Do you know Darth Vader, the dark force in many Star Wars movies? Did you know that we all have a bit of Darth Vader? Our fears often drive us. (Some leaders move to the dark side). The Star Wars movies are full of allusions to deep psychology and how our attachments and fears form our behaviors and lives. With this post, I would like to help you understand how we are influenced by our fears and how you can change to become a Jedi.  

Fritz Riemann, a profound psychologist, established a theory based on four primary forms of anxiety (“Grundformen der Angst”). These four primary forms of angst are formed in early childhood and determine to a large extent how we behave when we are grown up. In extreme cases, these fears turn into mental illnesses. For Riemann, the Sith are schizoid, depressed, obsessive, and histrionic people. You have to be aware that even though these terms have found their way into our everyday language, the clinical spectrum of these illnesses is severe and needs treatment through therapy.

Carl Gustav Jung, another deep psychologist, discovered the “shadow.” Jung assumed that our relationships with other people are based on unconscious projections of our wishes and expectations of their behavior. According to Jung, the shadow is the part of us that we have driven into the unconscious as it was unwanted (for example, behavior as a child) as opposed to our “Persona,” which was the desired (performing) part of us. Did you ever notice that you don’t like traits in another person, and later, someone told you that you have this trait too?

Eric Berne founded transactional analysis. He used three ego states (child, adult, parent) to explain human interactions in his research. He called those interactions “transactions” because every interaction has an outcome. We either get “strokes” or other “payoffs.”  If you are a Jedi, you give others “strokes” and make them feel good about who they are. You are living by the assumption that every human being is good and that you are good, too. As a dark knight, on the other hand, you have had experiences that taught you that others misbehave, and you have been suppressed. Before you can heal, you will probably go through dark times, and you might end up dying like Darth Vader because you cannot get over your past.

We are all Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker

To speak in Star Wars terminology: You might have a bit of Darth Vader within you even though you might be a Jedi most of the time.

Like Darth Vader, we were not always bad. Some of us had negative childhood experiences and got stuck in complex post-traumatic stress disorder. You lost trust in the world because of a traumatic experience. Our education system did not help either. We were ruled by authority and we had to perform. You were punished if you did not have your homework back in the 70s and 80s. No one told you that you are great because you are creative or even because you are who you are.

You were taught to perform to make it in life. My parents had a different approach to education, but they also were young and idealistic and sometimes forgot their own children over the ones they took care of.

Today, when you watch TV or check an ad statement, you will often see a world full of existential angst or gold-coated “happy families.”

We are torn between a world to be afraid of and a world where everyone is on happy pills all the time. It’s like a world where the dark forces rule and where the Sith have won. Everywhere.

Could you still become a Jedi?

What if you decided that you did not want to be ruled by fear and anxiety?

What if you wanted to be a light and inspire others to stay “good” or on their mission?

What if you could be Luke Skywalker or Princess Leia Organa?

Become a Global Jedi

I published my newest book, “The Global Rockstar Album: 21 Verses to Find Your Tact as an Inclusive Leader,” in October. It’s the basis for our coaching and how we support you in getting your voice heard and your global team on board for purpose, productivity, and performance.

You see, the Jedis confront their fears all the time. They deal with them. They do what they are afraid to do and fight evil step-by-step. They don’t stop. They sometimes take a break to train or to collect force. They retreat to be able to focus on their mission again.

Real change happens only through taking action. You start by confronting what you are afraid of. You go into the dark tunnel and the abyss of your soul. You dive deep into the black sea of concern and unconscious. There, you will find the monsters, the Sith, the evil you must handle. It would be best if you worked through those with a light-saber. You tackle one relationship after the next relationship. You go through them all. All your fears, projections, shadows. I’ll stay by your side like Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Cherish the people who criticize you, but don’t let their criticism stop you from what you think is right.

Stay on your path. Be a lighthouse in a darker-looking world. Join the force now.

REQUEST YOUR FREE ACCOUNT ON THE ROCKMEAPP!

Please book an appointment with me if you would like to learn more about your current struggles and how to move forward.

https://calendly.com/angieweinberger

Contact me:

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The Global Rockstar Album

This self-help book is designed to assist you during the transition by addressing both practical and psychological aspects. I aim to provide valuable guidance for navigating transition challenges holistically as if you had me as your Expat Coach. 

Resources:

How to understand & heal your trauma: Gabor Maté, M.D. | mbg Podcast

Interview with Ed Cohen on the 3 I’s of Expat Partner Challenges – Isolation, Identity, and Influence

NewInZurich https://newinzurich.com/2020/06/expats-and-covid-19-five-steps-to-avoid-burn-out/

Ana Margarida Forte Interview https://anchor.fm/agora-podcast–radio/episodes/PODCAST-INTERNATIONAL-Serie-2-5-WorldWild-Ana-Margarida-Forte-with–Angie-Weinberger-talking-about-mental-health-eoi3uf

Looking at the whole family in the expatriation process

The Importance of Looking at the Whole Family in the Expatriation Process will raise Global Mobility to the Next Level

Getting out of the November Blues

Expats and COVID 19 – Five Steps To Avoid Burn Out

Returning to your home country after living abroad can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience. If you are repatriating from the USA or other countries to Germany (or Switzerland), you might have forgotten how real life in Germany is. You also will have to acknowledge that the country and culture have changed a lot since you left over twenty years ago. 

The Emotional Challenges of Repatriation

Repatriation can bring a wave of mixed emotions. After spending a significant amount of time in a different country, it’s common to feel a sense of disorientation upon returning home. You may experience a range of emotions, from excitement and happiness to sadness and loss. It’s important to acknowledge and accept these emotions as a normal part of the repatriation process.

One of the biggest emotional challenges of repatriation is the feeling of not belonging. You may find yourself caught between two worlds, feeling like a foreigner in your own country. This can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness. It’s important to remember that these feelings are temporary and will gradually fade as you readjust to your old life.

Another emotional challenge is the fear of losing the sense of adventure and freedom that comes with living abroad. You may worry that returning home will be boring and mundane compared to the excitement of exploring new cultures and experiences. However, it’s important to reframe your mindset and see repatriation as an opportunity for growth and new experiences in your home country.

Lastly, repatriation can also bring a sense of grief and loss. You may miss the friends, connections, and experiences you had while living abroad. It’s normal to feel a sense of longing and nostalgia for the life you left behind. However, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of returning home and embrace the new opportunities that await you. If you would like to read more about the emotional challenges, we recommend the book The Art of Coming Back Home by Craig Storti or reading this article. 

Understanding the Stages of Repatriation

To navigate the emotional rollercoaster of repatriation, it’s helpful to understand the stages that many expats go through. These stages can vary from person to person, but they generally follow a similar pattern.

The first stage is the honeymoon phase. This is the initial period after returning home when everything feels exciting and new. You’re happy to be back and eager to reconnect with loved ones. However, this phase can be short-lived, and soon you may find yourself facing the challenges of readjustment.

The second stage is the negotiation phase. This is when reality starts to set in, and you begin to realize that things may not be as easy as you initially thought. You may feel frustrated and overwhelmed by the differences between your old and new life. It’s important to be patient with yourself during this phase and give yourself time to adapt.

The third stage is the adjustment phase. This is when you start to find your footing and establish a sense of routine in your old life. You may still have moments of nostalgia and longing for your expat life, but overall, you begin to feel more settled and comfortable.

The final stage is the acceptance phase. This is when you fully embrace your new life and feel a sense of belonging in your home country. You may still have occasional moments of longing for your expat life, but overall, you feel content and fulfilled in your new chapter.

It’s important to remember that these stages are not linear and can overlap or repeat. Everyone’s repatriation journey is unique, and it’s okay to experience a mix of emotions at different stages.

Vanessa Paisley even defined the 5-V model of repatriation (Vacation – Victim – Verify – Victory – Value) which I find very good to illustrate what you will go through when “coming home”.

Seven Tips for Managing the Emotional Rollercoaster

Managing the emotional rollercoaster of repatriation requires self-awareness, patience, and resilience. Here are seven tips to help you navigate the ups and downs of returning home:

1 – Build a Support Network

One big thing to do when coming back to your home country is to make a group of people who can help you. These could be friends, family, or others who are also coming back. Being part of groups online or in person with people who have similar experiences can be helpful too. For example, you can share your repatriation experience through a blog or journal to connect with others going through a similar process. This group of people can make you feel like you belong and give you advice as you face challenges while coming back home. What also helps is a repatriation agreement with your employer. Make sure that you understand the conditions of your repatriation and what kind of support you can expect before embarking on your journey. If you’re struggling with the emotional aspects of repatriation, consider seeking support from a therapist or a coach who specializes in cross-cultural issues. Apps like Headspace and Calm can help you manage stress and anxiety during the adjustment period. Attend local festivals, concerts, and events to immerse yourself in the culture back again.

2 – Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to set realistic expectations for your repatriation experience. Understand that it may take time to readjust to your old life and that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions. Avoid comparing your repatriation journey to others and focus on your progress. Give yourself permission to take things one step at a time and celebrate small victories along the way. We all tend to idealize our home country when we only come back for vacation and home leave. You must remember that times also have progressed in Germany and that it might not be the same country you left twenty years ago. For example, in many companies, Germans say “Du” now whereas “Sie” was prevalent back at the turn of the century. 

3 – Explore New Opportunities

Repatriation doesn’t mean the end of your adventures. Embrace the opportunity to explore new things in your home country. Rediscover your hometown through a fresh perspective, try new hobbies or activities, and seek out growth opportunities. By embracing new experiences, you can find excitement and fulfillment in your repatriation journey. You also might need to look for a new role or your spouse will have to find a new job in Germany. If this is the case you could consider working with an Expat Coach or exploring opportunities through your professional network. While the rest of the world is hooked on LinkedIn, many Germans still use XING for networking and job searching.

4 – Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Well-being

Self-care is crucial during the emotional rollercoaster of repatriation. Take time to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Practice mindfulness or meditation to help manage stress and anxiety. Reach out for professional help if needed, such as therapy or counseling, to support your emotional well-being.

5 – Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you find yourself struggling to cope with the emotional challenges of repatriation, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. We can provide you with tools and strategies to navigate the ups and downs of returning home. They can help you process your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and support you on your repatriation journey. Review my article on the five main challenges of repatriation.

https://globalpeopletransitions.com/handle-your-repatriation/

6 – Check Language Requirements for Your Family Members

If you married a non-German during your international assignment or stay abroad it’s essential to carefully review the language requirements for your family members. Germany places considerable importance on language proficiency, particularly in German, as it facilitates integration and communication within the society. Adequate language skills can greatly enhance their experience and opportunities in their new home. Depending on the specific visa or residency pathway, there might be varying language requirements, so ensuring your family members meet these criteria will contribute to a smoother transition and successful settlement in Germany.

7 – Enjoy the Ride

Repatriation is a unique and personal experience that can bring a mix of emotions. By understanding the stages of repatriation and implementing the tips mentioned in this article, you can navigate the emotional rollercoaster with grace and resilience. Remember to be patient with yourself, seek support when needed, and embrace the new opportunities that await you in your home country. Repatriation may have its ups and downs, but with the right mindset and support, you can successfully transition back to your old life and create a fulfilling and meaningful future.

Listen to interviews and podcasts on these topics here:

Podcasts and Interviews

Here’s the thing with social media. Everyone keeps telling you that you must be on social media to develop your brand, but what nobody is telling you when you are a newbie is how much work it takes to develop a personal brand on social media. I’m not talking about being featured on posts that your employer (and their big marketing team and budget) developed to attract more clients. I’m talking about you and me as human beings. We thought about your struggle and came up with the Social Media Newbie Series for Global Nomads to help you understand LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, but we got stuck in the detail ourselves and I realized from the questions you are asking that you might still wonder: 

What for? 

Is it worth my time and money? 

So, I thought that today we should take a step back and revisit why it is worth having a digital media presence and share with you my top seven killer tips for job seekers and solopreneurs (and those of you who share my vision of becoming digital global nomads).

As a Career Coach, I have encountered job seekers and freelancers, who still believe that they can thrive in today’s world without a digital presence. In short, they refuse social and professional networking as they feel they will be stalked or annoyed by others. I started with online networking on XING in 2004. Before that “networking” for me meant only person-to-person (or IRL – in real life if you are my age and don’t know what IRL means). 

I would regularly have lunch with different internal and external colleagues to find out about what is going on in their line of work. In the early millennium, the lunch date roster was your “dance card” and showed how popular you were.

It was almost embarrassing to lunch alone and if you were booked for several weeks this meant you had made it. It was part of the culture of that organization, but networking helped me to understand background stories, build trust, and get support on a variety of topics. I still prefer lunch dates over any type of online interaction, but as a creator, I have more influence and a bigger circle to reach out to if I leverage my online network too.

Remember that in Germany, Switzerland, and other “Coconut” cultures we tend to be very task-focused and have to invest in building relationships. (Yes, it takes us a lot of energy to get out of that Coconut-Face.)

If I look back, I also pulled my team members, trainers, providers, and friends from my network. The network expanded to external contacts and it got harder to maintain when I left Frankfurt for Zurich, but I started to build a new network, which helped me to build and maintain a start-up in a rather difficult economic environment. If I was looking for a full-time role now, I would certainly try and source it through my network. If I am looking to hire an intern, designer, or specialist I am going to rely on my network. We are teaching the idea of leveraging your network to find a job in Switzerland rather than only applying online in our HireMeExpress program.

I know that you might be afraid to put yourself out there and have people laughing at you trolling you or giving you negative feedback and comments. How do you even deal with that when you are already fragile and full of self-doubt daily?

Would it help you if I told you that I still go through the same fear and anxiety? Would it help you if I said: Yes, there are weird people on the Internet and many of them just want your money…but what if 10% of those following you, reading you, hearing you need to hear exactly what you have to say? What if there is one person out there who like me lost half of their family in a tragic accident and thought they would never, ever recover from that? What if one woman that you speak to just lost her child or her husband and needs to hear that it will be okay and that you are there for her? What if one person is listening to you who is about to kill themselves because they are so desperate and you tell them that they are loved and they hear that and they reconsider?

What if what you have to say is important for one person only?

Don’t you think it’s worth it?

Don’t you think it is worth half an hour of your time?

Remember that you are loved, you are safe, and you are among friends here. 

1) Focus on Your Followers

In all likelihood, you will meet most of your followers on LinkedIn if you are in a professional field like banking, accounting, or human resources. If you are a creative writer, you might want to focus on Twitter because this is where readers will gather their information. On the other hand, if you provide makeup tips in short videos you should focus on Instagram or YouTube. Try not to overwhelm yourself by joining all platforms at once. 

2) Develop A Digital Home

In times of social media, it is hard to understand why you need to have your digital home. Imagine it this way: When you are on Twitter it is like you are attending a huge networking event where you exchange information with colleagues and potential clients. If you want them to look at the information (“content”) that you produce you have to invite them to your “home”. And when you host a party at your place you have to give people directions on how to find you and a good reason to party with you. When you go to a party you don’t expect to be asked to buy something or pay for your beer, right? So, when you start out you would probably provide some of your content for free until you have a followership. Then you can move to a membership model. A membership model mastermind is Stu McLaren.

3) Build Trust First

The Internet is full of offers and scams. Before anyone wants to give you their email ID and bank details you will need to have their trust. You can develop trust by being a helpful source of information and by solving people’s problems. You can also build trust by being personable and by avoiding any sales touch in your content and copywriting. You can provide helpful advice and invite people to join your party, but you need to remember that building trust online is a step-by-step process that takes mastery. You can follow Amy Porterfield and Ash Ambirge for further advice.

4) Reduce Self-Promotion

Instead of promoting yourself, you should promote other people’s work. If you help others you will not come across as a big-headed egomaniac, but as someone who cares about people. There is a point where you can also show your work, but it needs to be in the context of solving a problem for your followers. For example, they might need a checklist or a how-to guide that you can provide when you often hear them ask you the same questions. I read that there is an 80/20-rule where 80% of the posts should be valuable content, and 20% you should promote your brand. So, in the case of your brand, you should talk about your work, what you have achieved, and other stuff related to your greatness for about 20% of your posts.

5) Curate Content

A retweet does not always mean that you endorse the opinion of the tweeter, but at least you can verify that the information is genuine and up-to-date and that links are working. If you are like me, you probably don’t read everything you would like to read, but you know where to find trusted sources and where to be skeptical.

6) Encourage Others to Have a Voice

I know many people who suffer from “imposter syndrome” and who are modest. It helps once in a while when you tell others that their work is helpful and that you are reading their updates or their input. Instead of expecting others to support you, you can do a lot more to support others. Be a giver on social media. Learn why this is important by reading and following Adam M. Grant.

7) Charge Your Purpose Batteries

A Digital Presence is great. If people deal with you in real life or on a call, they should be positively surprised by your genuine interest in them. One of the reasons for the lack of trust nowadays is that everyone is putting their interest in front. Many people have a hard time accepting support because they are not used to free help. They are used to being cheated and pulled over the table and you want to stand out. Charge your purpose batteries and get very clear on your purpose, and one-sentence mission, and become a real giver.

Providing Psychological Safety in a BANI World

The present war in Ukraine has reminded us how our world’s stability is all but relative and fragile. Just another sign of this BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear, Incomprehensible) World. As if the humanitarian situation in Ukraine was not enough in itself, the rest of Europe and the world will definitely feel the earthquake aftershocks because of our ever-growing interconnectedness that condemns us all to food and energy security failures and negative impact on general trade. 

The sheer size of the catastrophe is a major factor that contributes to the prevailing anxiety and adds to the confusing complexity of our nonlinear world: the multiple causes and impacts (even the yet unforeseen consequences that will or could eventually occur). The overflow of information (information, disinformation, as well as misinformation) and the growing complexity of our world render this situation and the whole world more difficult to comprehend, predict, and control.

The BANI World

Jamais Cascio, the author who coined “BANI world” wrote “[a] sizable share of those of us who work in the field of imagining the future often struggle with […] a difficulty in seeing our world in anything other than an apocalyptic frame. It’s not because we want it this way, but because other framings seem inadequate or false. The danger of this urge is that it can easily become a trigger for surrender, a slipstream into despair. Through all this, we believe that we can do something to improve the situation, and if not the whole wide world’s situation, at least our own.”

According to Cascio, “For each problematic aspect of our BANI world, there is maybe not so much a solution, but a way to react, that might help us and others better manage the situation itself and our emotions and stress that ensues from it. When something is brittle, it requires capacity and resilience. When we feel anxious, we need empathy and mindfulness. Non-linear circumstances need context and adaptivity. And what are incomprehensible calls for transparency and intuition? Everyone can do their share and extend empathy and mindfulness. As for context and transparency, we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to verify the veracity of the information they share (may it be in person or on social media). This contributes to limiting the misinformation impacting our confusion and anxiety.”

A year ago, the concept of BANI was just that. A concept. Today, it’s a reality that we all feel in our bodies. You might have woken up last week with a taste of iron in your mouth. The earth might have felt a bit shaky when you went out after you heard about the invasion of Ukraine or the Hamaz attack in Israel.

A few days later you might be lying in your bed crying, feeling like you can’t face another day in this world. You went through all the phases of grief described by Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross in her famous book On Death and Dying (1969).

If you have never seen a difference between something that you understand with your mind, but not with your body then this is your next leadership lesson. For example, I was able to explain “intercultural leadership” or “transactional analysis” in my late 20ies but I only experienced body sensations in my late 30ies. 

I knew for a long time that there are people who are relationship-oriented, rather than task-oriented, but I only experienced this when I went to India back in 2006. 

Last week I went from shocked to angry to crisis mode. My German default took over. I gave (friendly) orders, and advice and pushed an agenda for providing psychological safety in this situation. Today I’m ready to grieve and process. For most of last week, I felt pain in my back and my shoulders. This is a trigger, a body sensation I know too well. It’s a mix of feeling overwhelmed and anxious, feeling left alone with the burden of responsibility and having to stand up and do it anyway. Even if your voice is shaking, even if you are criticized, even if you are told to keep in your lane, and despite the inner critic that tells you: “This will not end well.” and the inner Gollum (your worry monster) who also tells you “We’re all gonna die anyway, so why bother”. 

Here are five practices for your own psychological safety and to practice failure culture.

They also help your people stand up for what they believe in, have a voice, and be heard. 

1 – The Daily Fail

My great friend Inge Nitsche, CEO and Chair of Expatise Academy is using a “memotrainer” and the way it works is that you are continuously asked questions until you get them right. The retention of this kind of training is exponentially higher than other training methods as people are told that their MISTAKES ARE GOOD. 

The more you get wrong, the faster you fail, and the higher your improvement score and learning curve. Yes, this is frustrating, but it works. And I believe that I would like to practice that now. Because: As I recently told one of you “We’re not in high school anymore.”

I admit that I failed at giving psychological safety and it made me consider what I could do to role model the behavior behind it and how I could approach this topic with a growth mindset. I am working on an experiment I would like to share with you: Every day, I am allowing myself to admit one fail by saying or writing it down. Then I correct the mistake or I try to understand where I was wrong or on the wrong path. This is hard, because I’m used to being in an “Expert” role and it is very unusual behavior in a FEAR CULTURE but I will try it anyway, because if I allow myself to make mistakes and to correct mistakes, then others will see that it is okay to show that you are not perfect and that learning only happens in an environment where it is okay to fail even if it is just in small doses.

2 – The Broken Record 

Another experiment is the “Broken Record”. If I identify an issue that needs change, I will address the issue again and again, especially when I feel that I had not been heard in the past. This way, through repetition, I will either learn that I was wrong about my assumptions OR if I was right that maybe other people learn in a different way and that I need to give them the time to catch up. 

It’s also helpful to address the issues that you wish to flag at various angles and find friends that you trust who will help you spread the message.

3 – The Daily Agile

You probably know that this is one of my principles and for a long time one of my priorities because I am also a fan of the Agile Manifesto. So, I usually prioritize my clients over anyone else, but I also prioritize people over processes and tasks. This principle helps to focus on what is important at the moment. If you are unsure whether you should draft a contract, update your HR System, or listen to an anxious colleague or team member and you apply the agile manifesto you never doubt yourself. Follow your inner guidance here.

4 – The ZEN Workspace

Without order outside there is no order within. Working from home a lot we now keep our home even cleaner than before and maintain a few ZEN practices to ensure that order is maintained on a daily basis. You can apply ZEN practices to your workspace, your desktop, your data, your filing system, and your KANBAN. If you get overwhelmed by chaos, you can always work on your system and find a system or backup plan that supports you. It could even be a paper binder or a laminated checklist. Make it a habit to clean up every day. Keep order outside and clear your clutter regularly. I find this usually gives me peace and calm. Even folding the laundry or cleaning my shoes can help there.

5 – The Rollercoaster

When I get up in the morning thinking “This will be a quiet day and I can finally get a bit of admin done” there’s a high probability that the day will end up with laser swords, magic wands, and fighting the dark force. We can handle many things when we are centered and calm, but it’s better to be prepared at any time when the next crisis is just around the corner. Charge your smartphone. Pack a backpack. Wear comfortable clothes. Get fit. Be ready to run.

“Do or do not. There is no try.” 

YODA

This is now a chapter in “The Global Rockstar Album”.

The Global Rockstar Album

TCKs Have an Expanded Understanding of the World

Research has clearly demonstrated that TCKs are more tolerant of other people, their beliefs, and cultures because of their broader world views. This allows them to build relationships with all cultural backgrounds, which makes them great international assets as professionals. However, They Can Suffer From Identity Crises

A person’s self-esteem and identity are intrinsically linked to their attachment to the social constructs of culture, the sense of belonging that comes from such an attachment can often be lacking in TCKs, given that they are uprooted from their origin culture at a young age and thus they can become culturally “homeless” if their transition into the new culture is not smooth.

Often, the reverse can happen as well, with the TCK adjusting smoothly to the new culture but becoming alien to the original one. This fear is something expat parents frequently bring up with me and I always suggest that parents try to maintain a link between their children and the culture of their homeland. A great way to do that is through books, particularly those that spark the imagination of inquisitive young children. In fact, Cukibo has a range of delightful and enchanting books geared specifically for expat children that will help them learn and remember what makes their home culture so wonderful. Do read more about this series, it is called Journey to Another Homeland.

TCK’s Identity Issues Lead to  Difficulties

These identity issues, at such a critical time of psychological development, can lead to further problems down the road for TCKs. They have trouble adjusting to adult life as the feeling of not having roots like those with cultural “stability” can lead to frustration and a further loss of self-esteem. Their values can be compromised as well, particularly if the home and expat cultures have complementary cultures.

TCKs Develop Excellent Intercultural Competence

That is solely due to how Global Mobility has changed in recent decades. Previously, most expats moved once, overseas, and built a life there. That is no longer the case, with expats moving multiple times and bonding with more and more diverse people. It is not uncommon for TCKs now to belong to 3 or more cultures, and as part of their upbringing, they develop the capacity to function effectively across national, ethnic, and organizational cultures.

TCKs Also Boost Global Mobility

Surveys have shown that TCKs retain a desire to travel and move once they reach adulthood. Their professional careers, consequently, have a focus on international travel and mobility. The influx of these ATCKs into professional spheres is pushing greater mobility and emphasis on the international aspects of their development: multilingualism, high cultural intelligence, and sensitivity.

There is no denying that TCKs face the kind of challenges that non-expat children do and by overcoming those challenges, they grow up into the kind of three-dimensional and evolved professionals and human beings that are slowly ushering the world into a new era of globalism and open-mindedness.

Schools are also taking the TCK’s into account more and more. You can read more about how international recruiters can solve family education and support internationally mobile families here.