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.
There is no doubt about it. Moving is stressful. However, if the two of you make the decision to relocate together, and has shared your expectations and fears, your marriage can survive the move.
