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When you think of burnout, you think of being tired. But Expat Burnout is more complex. It often disguises itself as changes in your personality. You may not feel exhausted; you may just feel… angry. Or cynical. Or completely numb.
This is your system signaling overload. Recovering from burnout isn’t just about resting; it’s about “meeting yourself again” and understanding what these new feelings are telling you.
Are you experiencing these hidden signs?
- Cynicism About Your New Home: You used to find Dutch directness “efficient” or “refreshingly clear.” Now, you just find it “rude.” You used to love cycling; now, you just complain about the rain. When your love for the “adventure” turns into constant irritation, it’s not the culture that’s the problem—it’s a sign your adaptive energy is gone.
- Social Detachment (The “Expat Bubble”): Making new friends feels like a second job. You stop trying. You decline invitations to the vrijmibo (Friday afternoon drinks) and retreat to your home, binge-watching shows from your home country. You feel disconnected from locals and other expats.
- “Imposter Syndrome” on Overdrive: You feel like you are faking everything. You’re faking your competence at work. You’re faking your happiness on social media. You’re faking your enthusiasm for this “great opportunity.” This gap between your public “success” and your private struggle is a classic sign of expat burnout.
- A Loss of Identity: You don’t feel like the “old you” anymore, but you also don’t feel like you belong here. You’re stuck in a liminal space, and you’ve lost track of your own values and goals. You’re just… surviving.
Coachable is the new confident.
Recognizing these signs is the first step. The next is rebuilding. But you can’t rebuild on the same shaky foundation.
- Are you stuck in a cycle of cynicism and isolation?
- Do you feel like you’ve lost your “old self” and don’t know who you are anymore?
- Is it hard to find the motivation to “fix” this when you’re already so tired?
This is where coaching accelerates your recovery. A Gort coach is an objective sparring partner who helps you break these patterns. We help you reconnect with your own values, not the “perfect expat” values, and build a new, stronger sense of self.
Don’t wait for the battery to hit zero. Turn theory into action. Plan your free orientation call today.
