Tammy Mellows is the main character in my debut novel “Reckless Beginnings.” Due to be launched this summer. At the young age of seventeen, she leaves her own country, England to move to the United States. Leaving the securities of her home, job, family, friends, and neighbors behind. Are you like Tammy Mellows? Did you move to another country?
While writing the story, I asked myself, why does someone move to another country? What’s so important to them, that they’re willing to leave so much behind? If you’re wondering why Tammy did? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out. 🙂
The book is fiction based on actual events. Tammy Mellow’s character is based on me and yes I left England to move to America. But again you will have to read the book to find out why. 🙂
What motivates a person to make such a big move
Moving to a new country is a life-changing event. You have to be one hundred percent sure you’re making the right decision. Some of the most common reason for someone wanting to move are:
- Job/school related
- Joining a family/loved one
- Cost of living
- Better climate
- Retirement
- Sparked by a vacation
For those moving abroad because of a new job or attending a school, college or university, it’s probably safe to say, they’d never visited the new country before. But With the offer of a good education or a better paying job, many will sacrifice and take the plunge. Hoping they will like the country they are about to call home.
In many cases, some may have visited their new destination prior and for some reason or another fell in love with it and a desire to move was ignited. Did Tammy Mellows Visit the States before she left England? Was she trying to better her life? Again, you’ll have to read the book to find out. 🙂
Moving to another country is no easy task
Once the decision has been made, that you’re going to take the giant leap and immigrate to a new country, it’s time to start planning for the move. You’ll want to organize the transition so everything goes smoothly. Start planning early and make an extensive list so nothing is forgotten and there are no loose ends. Sometimes a move as large as this can take up to a year to plan in advance. My character Tammy Mellows had just one week. Why only one week? You know the answer – read the book 🙂
What might be on your list will depend on your current living situations and the reason for the move but here are some things you should be considering:
- Secure all important documents – Passports, birth certificate, insurance policies, tickets and visa/work permit if needed
- Will you have health insurance in the new country?
- Your home – If you own, will you be selling. renting or leaving vacant? What about the utilities?
- Bank accounts – Will they need to be closed?
- Vehicles – Are you going to sell them or have them shipped to your new destination. Consider the cost of shipping a car and buying a new/used one.
- Pets – What are the laws for bringing animals into the country?
- Furniture – Keep or sell?
- If you have children – what are your plans for their education?
- Income – How will you earn a living? Retirement? A secured job? What is the job market like in your field?
- Once you arrive, where will you be living?
- Make time to say goodbye to families and friends.
Was Tammy able to accomplish everything on her list? in just one week. Aah, you’ll just have to read the book. 🙂
Dealing with the emotions of moving
No matter how much you prepare for the transition to a foreign country, you can expect to experience a turmoil of emotions throughout the whole ordeal. From the stress of having everything in order to anxieties and doubts as the departing date becomes closer. You’ll probably be wondering if you’re making the right decision and at times fearful of leaving your home and loved ones behind. You’ll be flooded with memories you want to cherish and take with you as you share your last night with those close to you. How did Tammy spend her last night in England? Was she surrounded by loved ones? You know what I’m going to say – Read the book 🙂
It’s never easy to say goodbye, especially when moving so far away, not knowing when you’ll see friends and family again. Thanks to today’s technology and social media, we’re able to shorten the distance through video chat and texting. Unforchantly the internet wasn’t around when Tammy left 🙁 How did she handle it? If you want to know, I suggest you read the book. 🙂
Suggested reading
What about you?
I would love to know if any of my readers made the brave move to another country. Why did you move and are you happy you did?
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