Finding Home: A Perspective on Relocation and Belonging

Relocation is often framed as a logistical challenge, but for many, moving across borders is a deeply personal journey that reshapes one’s identity. For South Korean native Vicky Choi, the path from her birthplace to New Zealand and, eventually, to Singapore, has been defined by the search for a place that truly feels like home.

The Journey of Relocation

Vicky Choi’s story is one of international transition. Born in South Korea, she moved to New Zealand in 1993 with her family, where she spent over a decade. During this formative period, she experienced the rhythms of life in a new country, eventually completing her university education there. However, as she entered the professional world, she began to evaluate her long-term prospects. After working in various roles, including a tenure as a team leader at the travel retailer DFS, she concluded that she sought a different environment for her career, and future.

In 2006, Choi relocated to Singapore with her sister. Over the next two decades, Singapore transitioned from a new city to the place she would build her life. She eventually married and welcomed two children, anchoring her roots in the “little red dot.”

Defining Home Through Experience

For Choi, the sense of belonging in Singapore is not tied to birthright, but to the accumulation of lived experiences. She describes her 20s and 30s as the most critical years of her life—a time when she established her career and cultivated professional relationships. These years, spent entirely within Singapore, served to solidify her emotional connection to the nation.

This connection was perhaps most visibly realized in 2015 during the SG50 National Day Parade. While listening to Kit Chan perform the song “Home,” Choi found herself moved to tears. Despite not being a Singaporean citizen, the lyrics resonated with her, crystallizing her feelings of attachment to the country.

Adaptability and Life Transitions

The experience of expatriate life is rarely static. Choi’s parents, who had initially joined her in Singapore, decided to return to South Korea in 2013 for their retirement. This shift highlighted the evolving nature of family dynamics when living abroad. Today, Choi continues to navigate life as a permanent resident in Singapore, balancing the responsibilities of family life—including the national service obligations for her son—with the continued integration into Singaporean society.

Key Takeaways

• Identity is fluid: Relocation can lead to a redefined sense of home that is based on career and life milestones rather than just geography.
• Professional growth: Career opportunities and economic environments often serve as the primary drivers for international migration.
• Emotional resonance: Cultural touchstones, such as music or national celebrations, play a significant role in fostering a sense of community for long-term residents.

Looking Ahead

Choi’s journey illustrates a common narrative for many who choose to build lives outside their country of origin. It is a process of trading the familiar for the unknown, and eventually, turning that unknown into a foundation. As she looks toward the future, her experience serves as a reminder that “home” is often found in the places where we invest the most significant years of our lives.