You Never Start from Scratch: Avital’s tips for Self-Discovery Abroad
Relocating for a partner’s career can feel like pressing pause on your own ambitions. The move often means stepping away from the professional identity you’ve worked so hard to build, entering a new environment where the language, culture, and job market feel unfamiliar. It’s a challenge many women face, but it’s also an opportunity to grow, adapt, and create a new chapter.
Avital’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we allow ourselves to reinvent and build upon the foundation of our accomplishments. Her journey highlights not only the challenges but also the triumphs of starting anew.
A Passion for Teaching, Training, and People Management
Avital’s professional story began early. Even as a student, she had a natural ability to guide and mentor others, helping others navigate their academic journeys. At university, she took on leadership roles, sharing her knowledge and supporting others in their learning. This passion for teaching and development became the cornerstone of her career.
She transitioned from mentoring to formal teaching, dedicating herself to shaping minds and fostering growth. "I’ve always been drawn to working with people, especially in education and development," Avital shared.
Avital thrived as an educator, using her creativity and drive to inspire students. However, her journey didn’t stop there. Recognizing the broader impact she could make, Avital expanded her focus into the realm of development of trainings, project management, and people management. She dedicated herself to creating learning experiences that empower individuals to grow both professionally and personally.
"I’ve always loved working on programs that connect people, solve problems, and create something meaningful," she explained. Her work often included managing cross-functional teams, designing digital content, and using the agile framework to ensure projects remained adaptable and impactful.
In one of her most prominent roles, she managed a large-scale digitization project for a government ministry.
"I was responsible for everything from course development to creating podcasts for professional growth. It involved working closely with educators, solving their challenges, and delivering tools that really made a difference," Avital said.
The Challenge of Relocation
When Avital relocated to support her husband’s career, she faced the reality of starting over. She left behind the professional networks, cultural familiarity, and structures she had built over the years. Suddenly, she was navigating in a new country with its own language, customs, and workplace norms.
"It was tough," she admitted. "I went from having this strong professional identity to feeling like I was starting from scratch."
This experience is one many women in the Career Club DK community can relate to—the feeling of being untethered, of having to rebuild from the ground up. It’s not just about finding work; it’s about rediscovering yourself, your strengths, and your sense of purpose.
Rediscovering Her Path
Avital didn’t let these challenges deter her. Instead, she embraced the opportunity to grow. She began learning the language, immersing herself in her new surroundings, and connecting with like-minded individuals.
"I started looking for ways to contribute, even if it wasn’t in the same way as before," she explained. One of these contributions was consulting on the creation of a professional women’s organization, helping others navigate their own career journeys.
Through networking and collaboration, Avital found new opportunities to leverage her skills in training and project management. "It’s all about finding your people and staying connected. That’s how you build momentum," she said.
Finding Joy in the Small Things
Amidst the challenges, Avital has discovered moments of joy and wonder. One of her favorite experiences involves snow—a novelty she hadn’t encountered often in her previous life. "When it snows, I feel like a child again—running around excitedly while everyone else looks cold and grumpy," she laughed. "It’s a little reminder to find happiness in small things, even when everything else feels hard."
She’s also learned to adapt to cultural differences, like the slower pace of life. "Here, you wait your turn, whether it’s at the doctor or the post office. It’s about patience, and that’s been a lesson for me," she said with a smile.
A Journey Still in Progress
Avital’s story is far from over. She’s actively seeking a new role in training and development, project management, or learning development—fields where her experience shines. She’s focused on building effective programs, managing people, and creating impactful learning experiences.
"It’s not always easy, and sometimes it feels like I’m not moving fast enough," she admitted. "But I remind myself that every small step counts. I’m building something meaningful, even if it’s taking more time than expected."
Her determination and optimism serve as a powerful reminder that rebuilding yourself takes courage and persistence.
A Message for the Women of Career Club DK
Avital’s story is not just her own—it’s a testament to the resilience and strength of women everywhere who find themselves rebuilding their life and themselves in a new place.
To the women of Career Club DK, especially those who have relocated: your achievements are not erased by the move. Your skills, knowledge, and experiences remain with you, even as you navigate the unknown.
Starting over takes courage - it means balancing your ambitions with the needs of your family, often in a context where your own identity feels secondary. But it’s also an opportunity to rediscover your strengths, to chart a new path, and to redefine what success looks like for you.
Avital’s journey shows us that reinvention doesn’t mean erasing the past—it means carrying it with you into the future. "It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. You learn so much about yourself in the process," she said.
Tips for Women Rebuilding Their Careers
Avital’s experience offers invaluable insights for others navigating similar transitions. Her advice is simple but powerful:
Be patient with yourself: "Take all the time you need.. Reinventing yourself doesn’t happen overnight."
Find your support system: "Connecting with others who understand your journey can make all the difference."
Celebrate small wins: "Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress."
Remember your worth: "Your accomplishments don’t disappear just because you’re in a new place."
To Avital, and to every woman rebuilding her life and career in a new country: you are amazing. You are resilient. You are a wonder woman. Don’t ever forget that.
The challenges you face don’t diminish your accomplishments—they add to them. Let this be a reminder that starting over isn’t starting from scratch. It’s an evolution, a testament to your adaptability, strength, and vision.
You can connect with Avital on LinkedIn.
Article by: Judy Cohen
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