no longer feel familiar.

At Selion Global, we have countless conversations with executives in this situation and understand the unique challenges they face during these transitions. The goal isn’t just to adapt - it’s to ‘lead’ everyone, including you as a leader, through the changes. Some pointers:

• Reaffirm why you have been called back. Whether it’s to lead a critical initiative or shape strategy, ground yourself in the value you bring.

• Acknowledge the sacrifices your loved ones are making and prioritise your family. Create space for their voices and emotions, and celebrate this next chapter as a team.

• Remember, home isn’t just a place - it’s the mindset and connections you carry with you. The perspectives gained abroad can enrich both your personal and professional life. Consider redefining home.