One of the many consequences of relocating a family is possible damage to your marriage relationship. A marriage can be in jeopardy if one of you enjoys change, and the other is more traditional and less open to risk.
Questions to Discuss
- What is the quality of life at the new location?
- Will there be career opportunities for the career-interrupted partner?
- What is the worst thing that can happen because of this relocation?
- What is the possibility of this happening to us?
- If this did happen to us, could we both live with the outcome?
- What do we fear won't happen?
- What are the benefits to our not making this move?
- What are the benefits in making this move?
Issues to Face
- Loss of your friends, family and current support systems.
- Interruption or loss of career for one of you.
- Loneliness.
- Dealing with different lifestyles and customs in your new environment.
- A sense of being out of control or in limbo.
- Making new friends.
- Coping with uncertainty.
Coping Skills Needed
- Be patient with one another.
- Have a plan. Keep it flexible.
- Willingness to give all members of the family time to adjust. This usually takes about a year.
- Recognition that the transition phase may be difficult. Studies have shown that approximately one third of relocations fail because members of a family are unhappy.
- Research the new area before making the decision to move. Be realistic about cost of living and financial concerns.
- Think of the change as a great adventure and a way to enrich your marriage and family.
- Talk with one another about your values, needs, and expectations of the change.
- Accept that there are emotional aspects to relocating and work together to reduce distress.
- Explore your new location together.
