2009 Rio Expat Survey Results: How Have You Changed?

I asked how living in Rio has changed participants, if at all?

• Immense changes. More adaptable now, cultural norms here are norms to me now, more flexible. Im sure the list goes on and on.
• i think I definitely have more of an open mind about living in different countries.
• It has blown my mind to smithereens
• More peaceful, calm, patient
• I'm more open. I am more social. I seldom spend a weekend nights at home. I have a higher sense of self, community and spirit.
• I have become more laid back about getting things done.
• happier
• It has made me aware that there is life...a whole new world OUTSIDE of the US culture
• more focus on exercise, realizing that commuting really sucks, managing people, really appreciating how well things work in a first world country
• Life is too short, so travel and see the world!
• Too soon to say and all mixed up with having a baby, but maybe I'm relaxing a little about some things. Especially in interactions with strangers. I feel less static between people.
• thought me to be more spefic about things and to be more flexible about expectations
• I define myself less through my job and appreciate more other (personal) things of my life.
• I appreciate things a whole lot more back home, things I used to take for granted - like it driving and getting to your destination quickly. I've also become a whole lot more PATIENT.
• Hasn't really. Not yet anyway...... Well makes me appreciate the things i have back home more.
• I now have a greater appreciation of my home country.
• I am much more relaxed
• Next time we move I will ensure we have all the info and visa issues sorted before we leave our existing country. Rio has changed me as we thought previously that we had company support. Not every country is the same !
• More relax
• Patience
• Improvising and always have a back-up plan.
• made me much more street-smart.
• Still the same me.
• I have learned another language and been fortunate to live and experience yet another country, it's culture, customs and culinary delights!
• This is the first time that I haven't worked for an extended time period and I no longer feel that my self-worth is determined by my job and am more happy to just "be". I think that I take more pleasure out of life in general. But that has taken me a long time - the first year we moved here I was very depressed and angry....
• It has taught me patience that I never knew I had.
• Spoiled me.
• I've realised that I am very adaptabile and don't miss home as much as I thought I would.
• I enjoy the days more.
• I am able to communicate in another language!
• I am much more relaxed and less over-scheduled
• Style - I've got a more stylish look as a result of living here. Family - I see how Brazilians put a great focus on family life and hope to emmulate that.
• I am still me and so is the family, if anything more laid back.
• Appreciate the good ole USA.
• It made me closer to my family.
• I am a happier person
• well, I had to learn another language... already my 5th one
• Way more laid back!
• I have been humbled. I am more patient. I value living life and enjoying life like never before. I find more joy in smaller things. I need less. I want fewer things. I think I have become a little simpler. Oh, and I have relaxed a lot! I don't try to plan-out and organize every second of my life anymore.
• I am much more easygoing now and don't let things stress me out anymore.
• it hasn't changed me, just made me realize how I don't want to live
• It sounds cheesy, but I think I've learned how to enjoy the simple pleasures of every day life... a great day at the beach, a fresh fruit juice, meeting with friend to have a beer without needing to plan a party or invent a reason. Before, all I thought about was my commute, my job, my stress.
• I think it made me more relaxed
• I'm not sure it has.....
• I've 'learned' another language, become lazier, and a more hardened drinker (if that were possible). I'd say open minded, but I think that's part of being an expat anyway, and as we lived in Nigeria before....
• Meeting people from all over the world has strengthened my understanding of how wonderfully different and special we all are. The more I learn the more I want to know.
• I think I am much more open to new things and that I now want to see much more of the world.
• it changes me for sure during the stay but not afterwards

Comments

[Jbstefani.wordpress.com]

I'm surprised that most people have changed in a positive way.
I have to say that this laid back Brazilian way of life is one of the things I miss the most. I think we know how to balance among work, family and pleasure.
Plus I do miss to meet people and do not be asked what do I do for a living rather than my name lol

[Felipe]

I sent you an e-mail some days ago. I'd like to know if you have read it or not, if you have read send me a answer.