Surviving and Thriving: Lessons from Moving, Networking, and Laughing at Myself

Insights: Real-life lessons from my journey
What I wish I Knew Before Moving to Japan

When I packed my bags to move abroad, I thought I was ready for anything. I’d done my homework—watched the travel vlogs, read all the “10 Things You Should Know” articles, and practiced my “local” phrases. Turns out, life had a few curveballs waiting for me.

Here’s what I wish someone had pulled me aside to say before I made the leap—lessons learned the hard way, with a few laughs (and maybe tears) along the way.

Adaptation is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

I walked into my new life thinking, “Give me three months, and I’ll be blending in like a local.” Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen. I had days where I’d feel on top of the world, followed by days where I couldn’t figure out how to buy a bus ticket.

Here’s the truth: adapting takes time. You’ll mess up—maybe a lot. (Like the time I confidently bowed to shake someone’s hand… don’t ask.) But those awkward moments? They’re where you grow. So, give yourself grace. It’s not about getting it right every time; it’s about learning something every time.

Job Hunting Has a Personality All Its Own

If you think job hunting is tough where you are, try doing it in a country where you don’t fully understand the workplace culture yet. When I moved to Japan, I learned that the resume format is very specific, and the interview style? Way more formal than what I was used to.

In some countries, it’s about selling yourself as the best candidate. In others, it’s more about showing you’ll fit the team. The best advice? Research like crazy and then network like your career depends on it—because it probably does. Also, never underestimate the power of a good LinkedIn profile and a well-timed “Nice to meet you!”

Culture Shock: The Sneaky Stuff Gets You

Everyone warns you about culture shock, but no one tells you how sneaky it is. Sure, I expected the big things—language barriers, different holidays, that sort of stuff. But what really threw me off were the small, daily surprises.

In Japan, I had no idea how to handle after-work drinking parties. Was I supposed to go every time? Was it a test? (Answer: kind of, yes.) In other places, it might be how people communicate—or don’t—about deadlines or expectations. It’s the little things that catch you off guard. And you know what? That’s okay. It keeps life interesting.

Making Friends Is Like Dating Without the Apps

Making friends abroad isn’t as easy as just showing up. I thought being “the foreigner” would make me an instant curiosity. Turns out, you have to put in the work.

Join a hobby group, say yes to the awkward coffee invites, and for the love of everything, learn how to ask, “What are your hobbies?” in the local language. Eventually, you’ll find your people. It might take time, but those connections? They’re worth every awkward conversation.

Your Weirdness Is Your Secret Weapon

When I first moved abroad, I tried so hard to blend in that I might as well have been camouflaged. I thought being “different” was a bad thing. Then I realized—being different is your superpower.

You see things locals don’t, and you offer perspectives others can’t. Maybe you’ll suggest a fresh idea at work that surprises everyone, or maybe you’ll become the go-to expert on whatever it is you’re really good at. Don’t be afraid to own your uniqueness. It’s why you’ll stand out—in the best way.

Moving abroad is messy, exhilarating, and a little bit chaotic. You’ll laugh at yourself, cry over small wins (like figuring out the bus system), and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

So if you’re thinking about taking the leap, here’s my advice: embrace the weirdness, laugh through the awkwardness, and remember—you’re writing a story you’ll tell for years to come.

Strategies: Actional tips to develop skills and adapt
How to Build a Professional Network Abroad

Ah, networking—possibly the most nerve-wracking yet necessary part of building your career in a new country. If you’re anything like me when I first moved to Japan, your initial strategy might involve nervously lingering at events, clutching a cup of coffee, and praying someone talks to you first. Spoiler alert: that’s not how you build a network.

Here’s what I wish I had figured out sooner about meeting the right people abroad:

1. Start with Common Ground
   Moving abroad can feel isolating, but it’s also a superpower. You’re not just another face in the crowd; you’re the interesting new person! Use that to your advantage. Whether it’s language classes, expat meetups, or hobby groups, start where you share something in common. It’s way easier to connect when you both love playing board games or are struggling to conjugate verbs in the local language.

2. Make It About Them
   I’ll be honest—at first, I approached networking like a job interview. "How can you help me?" is not the vibe you want to give off. Instead, show genuine interest in others. Ask about their experiences, their journey, and their tips for living and working in the country. People love to talk about themselves (don’t we all?), and you’ll learn way more this way.

3. Say Yes (Even When You Don’t Want To)
   You’ll be invited to things that seem like a terrible idea: a potluck with strangers, a business seminar in a language you barely understand, or karaoke with coworkers. Say yes. (Okay, maybe not to all karaoke.) These are the moments where relationships are built. Showing up matters more than you think, and you’ll be surprised by who you meet.

4. Digital First Impressions Count
   Let’s not forget LinkedIn, the introvert’s best friend. Update your profile, add a friendly note when you connect, and share insights or interesting articles. You never know who might reach out—I've made meaningful connections online that led to career opportunities I didn’t see coming.

5. Follow Up, But Not Like a Creep
   After meeting someone, send a quick follow-up message to thank them or share something relevant to your conversation. Think “friendly and professional,” not “I’m now your new best friend, reply ASAP.”

6. Be Patient (and Persistent)
   Building a professional network abroad isn’t a one-and-done task. It takes time, especially when you’re adjusting to a new culture. But the key is to keep showing up—whether it’s at events, online, or just through casual catch-ups.

Through trial and (plenty of) error, I’ve learned that networking isn’t about collecting business cards or adding another LinkedIn connection. It’s about building genuine relationships with people who inspire, challenge, and support you.

And hey, if all else fails, there’s always karaoke.

Stories: Humbling, funny, and inspiring anecdotes
The Time I Got Lost in Translation During an Interview

Let me set the scene: It’s my first job interview in Japan. I’ve been studying Japanese for a year, I’ve practiced answering every imaginable question in the language, and I’m dressed to impress. I walk into the room, smile confidently, and then… disaster strikes.

The interviewer asks me a question that I absolutely do not understand. Not even a little. I panic. My mind races through my (limited) vocabulary, trying to find anything that might match the sounds I just heard. Finally, I decide to go with my gut and say something polite but generic, like, “はい、頑張ります！” (“Yes, I’ll do my best!”).

The interviewer gives me a long, puzzled look. Turns out they were asking what I do in my free time.

This moment was only the beginning of a series of hilarious missteps in my early career. Like the time I accidentally used a super formal phrase to a colleague at a casual lunch, making it sound like I was writing a business email in real-time. Or the time I confidently nodded through an entire meeting, only to realize halfway through that I was supposed to give input.

But here’s the thing: these moments taught me some of the most valuable lessons about communication.

1. It’s Okay to Ask for Clarification
   Early on, I thought asking for repetition or clarification was a sign of weakness. Spoiler: it’s not. In fact, it’s better to admit you didn’t catch something than to nod along and miss critical details. Trust me, people appreciate your honesty way more than they care about your language fluency.

2. Preparation is Key, but So is Flexibility
   You can rehearse all you want, but real-life conversations never go exactly as planned. Be prepared for curveballs, and don’t beat yourself up if you stumble. It’s all part of the process.

3. Humor Goes a Long Way
   There’s something disarming about being able to laugh at yourself. When I realized I’d misunderstood the “free time” question, I made a joke about how studying Japanese is my free time. That little moment of levity helped ease the tension and showed the interviewer that I wasn’t afraid to own my mistakes.

4. The Power of Nonverbal Communication
   When words fail you (and they will), remember that tone, facial expressions, and gestures can communicate a lot. A sincere smile and a respectful attitude can bridge a lot of gaps.

Looking back, I cringe a little at how many times I “got lost in translation,” but I also cherish those moments. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and, most importantly, how to laugh at myself.

And if nothing else, they make for great stories—like this one. So, if you’re navigating life and work in a new country, just remember: it’s okay to get a little lost along the way. You’ll always find your footing, even if it takes a few awkward missteps.

CONCLUSION
Wrapping It All Up

Moving to a new country and building a career abroad is a wild ride. It’s equal parts exciting, nerve-wracking, and, at times, hilariously awkward. Whether you’re navigating unfamiliar cultures, figuring out how to connect with new people, or just trying to answer an interview question without accidentally saying something embarrassing (we’ve all been there), every step of the journey is an opportunity to learn and grow.

From what I’ve learned so far:

• The more you know about the culture and work environment, the smoother your transition will be—but perfection isn’t required.

• Building a network abroad isn’t about having a perfect game plan. It’s about being genuinely curious, showing up, and being open to forming connections.

• Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also your best teachers. Laugh them off, learn from them, and move forward.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from these stories, it’s that you’re never alone in this journey. Whether you’re dreaming of working in Japan, building a career in another country, or simply curious about taking your life in a new direction, remember that every challenge you face is setting the stage for your success.

Here’s to stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and laughing at the inevitable missteps along the way. You’ve got this—and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way.