The Backstory

To provide some context, I moved to Cyprus right after completing my studies and secured a position with an international company. This role played a pivotal role in shaping my early professional identity over six years. The social environment I was part of significantly influenced my personal growth as well. However, I felt it was time to advance further. Thus, I relocated to Austria with my partner. While she quickly secured employment, I faced a tough job search that left me borrowing money from a friend to make ends meet for nearly three months.

The Lessons

Throughout this challenging period, I learned several key insights:

1. Major life changes offer a chance for fresh starts.

   Often, we find ourselves comfortable in our routines, opting for the path of least resistance. As we settle into comfort, breaking free from established habits and thought patterns becomes increasingly difficult. However, significant life changes can push us out of our comfort zones, compelling us to confront our fears, aspirations, and expectations. This moment serves as an ideal opportunity to discard what no longer benefits us and to cultivate new habits. It encourages us to rethink our perspectives, broaden our horizons, and acquire new knowledge.

   Moving to Austria provided me with a clean slate. Without a familiar network to judge me, I could reinvent myself and explore new avenues.

   At the time of my relocation, I had exhausted my savings from Cyprus, including my relocation bonus. The necessity to borrow money was a wake-up call that motivated me to take charge of my finances. Thirteen years later, I still meticulously track my daily expenditures and make informed financial decisions, ensuring I never face financial hardships again.

2. Recognize the traits you left behind versus those you brought with you.

   This realization was enlightening. As I transitioned into a new social and professional landscape, I could easily pinpoint which habits and traits were tied to my previous environment. This clarity allowed me to distinguish between imposed expectations and my true values.

   The move illuminated the essential aspects of my role and differentiated them from those exclusive to my former company. By understanding these fundamental components, I was able to focus my career development on skills that are universally applicable.

3. My self-belief is stronger than I had realized.

   If you were to ask me about my weaknesses, confidence would likely be at the top of my list. However, reflecting on pivotal moments in my life reveals that whenever I embraced change, I possessed an unwavering belief in my ability to succeed. When faced with unexpected challenges, I tackled them head-on.

   Upon moving to Austria, I was confident I would secure employment, and I did. I confronted my social anxieties and engaged with numerous strangers while searching for an apartment. I even took on the task of renovating the entire space myself, learning through YouTube how to install floors and fit kitchens.

Conclusion

So, how did this life transition unfold? It exceeded my expectations and marked the onset of a rewarding career journey. I rediscovered my curiosity and my capacity to learn and achieve a variety of tasks. I developed new habits that have been beneficial to me ever since, and I found myself in an environment ripe for self-exploration and personal development.

I refer back to these major life changes as anchors, reminders of my confidence in my ability to thrive.

If there's one takeaway from my experience, it’s this: Never let significant changes in your life go by unnoticed. Embrace them, learn from them, and seize the new opportunities they present.