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It’s no secret that there will be a period or readjustment when after working and living for some time in a foreign country, you return home to your native land. This initial time is sometimes referred to as “re-entry,” and, much like a space shuttle re-entering the earth’s atmosphere, there are a number of hazards and obstacles needed to be met for a successful return.
Re-entry shock occurs frequently through absolutely no fault other than that the sights, sounds and smells experienced seem strange, different and, well yes, foreign to you when you thought they would not. Additionally, people to whom you were once familiar may seem like total strangers and being within their company doesn’t help your re-entry process, but seems to make you extremely uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there is no quick, correct answer to combating this “reverse shock.” You were well aware that when you went to live and work in a foreign land you would experience bits and pieces of culture shock. However, most people, when returning home if not prepared, are caught unaware becoming completely surprised – and thoroughly frustrated. Additionally, many women face a whole set of circumstances that their male counterparts may not. Traditionally, in many executive positions posted to foreign countries, the “non-working” spouse is a woman, and more likely than not a mother. Now, depending upon the nation where the family has been assigned, a woman’s role in that new country’s society can be drastically different than what existed at home. Plus, handling all the traditional chores relegated to a wife and mother may also change depending upon where one gets posted. Now, faced with the task preparing the family to return home, that wife and mother has additional burdens placed upon here that exert more emotional stress. Mom not only has to deal with the physical tasks for moving – boxing household and personal items, collecting all necessary medical and school documents, arrange for transport and all the plethora of considerations needed when making an international move – but she has the worries about how the family, collectively as well as each member – will adjust to their new home and surroundings. It’s a daunting task that even trained logistic professionals find challenging at best. Fortunately, many companies experienced with posting families in foreign lands have support systems and counselors who can be available to help guide the family through the re-entry process that will make the experience more comfortable.
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