Imagine moving to the UK and building a successful life and career but after more than 20 years deciding to go back to South Africa.

In this episode, I chat to Wolf Dette, the owner of Wolfies Bar in London, who shares his journey from South Africa to the UK and back. Wolf discusses his early life, ambitions in finance and the challenges of running a business during COVID.

He talks about the family’s decision to return to South Africa for family and community support. He also explores the world of NFT's and crypto investments, reflecting on the importance of resilience and cultural identity.

I really enjoyed Wolf’s entrepreneurial spirit and his drive to provide what is best for his son’s health challenges.

Wolf Dette: "the amount of growing up that you do when you go overseas and there is no one to help you. No parents no friends ..”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

01:20 Early Life and Ambitions

04:29 Transition to the UK and Career Development

05:47 The Birth of little Wolf

08:21 A big UK tax bill

09:33 First Bitcoin purchase

16:30 Success in the UK

21:23 Community and Support Systems

23:20 Reflections on Safety and Crime

25:20 Cultural Identity and Resilience

28:00 Healthcare and Family Considerations

32:33 Crime in the UK

39:00 Things change when you emigrate and grow up

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com

Have you ever thought about the challenges of selling everything to be ready to emigrate and then Covid arrived?

In this episode, I speak to Hettie Meyer who relocated to Wellsford, New Zealand from the East Rand in South Africa.

We talk about the family’s journey from South Africa, the challenges of moving, and the differences in lifestyle, culture, and healthcare in New Zealand.

I really enjoyed hearing about Hettie’s experiences with moving, childcare and the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones back home. For me the conversation highlights the emotional aspects of emigration, the adjustments required, and the freedom and safety that come with living in New Zealand.

If emigration is on your horison you will find Hettie’s advice very useful.

"Don't bring your furniture."-Hettie Meyer

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:46 Life in Wellsford, New Zealand

05:45 The Decision to Move

08:48 Challenges of Relocation

11:51 Family and Childcare in New Zealand

14:46 Cultural Differences and Community

17:30 Healthcare and Safety

20:32 Maintaining Family Connections

23:33 Reflections on South Africa

26:34 Food and Lifestyle Differences

29:08 Advice for Potential emigrants

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com

Do we sometimes neglect the feelings of parents who stay behind when their children decide to emigrate.

In this conversation, I speak with Rene Koekemoer, a South African mother who has two daughters who live abroad. We discuss the emotional journey of being a parent left behind, the sacrifices made by both parents and children, and the impact of distance on family dynamics. Rene shares her experiences of coping with separation, the importance of support systems, and the unconditional love that drives parents to want the best fortheir children, even when it means living far apart.

The discussion with Rene left me with a clear understanding of the emotional rollercoaster of a parent with children abroad. Her journey clearly reflects the emotional complexities of being a parent left behind.

Parents often suppress their emotions to remain strong for their children. Support systems for parents left behind are non-existent.

“I will never judge them."- René Koekemoer

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Immigration

02:44 Life as a Parent Left Behind

05:51 Navigating Emotions of Separation

08:47 Understanding the Decision to Leave

11:54 The Impact of Distance on Family Dynamics

14:47 The Loss of Family Connections

17:32 Coping with the Emotions of Departure

20:38 The Role of Support Systems

23:23 Finding Positivity in Separation

26:34 Advice for Parents of Immigrants

29:27 The Unconditional Love ofParents

Find your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at jan@therelocatedsouthafrican.com