Chapter 1: Reflections on Homecoming

Returning home often brings up a myriad of emotions. One wonders if there's any psychological research focused on the impact of frequent farewells throughout life. Indeed, our existence comprises numerous beginnings and endings, yet there's a threshold to how adept we become at bidding farewell.

Reflecting on my last day in Vancouver after a delightful three-week visit, I ponder how saying goodbye at 28 feels distinctly different than it did at 8. Although farewells are challenging, I cherish the quality family time they prompt. Every return seems to deepen my understanding of my parents’ experiences in their younger years, revealing insights into their lives.

I recently watched a three-hour lecture by Jordan Peterson that sparked some thoughts. Although it wasn’t the main focus, he discussed Pinocchio's journey, paralleling it with our own adventures into adulthood. For many, university represents the first step into the real world. Some embark on a quest for self-discovery, unknowingly becoming "troubled adults." Jung suggested that pursuing a life aligned with one's passion can lead to heartache rather than fulfillment. This resonates with me; finding true passion is often fraught with challenges, making the pursuit itself extremely demanding.

In my experience, few individuals who genuinely love their work have achieved that through a straightforward path of diligent study and stable jobs. Most have endured significant struggles that might seem irrational to outsiders—much like Pinocchio's adventurous spirit.

Upon returning home, many revert to the innocent versions of themselves they were before venturing out. Peterson’s ideas made me reflect on whether I too regressed to my adolescent self upon returning from university. This contemplation led me to recognize my mixed emotions during visits with my parents, particularly in recent years since embarking on my journey with OMD Ventures—a quest to create my ideal career.

I often grapple with two conflicting identities: the familiar version my parents knew for 18 years and the one facing the world's challenges in my 20s. Just as farewells may become slightly easier over time, I’m discovering that integrating my "adult explorer" identity is also becoming more manageable.

While the youthful persona doesn't vanish upon returning home, it can play a lesser role when I choose to share the realities of my experiences and struggles. This visit marked the first time I openly expressed my confusion, exhaustion, and uncertainty about the future to my parents. Although sharing these feelings was daunting, it led to a three to four-hour conversation that, while not providing immediate solutions, opened the door for them to engage in my adult life.

I still cherish the youthful joy that surfaces when I savor my mother’s home-cooked meals. I believe my parents experience similar feelings when they visit my grandparents in South Korea. It’s ultimately my responsibility to reduce the time spent in a naive adolescent state and instead bring home the adult who is exploring life. This evolution is vital for our family growth.

In this video, Laura Osnes explores the theme of returning home and the emotional complexities tied to that experience, shedding light on the journey of self-discovery.

Chapter 2: Coping with Reverse Culture Shock

Returning home can also trigger feelings of reverse culture shock. As one adjusts back to familiar surroundings, it can be challenging to reconcile the changes within oneself with the unchanged environment.

This video provides seven practical tips for managing reverse culture shock, helping individuals navigate the emotional landscape of returning home after significant life experiences.