Don’t Make These Mistakes When Moving Back to Sierra Leone

Returning to Sierra Leone? Three Lessons to Keep in Mind

Moving back to Sierra Leone after living in the West can be both exciting and overwhelming. You may be looking forward to reconnecting with your roots, but also worried about the challenges that come with settling back into your home country. Here are three important lessons to keep in mind as you make your transition:

Don’t sell your property in the West; rent it out instead.
One of the biggest mistakes returnees make is to sell their property in the West to fund their move back to Sierra Leone. However, this can be a costly mistake in the long run. Property values tend to appreciate over time, and by selling your property, you may be missing out on potential gains. Instead, consider renting out your property and using the income to fund your expenses in Sierra Leone. This will not only provide you with a steady stream of income but also give you a foothold in both places, which can be reassuring during the transition.

Expect a long transition and keep expenses low in the West.
Moving back to Sierra Leone is not a one-time event; it’s a long-term process that requires patience and planning. You may find yourself going back and forth between Sierra Leone and the West, especially during the early stages of your transition. During this time, it’s important to keep your expenses in the West as low as possible so you have enough funds to cover your expenses in Sierra Leone. For example, consider renting out a room in your home and keeping one room for yourself. This will help cover your mortgage and give you a place to stay when you visit the West.

Fully enjoy Sierra Leone!
Finally, make the most of your return to Sierra Leone by fully embracing the local culture and way of life. Life in Sierra Leone can be affordable and enjoyable, especially if you have a modest budget. Consider hiring a chef, chauffeur, and cleaner to help with daily tasks, so you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings and figuring out how you can truly be useful in Sierra Leone. This is a great opportunity to explore different career or business opportunities in the country and to find your niche in the local market. Whether you have a particular skill set or are open to learning something new, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference and contribute to the local economy. From starting a small business to volunteering with local organizations, there are many ways to use your talents and resources to benefit the people of Sierra Leone. So take some time to explore the possibilities and discover how you can make a positive impact in your new home.

Returning to Sierra Leone is an adventure that can be both challenging and rewarding. By keeping these three lessons in mind, you can make the most of your transition and build a fulfilling life in your home country. Enjoy your journey and remember to #LoveSierraLeone and #LoveLife.

If you’d like to share your stories here please email rmyillah@ifdsl.org