1. Once you move back, be extremely cautious in loaning money to your Pakistani friends. Only do that once you have been here for a few years. The social and the financial dynamics are very different over here, so don’t get into that trap so early on. Of course, you can loan money to friends, if you don’t intend to collect.
2. Try not to leave your domain of expertise. Try to find a job or start a business in something that you’re really good at. This is easier said than done, I know. But try your level best. This is one of the ingredients to make your transition successful. If possible, maneuver your career outside of Pakistan in such a way that your skill-set is usable over here.
3. Start with something small. You can’t really place very big bets early on. Don’t think of very big plans to get things started.
4. Get adjusted to a moderate lifestyle, and then gradually growing your system.
5. Take the plunge… Don’t wait for the perfect scenario… Make the plan short. Don’t make it too convoluted. Even after coming back to Pakistan, shoot for success in a short span. Too long of a plan has a higher chance of failing.. And this thing, “we should not have moved back,” will come up again and again…
6. You will find a lot of things wrong over here. Don’t get involved in social projects too early on. Once you’ve settled in here, let’s say after 3-5 years, then spend time on social / community projects.
7. Be prepared to be insulted, cheated and lied to. You will have to learn to live with these facts in Pakistan. My understanding as to how a human mind really works has vastly improved in Pakistan.
8. Know your reasons to move back to Pakistan really well.
9. Living in Pakistan again after you have lived abroad for many years requires a lot of commitment. It is a fundamental shift in your lifesytle. Be prepared for the change and accept it. If you continue to compare living in and outside of Pakistan based on merits, do that, but remember your reasons for moving back and your commitment to the cause.
10. Don’t give up. It may suck every ounce of patience out of you.
Arfeen Godil said on March 26th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
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great blog …. I myself moved back to Pakistan from US about 6 months ago and I agree with almost everything you’ve said. It really is a tough decision and a tough transition as well.
One idea is to have other expats who’ve moved back to write a couple of blog posts as well. This will further enrich the content of this blog.
shazee said on May 23rd, 2009 at 8:37 am
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i’m in a similar position. i believe you must have an exact plan and the decision should not be entirely emotional. Also, don’t burn your bridges, if things don’t work out, the flexibility to move back to usa should be there also. good luck!