Dear Mind Over Miles,
My question concerns firstly the time difference. I’m Swiss, my boyfriend is Australian. That means we’re 8 hours (in winter 10 hours, which is actually easier) apart. It’s really difficult to phone as I go to bed when he gets up and basically vice versa. I don’t know how to deal with that. We Skype every Sunday though, but I miss hearing his voice the other 6 days of the week. How can I deal with so much time difference?
And the second question is about moving. I will finish my studies next January probably. I wanna work then and save up money so I have a bit of savings on the side. But I don’t know if I even have a chance of finding a job there… My qualifications won’t be recognized there and I don’t know yet if I’ll get a relationship-visa. Additionally my family doesn’t want me to move as they think I would give up all my perspectives for my future. My boyfriend works with Computers (which is more universal than Law,which is what I study). He doesn’t even consider moving as he has a really good job there. I don’t know what I should do….
Thank you so much for your help! 🙂
– Swiss Australian
Dear Swiss Australian,
“Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.” – Anonymous
Your situation is challenging but not impossible.
So you’re in a long distance relationship with an 8 hour time difference. Communication is the key. There is way for you to make this work. Let’s take the first part of your question first. Communication is very important in a relationship and this is even more true in a long distance relationship. It is crucial that you talk on a regular basis. Many LDR couples have successfully overcome time differences thanks to the help of modern technology.
Apps like Voxxer will allow you both to pre record messages for each other. So that you really can hear each others voices everyday. You could take one day and record enough messages to last a week. Then your partner would open one everyday. Another great idea if to set up a private Instagram where only the two of you can talk privately through the day and stay connected. Don’t forget to make sure you two adjust your privacy settings.
You don’t have to give up your career for love.
Now for your second question. At this point in your life being in a long distance relationship gives you the freedom to adjust your life in a way that you may not be able to once you close the distance. It would be a good idea for you to look into continuing your education in Australia in a way that will allow you to include your transferable skills. Start by finding the nearest university to your boyfriend’s location.
Call them and talk to a recruiter. Tell them your situation and ask if they can give you any information on transferring and how to qualify to attend there. Ask them if they know about any programs that you might qualify for. Basically find out as much as you can. You may find that it’s easier than you think to continue your education and find work in another country. Many have done it before. And you can too. Who says you can’t have it all? You can have both your career and the man you love.
Wishing you the best,
