Examining the problems and pitfalls of expatriation

Expatriation nowadays is portrayed as the answer to higher salaries, a lower cost of living, success in business, a more glamorous lifestyle, loneliness and even the search to find the perfect partner, but what happens when it all goes wrong?

Annual surveys of expat destinations form essential reading for those determined to grasp a new life with both hands, with many expats certain they’ve found heaven on earth, others not so sure and just a few wishing they’d never left the home country. Motivations for relocating seem to concentrate on the financial aspect, whether it’s to be able to live the high life or to afford a slightly better life than back at home. Interestingly, most advertorials for specific countries seem to concentrate on the magic amount of 1,000 US dollars monthly as the break point between comfort and penury.

Some expats get it right, perhaps more by luck than judgement, such as the marketing consultant who dumped her high salary for a villa on Bali and a new career as a life coach. Expat professionals heading for low-cost Vietnam or Mexico are also on the right track, whilst retirees living the Greek or Italian lifestyle find it hard to make ends meet. For others, a move down under wasn’t the best idea they’d ever had due to the expense of Oz and Kiwi everything, leaving repatriation as their only option. According to most surveys, health, climate and adventure are the most-given reasons for becoming expats, with financial reasons low on the list.

Employers’ recent moves to use localised expat packages dependent on a permanent move isn’t helping would-be expats make the right choice, with those still on the old-style generous packages now totalling only 50 per cent and shrinking fast. Another problem is the expected spend in order to take part in the implicit expat lifestyle including eating out every night, drinking and taking expensive holidays. Whatever expats find to do with their increased wealth, the novelty can soon wear off, leaving the necessity of a rethink about where to go and what to do next.