When I shared our last article Home Strange Home, I was struck by how many private messages and emails came through with one simple refrain: “The struggle is real.”
One of the most common themes? A loss of community. Of belonging. Of simply being part of something.
It often catches returning expats by surprise—especially after years of being swept up in the momentum of global roles, new cultures, and expansive networks. Living overseas offers a tide of movement and opportunity. Coming home? It can feel like that tide’s gone out… and you’re left standing still on the beach, wondering where everyone went.
That’s why rebuilding community isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s an essential part of coming home well.
What does community really offer?
Returning home is not just a physical move. It’s deeply personal and professional. Without a trusted circle, repatriation can feel isolating. But the right community offers so much more than connection – it becomes a support system, a confidence boost, a place to share experiences and ideas.It helps you feel seen and understood. Shared experiences remind you that you’re not alone. Speaking with others who’ve lived and worked globally helps normalise the emotional and professional shifts of returning.
- It provides practical insight. From interpreting local job search norms and business practices to staying across industry changes, community shortens the learning curve and fills in the gaps.
- It helps you stay visible. Many senior roles – particularly project-based or strategic ones – rarely hit the job boards. Opportunities often come through people, not platforms. Being connected matters.
- It rebuilds confidence. Returning home can shake your professional identity. But conversations with others who understand your path help reframe your story and recognise the value of your global experience.
- It fosters momentum. A quick check-in, an encouraging message, a shared event—these seemingly small moments keep you moving when motivation dips.
In our Boomeranging podcast conversation, Angella Clarke Jervoise described InSync as a life vest—something that keeps you afloat when you’re bobbing in the ocean of repatriation. I couldn’t agree more. Because when confidence wavers, a supportive community doesn’t just keep you afloat—it helps you swim to shore.
Community is also a place to give back
What I’ve found time and again is that people want to contribute. To share insights, open doors, and support others through what they’ve just navigated. When we don’t know how—or worse, don’t feel invited—to contribute, it can feel disheartening.
Community creates space for both giving and receiving. And in doing so, it strengthens not only your own story but the collective one.
Coming home is a journey – don’t do it solo
At the end of the day, the most successful transitions – whether personal or professional – are rarely solo efforts. They’re powered by trusted conversations, shared stories, and people who help you see the forest for the trees.
That’s exactly why we created the InSync Club. To offer that grounded, generous, and globally experienced community that so many expats are craving when they return home.
Because sometimes it’s a shared laugh, a small piece of advice, or a new connection that reminds you, you’re not doing this on your own.
And that? That’s worth everything.
If you’re looking to rebuild your community or want to know more about the InSync Club, I’d love to hear from you.
