05/01/2024
My story of cultural transitions 🌍
My name is Vera. 🌍 I am a Professional Expat Coach & Psychologist and I am international, probably just like you! 🌐 I offer specialized help to my expat clients in the areas of dealing with stress, culture shock and job anxiety, seeking and building a career and support networks abroad . 🤝
My story begins in Hungary where I was born and raised. 🇭🇺 Now, I am living in Spain after spending five years in the Netherlands. 🇳🇱 Many countries, many challenges, and a lot of stress. 😅 So, what happened along the way?
I used to be a perfectionist but a very sensitive person. 🌟 I always aimed to excel in school and have a strong social circle. 📚 I put a lot of pressure on myself, which led to increased anxiety during my studies. 💔 I spent years in counseling. 🛋️ On paper, I had everything – a loving family, an acknowledged university degree in psychology, and many friends. 🎓 However, I was not walking on my unique path. 🚶♀️ I knew that I could not continue like this, so I decided to go on a two-month adventure to Amsterdam to volunteer. 🌷
Well, this adventure lasted almost five years. ⏳ I met my Dutch husband during this period and decided to give up my life at home and move to the Netherlands. 🇳🇱
I started from the bottom, faced stereotypes, cleaned in a hotel to finance my studies, learned the language, and applied for 80 professional jobs. 💼 But in the end, I got it – a good job, a good salary, and even the opportunity to specialize further in coaching. 🙌
Living abroad was the best thing that could have happened to me when it comes to exploring the values I stand for and walking my path. 🌈 But the challenges I faced also increased.
Through self-discovery and stress management, I realized that I have to choose what fits me despite cultural and societal expectations. 🌟 So, we took off and left to start a new life in Spain in order to fulfill our core values and live a life where we honor those values. 🇪🇸
What about you? How is it going in your life? 🌺