Stay or Go? Mastering Life-Changing Decisions with Confidence

In today’s uncertain times, the dilemma of whether to stay or go has become increasingly prevalent. Some individuals feel an urgent need to leave their current situation, regardless of the destination. However, it’s crucial to recognize that emigration is a significant step that requires careful consideration. Tatyana Slavinskaya-Puzarevich, a renowned brain specialist, offers valuable insights on making the best decision for your unique circumstances.

For Those in Unstable Areas

For individuals residing in areas plagued by unrest and conflict, the answer may seem more apparent. Those living in border regions should meticulously evaluate their options and prioritize their safety and well-being.

Important Considerations

When faced with crucial decisions, it’s essential to maintain a clear and focused mindset. Panic and an unstable state of mind can cloud your judgment, leading to poor decisions regarding significant life changes, such as whether to stay or go.

Steps to Take

As you observe the unfolding circumstances and see your acquaintances and friends on social media making moves, you might wonder if it’s time for you to do the same. If so, take note of this moment and begin to take action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this complex decision-making process:

Assess Your State

Start by evaluating your physical and emotional state. Ask yourself what you’re feeling in the present moment. How anxious are you? It’s crucial to understand that the answer to the question of whether to stay or go cannot be determined in an agitated state. The subsequent actions you take can significantly alter your life in unpredictable ways.

Relax

To alleviate anxiety, consider engaging in relaxing activities such as drinking warm herbal tea, taking necessary medications, or doing whatever helps you find calm. Find a comfortable position, whether at a table, on a sofa, or in an armchair—wherever you prefer. You can play soothing music or engage in any activity that makes you feel relaxed and at ease.

Evaluate Your Resources: Here and in Emigration

Take a sheet of paper and colored pencils, pens, or markers—whatever you prefer. Divide the sheet into two parts or use two separate sheets of paper.

On the first part, list the resources you currently have. Include everything you can manage while being in your current location:

Material resources: money, car, apartment, business, etc.
Social resources: your status in society, membership in particular social groups, family, friends, people you can turn to, the school your children attend, access to quality medical services, etc.
Intellectual resources: education, knowledge of foreign languages, skills, your definition of “your mission and purpose” (if any), understanding of how everything is arranged and works in your current location.

On the second part, using the same scheme, list the resources you will have if you decide to leave. Consider what you can take with you and what new resources you might acquire in all categories: material, social, and intellectual.

Assess the Level of Anxiety: Here and in Emigration

On the first sheet, note what causes you anxiety and the desire to leave. This could include factors such as increased military activity, social media posts about potential conflicts, or news reports in the media.
On the second sheet, write down what might cause you concern if you were to emigrate. While it’s challenging to assess the level of anxiety without experiencing emigration firsthand, try to imagine potential stressors. These could include uncertainty about housing, employment, social guarantees, choosing a good school for your child, or integrating into a new culture and society.

Evaluating all these parameters is not a simple task. It’s beneficial to give yourself a few days to recall as many characteristics as possible and create the most complete picture of your potential future.

Make a Decision

After carefully considering all the factors, sit down and evaluate what you will gain and what you will lose by moving. Focus not on the number of pros and cons but on their significance to you.

If financial well-being is your top priority, evaluate where it will be better.
If social connections are crucial, look at how the social environment will change.
If you emphasize career growth, see where the prospects are greater.

Think Again

Currently, many people’s main reason for leaving is the level of anxiety they experience. If your primary goal in emigrating is to reduce anxiety, it’s essential to think carefully about this decision. Anxiety can stem from various causes, often related to uncertainty about future development scenarios. In emigration, such uncertainty can increase manifold. This is an important factor to consider before making your final decision.

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