This is my second experience living abroad and I can tell you, time does not make it easier. I moved to Dubai in February of 2012 and went back home a short year and a half later. I never felt like it was my home or that I had any attachments whatsoever keeping me there. Me and M always agreed – even though we didn’t have a time frame tapped to our minds – that we would stay until it made sense. For me it almost never did. I was having constant doubts and insecurities about being there, never wanted to do different things or leave the house and people are extremely detached.
Now coming to New York City has been a whole different experience. First of all, I cried like a baby saying goodbye to my family. When I hugged my father I started sobbing and, that didn’t happen when I went to Dubai. I had a feeling that this would be a more permanent situation and a place I could really live in. Secondly, my mother also cried, which is something she normally skips – that was hard.
Now, we’re learning how to work our way around this huge city/state/country. Takes time to find your place, your things, your routine and you may never find it as it is back home, but what counts is the adventure you will get to tell, the stories you’re going to go through and the feeling you get that you’re making something for yourself.
(You can also read Things you learn from your 20’s to your 25’s)