Which came first: the U.S. Capitalist or the Swiss Expat ?
On James, 20 years
For the first 6 months, you just lie on the sofa & wonder „Why ? What the heck … ? What did I do to myself ?! „
Total immersion into a new culture is miserable. No one reaches out to you, & Swiss culture has a reputation for unfriendliness that … you just have to accept.
I’m not going to be as forthcoming with my life as you (AS) have been, but I will say that those feelings of homesickness never really go away. But, at a certain point, something starts to click. OK … no one reaches out to you. So, you must accept it & reach out to them. Join courses, a church, clubs … meet other expats. Keep pushing through rejections.
You must learn how to deal with “no”. You must learn how to introduce yourself to people …
You don’t know where things will lead.
I was a writer in L.A. I wrote stories … mostly nonfiction. I married a Swiss woman, & 20 years ago, got a permanent visa to live & work here as soon as I arrived. I still went through these feelings of homesickness & „What did I do ? Did I make a terrible mistake ? „.
The things I could do back home were not relevant here. I got involved in English theatre groups & discovered new things, new hobbies, a new calling …
Everyone has feelings of homesickness. And, to some extent, every one can be an artist. When you harness those feelings & express emotions about being away from home, creativity takes over.
You never forget homesickness. It always stays with you. But how ? Is it your Muse ?
Become homesickness’ Master; not its slave.
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I never thought of myself as a capitalist. But, as what often happens, plans change & you’re forced to play your hand.
At least, that’s what happened with me. When things changed, I again had to face those questions of „What will I do ? Will I buck up or back down ? “
You’re at a crossing point, and it’s a very emotional time. This is when you have to be an observer. Emotions make you look inward. Look outward; don’t be judgmental. Put your eye toward the future & show people you’ve got talent. Establish a name in the community & then say “Yes” to risk.
Leap.
Things generally fall into place … maybe not how you thought …
But I think starting a business in Switzerland is even better than in the U.S. This is a capitalist’s paradise … not much bureaucracy, there’s less hurdles, people are more helpful – especially the people in the bureaucracy: they are more likely to be helpful than in the States.
It’s advisable to have a local person in the company, & know German.
For me, it’s been a very humanising experience because you must meet & interact with people. You must create colleagues; not just friends.
You have to get out & sell yourself.
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To that person sitting on the sofa wondering “Why ? What did I do ? Did I make a mistake ?” …
We create our luck. Those feelings of homesickness & anger are a mental trap. If they don’t advance your cause or being, let them drift away.
Emotions are not you.
You are deeper & better than that.
Ride your emotions for a bigger cause.
James’ recommendations:
There are lots of groups to join … but I got my start at Semi-Circle Theatre group. You don’t have to be an actor, or a writer. There are lots of things that need to be done backstage … & they are always looking for people – sometimes at the last minute, even: www.semi-circle.ch
Of course, I want to invite your Readers to the show my production team & I created which opens today with twelve shows from February 20 – March 6th. It’s the story about Sophie, an outsider who doesn’t fit into the genetically optimised happiness of where she lives. Starring Marc Storace of Krokus, Stefan Raaflaub of voXXclub, & Anne Marie Schmid as Sophie. Tickets available at www.ticketcorner.ch www.testrockopera.com