With the events of the past few years, society has seen the growth of remote work and domestic relocation for work explode in popularity.
Moving to a different part of the country can be exciting and adventurous. However, it can also be exhausting and even daunting. The logistics of moving can take a toll more than some people may realize. And then to try to learn and understand regional cultural differences on top of that…it can be a lot.
Years ago, I remember moving from the Great Plains area of the United States to central Georgia for a job. I was about a 24 hour drive from my family, in a new place with different social norms and cues. The way people drove was different. The way people dressed was different. The way people talked was different (this was probably the most significant adjustment as I found myself thinking, “I know you’re speaking English, but I have NO IDEA what you are actually saying.”) There were community expectations that I was not aware of. There were racial differences that I thought I had a grasp on, but quickly realized I held more naivety than knowledge in those areas.
I knew there were major differences when thinking about going from one country to another - I already had experience in that - but I overlooked the differences from one culture to another within my own country.
This happens to many of us. We don’t realize that some of these regional cultural differences within our own country can actually have a bigger adjustment period for us as we are forced to work through our own preconceived notions and beliefs that because we are in the same country, it will be easier for us to adapt.
Do your research on the area you’re moving to. Find out about the people, the food, the community events and traditions. Find online forums/groups that allow you connect with others in that area - which may open doors for new friends to spend time with after you arrive.
During my time living in Georgia, I absolutely learned a lot about that area of the country. However, I can say that I grew more in my understanding about myself and how I need to enter into a different domestic culture with the attitude of a learner as I interact with others. There will still be lessons. There will still be mistakes made. There will still be laughter at myself because of something I did or said. But there will also be more opportunities of understanding, engagement, and deeper friendships made because of the openness and willingness to learn from the new culture I find myself in.
Though I really enjoyed the time I lived in Georgia, as I look back, I wish I would have been more proactive in my own search to better understand the community I was moving to as I believe it would have helped in my overall experience. And, as experiences like this provide at least some type of impact, it has served as a significant lesson and growing time in order for me to better prepare for other domestic and international communities I’ve been able to live in and visit.
If you find yourself moving to another region of the county, how are you preparing yourself for the adjustment that awaits?
If you have already moved to another region of the country, how have you adapted into the new culture you are in?
Traver Butcher
CEO/All Shores Consulting
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