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Q: Moving back home (to the US). Any advice for a good transition?
Been in China for a little over 4 years. Making the move back home in the next few weeks. I'm really in a not so good place being here and I know that I need to take a trip out here to get my head right again. I'm aware of the difficulties that may lie up ahead (haven't secured a new position just yet) but I honestly just can't be here anymore. Definitely giving up a cushy life here but I'm at a point where it just doesn't seem worth the stress.
Can anyone give me some advice on anything that may make my transition back home a little easier?
Thanks in advance.
Have you tried taking a break from China? If you go home now, you'll have jet lag for 3 weeks and maybe take a winter coat.
4 years is a long time to be in China, don't blame you for wanting a break. You mention you don't have a job lined up yet which could be risky depending on where you are going, and your ability to get a job. Don't know if you are on your own, or if you have a rich family etc. but just be aware that areas in the States are hurting big time, and some think it will only get worse. If things don't go as planned on you return to the States, I would have a plan B which may be returning to China.
JungleLife:
On a lighter note; you will experience jet-leg to the extreme, so just be patient as you settle and try not to rush things. I try to get out lots for walks and/or runs to get lots of fresh air. The day-time naps will come hard and fast, but just let them come.
Prepare for a reverse culture-shock. First day back, I was yelling "FREEDOM!" When the homeland security guy asked me why I was in China, I think I told him I was temporarily insane or something. Then I asked him if he could smell that. "Huh? Smell what?" "FREEDOM. FREEDOM ALL AROUND YOU." I was so happy to be back in 'merica. 
Then after a few months... I just... wish I could go back. Married with a kid now, and I won't subject them to the pollution/etc.
Got family waiting to see you? High school or college friends you can look up? Run to them, go out for a feed or a pub crawl, pick up the tab for the night and tell them your China story. You'll feel better in the morning despite the hangover. Then go out and get some exercise. Or play some golf. Clean air, bike riding in leafy hoods, and pristine golf courses will take your mind off the 4 years you spent in China.
Last word: find a nice white, brown or black girl to be your girlfriend. Best therapy to get over what you have.
You guys rock, thanks so much for all of the input.
I have a lot of family and friends back home that I haven't seen in forever (4 whole years since I've been back) and I'm really ready to put in some time with them. Its the reverse culture shock that's got me a little nervous. I went to Hong Kong last summer and the amount of diversity there was just SHOCKING to me; I was in love! So I can only imagine what being in the US is going to do to my brain lol.
The local economy in my area seems to be doing okay so I'm only slightly worried about that. I only plan on being home for maybe half a year before venturing out again (probably not back here though, I think I'm forever tainted by this place. I only hope I can get over it).
Jet lag has always been an interesting thing for me. I don't have a normal sleep schedule anyway, I usually sleep from 3 am-12 pm china time so I'm curious as to how it'll effect me.
Should be quite the adventure lol
And thanks for the suggestion Red Fox:) lol. As a straight female, I'm not sure I'll be looking for a new girlfriend but I suppose time will tell LOL
livingfree85:
Good idea but what if I leave again?! What will I do with ol' whiskers then??
envy you for going back.
time hasnt come for me yet
Enjoy the time with friends and family, in the meantime look out slowly for a job or already apply for jobs right now. Sending application always raised hopes for me and i spent more time on watching my email box than ever
livingfree85:
So true. I've been sending out applications to random places just to see what kind of responses I'd get. Its definitely keeping me positive and motivated. Enjoy your time here as well and try to look on the bright side. You know that it won't be forever)
