Change for the Better in Shanghai

Why do we end up and meet in Shanghai?

Most foreigners arrive here when they have new job opportunities or they have friends and family who do. Some work for multinational corporations in various industries, including manufacturing, finance, advertising media, F&B, and education. Some just follow their spouse and send their children to top-notch international schools in Shanghai.

Everyone has their path and journey when they first arrive in a new city to settle in. Some may have a vivid history of travelling and living abroad, while some may not. Either way, the experience can still be overwhelming and difficult at times.

Some of my clients are fluent in Chinese but grew up in North America. Even for them, it can still be a culture shock when they first arrive.

In other cases, some may find it challenging when they decide to follow their partners to move here but with a lot of doubts and worries.

A veteran expat from Spain who has been living in Asia for almost 2 decades shared with me a funny story:

A top executive from a bank received an order to relocate to Asia with his family. His wife was very upset about this arrangement. “I’d divorce you,” she said as they were going to leave their loved ones behind, such as her older parents, her local friends.

4 years later, the executive was asked to return to his home country. The same wife was very upset about this decision. “I’d divorce you,” she said. Now she has a comfortable life here, with kids speaking 3 languages, an Ayi (a live-in maid) who cooks and takes care of the housework, and her friends with other expats’ wives.

I know it is just a joke, but this happens when your life in Shanghai can be better than in your home country or just a change for the better.

Many families came here without knowing an original 2 years assignment could turn into 20 years or more. The expat community stayed strong even after covid happened.

With many currently deciding to leave (who said I had had enough of China), I see many newcomers ready to embrace the change, as covid restrictions are expected to change over time, with shorter quarantine and allowing families to come. Therefore, my service aims to smoothen the relocation process, reduce discomfort, confusion, or misunderstanding, help my clients shape their lifestyles, and help connect people.