Member-only story
Despite being an expatriate, I’m now closer to my family than ever.
Introduction
Following the completion of my engineering degree, my aim was to secure a job that would help me enhance my English, ideally by living in an English-speaking country. This journey led me to a job in the remote city of Klagenfurt, Austria, before eventually relocating to the United States. Fast forward seven years, and it’s time to reflect on how my choices have impacted my relationship with my family and how I maintain our closeness.
The most significant factor that keeps me closely connected to my family is a group I established during my initial solo trip to the US. Almost daily, we share photos of various moments, ranging from picturesque mountain views to snapshots from parties and everything in between. This group includes approximately 15 of my closest family members, encompassing grandparents, parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Phone calls
Regular phone calls are a vital part of staying connected. I typically ring up my parents 2 or 3 times a week, my grandparents once a week, and my siblings a bit less frequently. It necessitates intentionality and scheduling to accommodate the 8-hour time difference, often requiring calls during my morning and lunch breaks. Urgent…
