Moving for Love: My Journey from the UK to a New Life Abroad
Sometimes life nudges you in unexpected directions, and if you’re lucky, you feel brave enough to follow the signs. For me, that meant leaving my home country, family, friends, and everything familiar in the UK to start fresh in Poland—all for love. When I look back now, I see how much that leap of faith changed me. Here’s my story, along with some lessons I learned along the way, in the hopes that it helps anyone else thinking of moving abroad for love or adventure.
Why Poland? A Love Story in the Making
The idea of moving abroad wasn’t entirely foreign to me; I’d been craving a change for a while. I was young, feeling stifled and a bit bored with my life in the UK, and honestly, somewhat overwhelmed by my stressful job. Every day felt the same—commuting to work, facing deadlines, and barely seeing friends in my spare time. I wanted something more but didn’t quite know what “more” looked like.
Living abroad wasn’t an entirely new concept for me, as my family and I had previously lived in both familiar cultures like Ireland for several years, and in more unfamiliar places like Qatar.
The Big Move: Leaving the UK
The move was spontaneous and, honestly, a bit impulsive. My job back in the UK was wearing me down; the constant stress was getting to me, and the thought of escaping to somewhere new felt like a breath of fresh air. Our love romance started at work, more specifically from our first ‘date’ in the gym.
It all happened quickly—I hadn’t planned this out far in advance, but I did make sure to have a safety net just in case things didn’t go as expected. My boss was incredibly supportive and offered to hold my job open if I ever wanted to return, which made the decision a little less daunting. I knew that if things didn’t work out in Poland, moving back wouldn’t be as hard as taking that first leap.
I’d love to say I was totally calm and confident, but the truth is, I was nervous. Everything felt up in the air. But deep down, I knew that if I stayed in the UK, I’d regret not giving this a shot. So, I packed what I could, said my goodbyes, and boarded the plane to Poland with a mix of excitement and nerves.
Adjusting to Life in Poland
When I arrived in Poland, I was hit with a wave of culture shock. Everything felt different, from the language to the way people interact on the street. The first few months were a blur of adjusting and occasionally feeling like an outsider. I didn’t speak much Polish at the time, so even things like ordering coffee felt intimidating. But each day I forced myself to try, even if it meant making mistakes.
Luckily, I had my partner by my side. He helped me navigate Polish life, introduced me to his friends, and made me feel at home in a way I hadn’t expected. But moving for love isn’t a fairytale. As much as we loved each other, it was challenging to build a life together from scratch, especially with the pressures of being in a new country. I often worried about finding a job, making friends, and whether or not I’d ever truly fit in.
Finding My Own Path
One of the biggest lessons I learned during this time was the importance of independence. As much as I relied on my partner, I realised I needed to create my own life in Poland, outside of our relationship.
I started taking language classes to improve my Polish, which helped me feel more confident and connected. Slowly, I began exploring hobbies and finding small ways to feel more like myself in my new home.
Work was another major challenge. Leaving my career in the UK felt like a step back, but in hindsight, it was actually a blessing. The slower pace in Poland gave me room to figure out what I really wanted. It wasn’t what I’d planned, but it taught me that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the unexpected ones. (This was fundamentally how Talk the Talk Tutoring was created, but more about that in another blog.)
Making Poland My Home
For my partner and me, the language barrier added extra stress. Little things, like running errands or even making small talk, became big challenges. And while my partner was incredibly patient, it was clear that my limited Polish created a gap we had to work around.
Working in English meant my Polish skills progressed slowly, as I didn’t get much practice in daily life. Learning a new language without immersion is hard, and if you’re not a natural “language wizard,” like me, it takes a lot of time and patience to build that connection.
With each small language victory—navigating a grocery store conversation, understanding a joke, or ordering food confidently—I felt more settled.
Advice for Moving Abroad for Love
If you’re considering a move abroad for love, here are a few things I’d recommend:
Have Realistic Expectations: Moving abroad can feel like a romantic adventure, but it’s also challenging. Be prepared for some tough days and remember that it’s okay to feel out of your depth.
Create Your Own Life: While your relationship may be a big reason for the move, make an effort to build your own friendships, hobbies, and career in your new country. Having your own life outside the relationship can make a huge difference.
Embrace the Journey: There will be highs and lows, but that’s all part of the experience. Moving countries isn’t easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding if you go in with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
Stay Connected to Home: Don’t cut off your connections back home. Friends and family are often a huge support when you’re feeling homesick, and staying in touch can make the transition easier.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I’m so glad I took that leap of faith. Moving to Poland changed me in ways I hadn’t expected and gave me a life richer than I could have imagined. It’s not a journey I’d call easy, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything.
If you’re on the fence about making a similar move, I’d say: take the leap. You never know where it might lead, and sometimes, the best things in life come from the biggest risks.
Here’s to love, adventure, and building a new home abroad!
Let’s Connect!
Are you considering a move for love, adventure, or a fresh start? Have you experienced a similar journey and have advice of your own? Or maybe you have questions about adjusting to life in a new country or dealing with language challenges? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, and connect with others on a similar path.