Not profound - moving is hard. Reflecting on Our Move from Germany to Korea.

Reflecting on our move from Germany to Korea

Moving is hard. That is not surprising or profound. I am once again reminded of this truth as I complete my move from Germany to Korea. We cleared our last major hurdle this week: my permanent resident status was approved, as was our loan for the ($80,000!) security deposit. We won't be homeless, and I won't be separated from my family.

Saying there is a weight off my shoulders inadequately captures my emotional state. There was constant tension and dread accompanying every moment of the last few months. We had set up many dependencies among essential aspects like immigration, housing, schooling, and travel. A A missed flight, rescheduled appointment, or misfiled paperwork could have caused a cascade of consequences. No matter how successful the result, this is not how a move should be done.

We were fortunate, and after a final European vacation we are in Korea. It's different than I remember in some ways. The people seem kinder, probably because there is a stark contrast between the outward public attitude of Germans and Koreans. There is less of a sense of wonder towards the city since I have seen more of the world, but I am still a bit in awe of how well the systems here work. Dealing with the efficient, effective government systems is mind boggling, with interactions with friendly and helpful bureaucrats. Exiting a football game this week with an orderly, friendly crowd was a stark contrast to the boisterous, unruly masses that would leave German games.

I think my perception of the contrast between myself and the everyday Koreans I see in passing is much wider than it has been in the past. I get to enjoy all these incredible benefits of living here, yet my profession and relative wealth remove many of the stresses and difficulties that average people face. My level of privilege is more extensive, and I recognize it more deeply than before. I need to reflect more deeply on this.