4 Lessons Learned from Living in Six Countries
When meeting new people, the first things often discussed are occupations and where one is from. As mentioned in previous articles, I’ve been attending more networking events to meet new people. I often find myself asking questions like, “What do you do? Where are you from?” However, ironically I struggle to answer the question of where I’m from because I’ve lived in six different countries throughout my life. Each country has shaped who I am today. When I mention this to people, I usually get responses of curiosity, admiration, and sometimes envy.
I was born in Japan and spent my early childhood in the Netherlands before returning to Japan around the age of 7 or 8. I moved a lot within Japan, too. Upon my return, I found myself questioning many aspects of life, including my own identity and sense of belonging. Thus began my mission as “a person searching for meaning”. In addition to Japan and the Netherlands, I’ve lived in Thailand, Singapore, and Switzerland, spending at least 6 months in each country. I now permanently live in Australia. While some may perceive living in multiple countries as glamorous, it has been a journey of self-discovery and cultural immersion for me.
Here are the key takeaways from my experiences living in six countries:
- Art, Music, Sports, and Culinary Connect Us Across Borders:
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