Since the time I accepted the position in Shenzhen, I have been on such an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. I hope this particular post helps out anyone who is making a decision to move abroad because here are the things I learned in the 4 months thus far.

1. If you are considering a move into another country, make sure you have in your possession a physical copy of your college degree. No, I don’t mean transcripts. The actual diploma you receive while walking across the stage for commencement. This one document that I did not have in my possession (it was lost in my many moves within New York City) put such a delay in the whole paperwork part of the journey. I was asked in the end of March to provide a copy of diploma. After going through my files in my house, it became clear that I no longer had it. I contacted my university to make a copy the first week in April. I finally received a new diploma mid-May. At this point for my paperwork, I should had everything legalized by the governments (USA and China) and be on the work permit stage. Nevertheless, there I was just beginning the legalization part. Where am I now in the process? As of writing this post, finally starting the work permit step so I can enter China to obtain my work visa; I’m leaving USA July 23. Hopefully, all goes smoothly from this point on. The big takeaway for anyone moving abroad, make sure you have your college diploma!
2. The next piece of wisdom I would like to impart on others is to be ready for extreme happy days and extreme low days as you begin to mentally prepare to leave your home country. I felt such moments of happiness and glee about the upcoming adventure. Then there were days of doom and gloom and “what am I doing” moments. These were the times I was not prepared for. They nearly cost me several friendships because I was unaware until it was pointed out that my overall demeanor changed. They were unsure which Ryan was going to show up. Luckily, one of them had the love and honest approach to help me see what was happening so it helped me cope with the days that were a bit tougher and not take it out on my support group in NYC.
3. Finally, I want to recommend to those who are considering a big move is keep communicating frequently with the visa and HR support people your company has assembled for you. Don’t think any question is too simple to ask. Especially if the country you are moving to isn’t as English friendly, share everything. Let them know what’s going on. Let them know how you’re feeling. There is power in this type of communication. I found when I began sharing everything I’ve been working on with the visa process, the end of school year work at my now old school, the packing and selling of my apartment items, it would help them better understand the stressors in my situation. So, communicate more than less.

I’m happy to share with you all that all my furniture has been sold (in only 3 weeks) and that I met my target sum I wanted to collect. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for the win! I was surprised at how unsuccessful Let Go was. People were way more flaky or just began conversations with out being really interested in the items.

I can’t believe that I’m moving out of NYC in less than one week. At which point, I’ll begin my summer. I’ll be traveling to Spain for a wedding, going on a road trip across the mid-west and northern US states, and then saying bye to my friends and family in Maryland and West Virginia before I depart for China on July 23rd.

For the record, it’s been one heck of a ride thus far. Soon, I’ll be writing from the other side of the globe–that’s when the real fun will begin. Until then peeps, keep it real and keep it simple.

Currently playing, “Sent From Up Above” by Mariah Carey