Decisions decisions

Early 2024 and I receive an opportunity to live and work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Not for the first time, as I lived there some 10 years ago, however our family dynamic was very different then with our children a lot younger.

So my first blog and why am I writing it? To start with all my blogs are my own, they are based on my experiences and are written by me in my own words, no AI here. I decided to start this blog in order to not only share my experiences of life abroad and life away from my family, but to also show that it's OK, and it can work with the right mindset, mental resilience and rigid structure. Trust me... I am medically diagnosed with OCD and Perfectionism, so if I can do it, so can you.

I will be writing multiple blogs from the initial move, creating a home from home, settling into a new life, making friends, staying mental strong and making the most out of what is for us a difficult situation. If you find yourself reading, and hopefully enjoying, my blogs, and have a question or would like to know more about life in KSA, feel free to contact me.

Right, a little about me, I'm 40 years of age, c.20 years in the corporate world, husband to an amazing wife of 15 years and father to two absolutely incredible daughters, 13 and 11. In the UK I was a real hands on dad running the kids to football, social events and pretty much anywhere else they wanted to go. Weekends was all about family time and we did everything together. However, and whilst from a family perspective I had everything I could ever wish for, and what many people dream of, there was something missing from a career perspective and a box which until now remained unticked. Plus, and selfishly, it will give me time to create this site, further develop my career and also continue with my coaching.

Early 2024, driving home from Bristol (my previous place of work) and the call comes in, an opportunity to return to KSA. Immediately I enter into panic mode, exited but absolutely shitting myself at the thought of even having to raise this topic with my wife (we had briefly discussed it, however pretty sure my wife just thought it was another Mike pipedream). So my first piece of advice if you find yourself in this situation (maybe not driving home from Bristol).. there is never a good time to have the conversation with your partner/ family, and if your intention, like mine, is to do it solo, prepare yourself for instant tears. Ensure you choose your time carefully, make sure you're in a familiar environment, ideally home, and talk, no raised voices, remove the emotion, talk as equals and hear each other out. Even raising the idea of life apart is emotional, talk through the pro's and con's and whilst maybe not for the initial discussion, map out what life will look like, how often will you see each other, how will you remain an integral part of your family, how will you continue to support each other. In a later blog I will share what works for me and my family.. and believe me, stick to it and it does work. Me and my daughter used to have a Saturday early morning (we were always up way before anyone else) movie, and we still do, however it's now virtual, we video call each other, choose the movie, 3,2,1, play and we watch it together.

If there's one thing I can tell you, the move won't happen over night. We discussed the opportunity over and over again, with friends, family, our children, even strangers in the village we live in. So, on to my second piece of advice, don't overlook your children during these discussions, they are in integral part of the decision and should be consulted, regardless of their age.

Fast forward and decision made, I'm moving back to KSA. Initially no real change as the move is a c.10 months away, however it's always in the back of your mind, and on to my third piece of advice, embrace and enjoy the time leading up to your move, it will absolutely fly by and before you know it you're on the way to the airport, suitcases packed to start your new expat life away from your family.