One of the most challenging aspects of my career was actually acclimating to an “American” workspace. For context, I’m an American, but I graduated college and almost immediately left the country to pursue my career.
I was able to experience my first 10 years of my “adult life” abroad and ended up struggling to learn who I was in the international setting. Not only that, it was so wildly different than what I imagined it to be and struggled coming to terms with what their work ethics and processes were. But I “adjusted” quickly (mentally struggled) and ended up adapting most of those practices for every job I had abroad.
Coming back to America, I actually completely had no idea what to do. I wasn’t prepared for how corporate functioned or how “teamwork” became “family”. I felt like “I’m not welcome” or that I am not “American” enough. I dunno how to explain it, but it’s been a challenge navigating.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Reverse culture shock is very real and valid after spending so much time immersed in a different culture. Your international experience is a strength and an asset! Adaptability and cross-cultural communication are skills I feel are lacking for many people in the US. I hope that in the coming years, people will learn how valuable these skills truly are!
Great writing!
One of the most challenging aspects of my career was actually acclimating to an “American” workspace. For context, I’m an American, but I graduated college and almost immediately left the country to pursue my career.
I was able to experience my first 10 years of my “adult life” abroad and ended up struggling to learn who I was in the international setting. Not only that, it was so wildly different than what I imagined it to be and struggled coming to terms with what their work ethics and processes were. But I “adjusted” quickly (mentally struggled) and ended up adapting most of those practices for every job I had abroad.
Coming back to America, I actually completely had no idea what to do. I wasn’t prepared for how corporate functioned or how “teamwork” became “family”. I felt like “I’m not welcome” or that I am not “American” enough. I dunno how to explain it, but it’s been a challenge navigating.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Reverse culture shock is very real and valid after spending so much time immersed in a different culture. Your international experience is a strength and an asset! Adaptability and cross-cultural communication are skills I feel are lacking for many people in the US. I hope that in the coming years, people will learn how valuable these skills truly are!