How New U.S. Residents Can Find Their Niche
If you have recently relocated to the United States, you’re probably feeling a mixture of excitement, anticipation, confusion, and dislocation. These are all normal feelings for anyone who’s made a major life change, especially if that change involved pulling up your roots in one place and trying to make a home in a completely different nation. One of the major challenges faced by immigrants and expatriates who are newly arrived in the U.S. is to make connections in their new community, while keeping up with, and even supporting, family and loved ones where they used to live. Here are some guidelines for those who are still trying to find their feet in their new United States home.
Things to know about U.S. culture.
Some aspects of daily life may seem peculiar to those who are unfamiliar with U.S. culture. This could be something minor, like the amount of ice people put in their beverages here – or it could be major, like the quantity of student loan debt people carry. Other little things to get used to include people saying “America” to refer to the United States, people putting the national flag all over the place, the use of the imperial rather than the metric measuring system, and commercials and advertising everywhere. Some of the bigger things to get used to include having almost no vacation time, no paid parental leave, and no access to a national health care system.
Making connections in your new community.
Depending on where you reside in the U.S., it may be easier or more difficult to get to know new people. Some cities in the nation, including Manhattan, NY, and Aspen, Colorado, are exceptionally friendly. It can be more difficult to get to know people in rural or suburban areas where there are fewer cultural and social opportunities, however. Wherever you’ve settled, consider using social media to connect with your neighbors. You may also be able to connect with new acquaintances through work, your children’s school, sporting events, or volunteering.
Tips for career success in the United States.
If you’ve recently moved here and are hoping to advance in your career, here are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you are authorized to work in the U.S., first. And get any licenses or permits that are required for your line of work. If you need additional education or training, you may want to go back to school for a degree. Though college education in the U.S. is expensive, there are affordable options for getting a reputable degree from an accredited institution, including online degrees in such disciplines as accounting, business, English, and psychology.
How to maintain your connections with the ones back home.
Even while you are finding your niche in your new community, and getting comfortable in U.S. culture, it’s important to honor your cultural roots while also preserving your bonds with family and friends in your nation of origin. Social media makes this so much easier than it used to be, especially with video messaging apps that let you talk face to face with loved ones across continents and time zones. Try to schedule times for family or group chats where everyone can connect and see one another. Even when you don’t have time for that, make sure to keep your family updated regarding life changes, and share pictures and videos with one another online.
It may take a little time to get used to your new community and culture and make friends where you live. You may even have to step outside your comfort zone from time to time. But once you begin to feel comfortable with U.S. cultural expectations and get to know others from your work or neighborhood, you’ll begin to feel that you truly do have a place in your new home. If you’re interested in getting more tips on culture, creativity, and lifestyle, check out the content at Haute Green Tea and follow on social media.