If you’re considering starting a new career in the U.S. as a registered nurse or medical technologist, some of the most complex components of your decision to relocate will be related to your family. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of moving with your spouse and/or children, and to properly manage the expectations of any family members you may leave behind. In this blog, we’ll provide guidance to help you make the best decisions for everyone involved in your future move to the United States.
Should you make the move on your own?
If you are married and/or have children, one of the hardest decisions to make is whether to initially relocate on your own or with your family. One of the significant advantages of moving to the U.S. on your own at first is the financial benefit. Living alone or having another Conexus healthcare professional as a roommate means having lower monthly cost of living expenses, such as rent and grocery bills. This can allow you to build a more stable financial future for yourself and your family, while saving towards having your loved ones move to the U.S. in the future. Another advantage of initially moving to the U.S. on your own is the ability to focus on establishing yourself in your new role in a U.S. hospital or lab. This precious time allows you to get acclimated into a new community and get into a routine that sets you up for success.
Traveling without your family, however, can present mental and emotional challenges. It can create a sense of isolation and loneliness, especially during important family events and celebrations. There are luckily many ways to keep in touch with loved ones though, which can help to alleviate any sense of homesickness you may feel. Video calls, instant messaging apps and social media platforms can bridge the distance and help maintain strong relationships. In addition, being part of a larger community, such as the Conexus community, can provide a strong support system around you even if you move to the U.S. on your own.
On the other hand, moving to the U.S. with your spouse and/or children also has advantages. Having your family with you can create a strong support network as you navigate together the challenges of living in a foreign country. They can provide emotional stability, a sense of belonging, and a familiar environment that can help with homesickness often experienced by expatriates. Additionally, with a spouse and children by your side, you can share the experiences and joys of building a new life together, creating lasting memories that can strengthen family bonds.
Whether you come with family members or without them, it's important to actively nurture any long-distance relationships through regular communication. Before you move, consider setting aside a regular time for virtual family gatherings, sharing photos and videos, and even planning future visits back home. This can help to set aside any fears that the family back home might feel; don’t forget that your move to the U.S. will be a big change for them as well, and they too may have a strong emotional reaction to your relocation to the U.S.
Managing family expectations
Financial motivators are a major driver for many people looking to work in another country. Many expatriates take the opportunity to send money back home to support family members. If this is something you plan to do, we recommend managing the financial expectations of your relatives. Before you move, make sure you take the time for financial planning and create a realistic budget, considering the cost of living in your new U.S. home. Our team of relocation experts can help you with estimated monthly expenses, but you should consider unplanned expenses and do your own research, too.
We recommend establishing yourself in your new job and finding your feet in the U.S. before committing to sending money to your family. Take the time to figure out what your regular expenses are, including rent, bills and grocery costs. This will help you determine how much money and how frequently you can send home. Ensuring your own success first will give you the stability you need to thrive in the U.S., which in turn means you will be able to better provide for your family’s needs.
In conclusion, the decision to establish yourself first before moving to the U.S. or bringing your family with you is a deeply personal one that requires careful consideration of the pros and cons. Whatever you decide is right for you, it is important to make a careful and informed choice and plan accordingly for the financial implications to ensure a prosperous life both you and your family.
Are you an international nurse or medical technologist looking to start a new career in the U.S.? Find out how Conexus MedStaff can help you. Apply now