Solo Expat — Three Tips to Reduce Loneliness
Easy ways to manage being single or solo overseas
Being an expat has many upsides and can be quite exciting. The ability to live, work, and explore another country and culture is what dreams are made of for those of us who are global wanderers. However, there are downsides to this life and lifestyle.
It is not often that expats share about the less glamorous side of expat life. In my case, as a single and solo expat, the challenges are not the same as a family. Being single and solo in the expat sphere, you will need to manage some emotions and feelings differently.
It is not uncommon that there is a sense of loneliness and isolation that can occur during your expat journey. Many of these feelings are normal, given you are away from your core support of family and friends.
These feelings are also part of the cycle of cultural adjustment that you might experience during the first 6–8 months of being in a new location. You might also have these feelings during the holiday periods that most resonate with you.
We all can get to a place of not having the energy or motivation to be social. But let’s face it. If you did not have an adventurous side and the confidence to do things solo and single, you would not have become an expat.
