Moving to another city/country

I was always curious what it feels like to move to another country as I have many friends who is now living abroad. Having born and raised and lived in Jakarta for more than 40 years, last year I decided to take a big leap by moving to another city, a dreamland actually, as Bali has been my second home and I have always dreamed of living in Bali.

So I did, and it only lasted 4 months. There are many factors despite the fact that living away from my kids was tough. I planned to take my son this year, but Bali apparently is not a place if you don’t ride motorbike as almost no public transportation there. I said almost because actually there is but very limited, both area and number wise.

After I moved back to Jakarta, a friend who is thinking of moving to Bali asked me what failed me, and whether I think it will work for her. I can not say whether it will work for her or not, as I don’t know her expectation, but then I came up with something to consider if you are thinking to move to another city/country.

1. Manage your expectation. Basically no expectation is best. A friend once said “expectation steal half or your happiness”. In my case it’s true. I expect to have a more interesting social life in Bali as in Jakarta my life is basically between home and office and traffic in between. There’s little chance for me to do something else after work, as traffic is crazy. On weekend all I want to do is spending time with my kids or resting at home. In Bali I thought I can do something after work, the reality showed the opposite. I was stuck in office, be it working or just waiting for my colleague to finish working then go home together. I did not bother going home alone as our house was located in the middle of rice field with no neighbor and I did not feel like being home all alone. Going out will cost me as I worked and lived in the south of Bali which takes an hour to the nearest lively place.

2. Know your resources. If you already know your expectation, find out how you’re gonna fill it. For example you want a social life, what kind of social life? If it is cultural events, find our what cultural events available there, where, how to get there. Cultural events was something that I also missed in Bali as rarely there was one, and when there was it was too far. If you like meeting new friends, find out what community exist in the area you will live. In short know what you want, where you can get it, and how to get it.

3. Be flexible. Even if you know what you want, be open of something that might come up. In my case, I could’ve learned how to ride motorbike, or move to another area which is more lively or where there is public transport or I can walk.

I think that’s from my short experience. Anyone who has moved and lived in another city or country want to share experience?