When we consider moving abroad, our first consideration is to ensure that it is a comfortable, safe and secure environment. These are basic needs that we need to fulfill. The relocation and moving services that are available to expats on assignments are also geared towards finding a house, the move and getting settled.

But what about the other needs that we have? Many of us know what it feels like to be miserable when we are safe and financially secure! What's missing here?

What We Need to Thrive
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When we move abroad we leave things behind, but all of our needs go with us!
These needs have to be taken care of too if we want to thrive and be our best while overseas.

Personal needs are funny things - we all have them but find it hard to admit them. We have learned to try to hide them, especially when we are brought up to be self reliant. Does this ring true for you?

Are you getting your needs met, or is there something missing? Let's explore.

According to the psychologist Abraham Maslow, there are different levels of needs that human beings have to have met in order to feel motivated and satisfied with life. Look at the groupings below and ask yourself these questions to become aware of what might be missing for you and what you need to be your best.

Identifying our Needs
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our basic external needs are the ones we must address first. Getting these needs met ensure we feel physically secure, safe and comfortable.

* Is the environment healthy? Is there pollution, disease, more allergens etc.
* Is this a safe location?
* What is the standard of living here? Can I afford it - or put up with less?
* What are the legal requirements to live and work here?
* What is the medical care and coverage like?
* Is there a communication infrastructure that I need?
* Will this work out financially?