Moving to Dubai has been, so far, the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life—but I did it (and I’m still doing it!).
There are days when the uncertainties feel overwhelming, but I know this is the best thing I can do for myself. Putting myself out there and leaning into what scares me is how I grow.
I get asked a lot of questions:
- Why Dubai?
- Did you come here alone?
- What made you take such a risk when you didn’t know what was ahead?
To me, the answer is simple: I want more out of life.
Change is the Only Constant
We all complain about wanting change, about breaking free from routines that feel stagnant. But real change doesn’t come from one big leap—it’s built through small, deliberate actions that compound over time.
Moving to Dubai, I’m constantly confronted by change. The most important question becomes: What actions will I take to adapt?
How do I navigate a fulfilling career in one of the most competitive markets? How do I develop a healthy sense of self in a city designed to make you crave status and material success? How do I find meaningful relationships that align with my values? How do I stay sane under the pressure of so much unfamiliarity?
It’s not easy. I face resistance every day. But I’ve learned that the easiest way to handle change is to stop fighting it. Surrender to the flow. Trust yourself to figure it out.
Being an Expat
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Moving has taught me to align myself in ways I never had before. It’s a process—constant and incremental, one step at a time.
Over time, you stop wishing for things to be easier. Instead, you focus on making yourself stronger. (Yes, I know it sounds cliché but it’s true!)
If it were easy, everyone would do it.
If you’re on a similar path or have thought about making a move like this, know that it’s your soul seeking growth.
It won’t be easy, and it won’t always make sense right away. But taking that leap will challenge you to grow and evolve. And as you move forward, step by step, you’ll find that navigating those changes has helped you build a stronger sense of self—and hopefully, a 2.0 version of yourself. 🙂
