In a survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers among 270 international organizations employing 65,000 expatriates, 80% of the companies reported major, and increasing, difficulties in recruiting executives to go overseas. According to the PWC International Assignments European Policy and Practice: Key Trends 2000, getting people to accept international assignments remains a challenge. Reasons for refusal range from family issues, to the lack of support for managing dual careers and on to the reality of longer-term career management. The transition to an expatriate lifestyle can be stressful.

Recent research predicts that each of us experience 10 to 20 significant life-events.

Small events are easy to cope with, while major ones can cause serious difficulties. In addition, major events cause us to reflect on our core beliefs. In either case, a transition provides the opportunity to make positive changes in our lives.

A typical transition takes six to 12 months to work its way through the process. Noted psychologist Mr. D. Williams details the events of the transition cycle in the chart below.

The transition cycle - a template for human responses to change (Williams, 99)

The phases of transition are fairly predictable. However, understanding the theory does not minimize the impact that an actual transition has on our lives. Stress and anxiety can develop into a transition crisis if not kept in check. So Rule Number 1 is to take care of yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally. It is common knowledge, from ancient oriental medicine to modern western practices, that a healthy diet and moderate exercise is essential for a quality life.

Emotional support is also important. A group of understanding friends is an invaluable support mechanism. The American Chamber of Commerce-Korea’s “Living in Korea”/Membership Committee’s aim is to help members and their families adjust to expatriate life in Korea. Many international groups and associations will have similar set-ups to help you transitioning into your new life.

When dealing with the problems of a transition, don’t make major decisions without writing them down and discussing them with a family member or close friend. Work through the issues you have identified step by step and manage the change. Ask for help: you aren’t required to go through life’s transitions alone!

By keeping the above keys in mind, you can help ensure that the transitions you go through, as an expatriate or in other areas of your life, are channeled into positive, growth experiences that can enrich your life.

Steve McKinney the president and CEO of McKinney Consulting Inc., an executive search company serving multinational clients, and the co-chairman of the Living in Korea Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce.