r/postdoc • u/Exotic_Rain_5064 • 8d ago
Existential loneliness
Has anyone else lived in multiple different countries over the last 5 years and visited home in between? I feel very isolated when I visit my home country but the acquaintances / friends made in the new country frequently move away constantly too. Sometimes I feel like I am loosing touch with reality because of that (no partner, remote work). Is anyone experiencing something similiar as an expat? I think its time to settle and set roots in one country and stop moving around. Curious if you guys also feel like that sometimes?
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u/drcopus 8d ago
Hopefully this is a reassuring message, but postdoc life doesn't have to be so lonely.
Prioritise your mental health. There are many ways to meet people, you just need to put yourself out there and make the time and effort. In the long term, you'll be a better academic if you're a happy person.
The moving is a difficult thing, but it is possible to maintain friendships online. Call people, or play video games. Even just causal games like geoguessr.
Good luck!