Leaving Is Hard, But Coming Back Can Be Harder
Anyone who’s packed their bags for a new life overseas knows it: it takes courage to leave, but it can be just as complicated to come back. Life as an expat is so often painted as a thrilling adventure full of adaptation, discoveries, and the occasional blast of homesickness. But here’s something less talked about: after a long stint in a society with a very different mindset, returning “home” can feel deeply unsettling.
If you’ve ever lived in places like China, South Korea, or Japan, you’ll recognize the impact: daily life is structured by a strong sense of collective discipline, attentive service, and lightning-fast efficiency. These habits settle into your bones after a while—a bit like jetlag, but for your expectations of how things ought to work.
From China to Europe: A Jolt of Frustration
Back in Europe, many expats confess to feeling out of sync. Why? Everything seems slower, heavier somehow. Public administration is often seen as sluggish, customer service less responsive, and professional environments lack the buzz that’s become familiar in Asia. The culture shock isn’t just about government paperwork, either. It hits home in:
- Public transportation
- Restaurants
- Banking services
- Even healthcare
All these are now compared to an Asia that, to returning Europeans, feels hyper-digitalized and way ahead of the curve.
The View from a Spanish Entrepreneur in China
Enter Adrián Díaz, a Spanish entrepreneur in his early fifties. Having moved to Asia in search of new business opportunities, he eventually put down roots in China and adapted to life on the other side of the globe. Díaz recently shared his story on the Spanish podcast ConPdePodcast, as reported by the media outlet La Vanguardia.
“When I return to Europe, nothing has changed. I stay for 15 days and I already want to leave again. I go to a café with my friends, and the conversations are exactly the same as twenty years ago.”
He points to a persistent hot topic in Spain: the housing bubble that makes it tough for younger generations to find a home. Meanwhile, things look (at least on the surface) very different in China.
Not Everything Is Rosy—But the Pace is Relentless
“I don’t know if the real estate crisis will hit China tomorrow,”
Díaz admits.
“What I do know is that the Chinese economy keeps growing at 4% (5% in 2024).”
That’s more than in Spain, where growth last year clocked in at 3.2%. Díaz is the first to admit, however, that China is no utopia. Economic regulations are far from foolproof—and often ignored altogether.
“There, everyone pays under the table. The Chinese government knows full well, but lets it slide because cracking down would bankrupt entire sectors.”
For Díaz, this highlights what he sees as Europe’s paradox: stuck in a regulatory bubble, the continent has lost its appetite for economic vitality. It’s a harsh verdict, but one forged from years of seeing two worlds in action.
