Moving to a new country comes with a lot of firsts and a lot of decisions. Should you live in the city or somewhere quieter? Is that job offer the right move? What about schools for your kids? It’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, these choices can have a big impact on your future.
Here at Remitly, we get it. Making decisions, especially in a new place, with unfamiliar rules and systems, takes time, confidence, and sometimes a bit of trial and error. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you take the first (and most important) step in making smarter choices.
The decision-making starting point
Let’s be honest, making big life decisions can feel like a full-time job, especially when you’re adjusting to life in a new country. But if you take just one thing away from this article, let it be this: how you start matters. Get the first step right, and everything else becomes way less stressful.
What’s the first step, and why does it matter?
The first step is simple, but powerful: clearly define the decision you need to make.
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people skip this part. Instead of saying, “I need to find a reliable bank,” they go straight into comparing dozens of accounts without knowing what they’re actually looking for. That’s a fast track to frustration.
When you name the decision clearly, like “I need a bank that doesn’t charge international transfer fees,” you give your brain a clear target. This saves time, lowers stress, and helps you avoid going in circles.
What goes into defining your decision?
- Spot the need: What problem are you trying to solve, or what choice is coming up?
- Say it simply: Put it in plain language. No need to overthink it.
- Know your goal: What do you want to get out of this decision?
Let’s say you’re apartment-hunting. Before you scroll through listings, ask yourself: “What do I need from this new place?” A shorter commute? More space? Lower rent? Being clear upfront helps you avoid rushing into something that doesn’t really fit.
Why does this step make everything easier?
Think of it like setting your GPS before a road trip. When you define your destination, you won’t waste time taking wrong turns or second-guessing your route.
Once you know exactly what decision you’re making, it becomes way easier to gather the right information, compare your options, and stay focused. No more decision fatigue or late-night spirals.
Figuring out the real problem
Most decisions start because something isn’t quite right. Maybe you’re stuck, something’s not working, or you’re just ready for a change. But before you can fix it, you need to understand exactly what the problem is and why it matters.
Get specific about the problem
If you can sum up your problem in one clear sentence, you’re already on the right track. For example:
- “I need a job that fits my visa rules.”
- “I’m choosing between staying in my apartment or moving somewhere cheaper.”
- “I want to study again, but I’m not sure I can afford it.”
Notice how these are specific and focused? That’s what makes them easier to solve.
Try to avoid vague statements like “I need to change my life” or “I feel stuck.” Those are valid feelings, but they’re too big to tackle all at once. Instead, break them down into smaller, manageable decisions.
Know what you’re aiming for
Next, ask yourself: What do I truly want out of this?
Maybe you’re looking for short-term relief, like finding an affordable place to live, or maybe you’re thinking long-term, like getting permanent residency. Knowing your goal helps you filter your choices and stay focused.
For instance, if your goal is to save money while supporting your family back home, you might look into lower-cost remittance services or tweak your monthly spending. Every option looks clearer when you know what you’re working toward.
Think through what might happen next
Every decision comes with its own set of “what ifs.” Some affect you right away, and others take time to show up. Either way, it’s smart to consider:
- What’s the best-case scenario?
- What could go wrong?
- Are there financial, emotional, or legal consequences?
You don’t need a crystal ball, just a bit of honest thinking. The goal is to prepare yourself so your choices feel a little less risky and a lot more intentional.
The decision-making process
Once you’ve figured out what decision you’re actually making, the rest of the process starts to feel a lot more doable. The truth is, decision-making doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be organized, and maybe a little less overwhelming.
What does the process look like?
Different experts have slightly different takes, but most decision-making methods follow the same basic steps.
- Identify the decision
- Gather helpful information
- Define the real problem or need
- Think through your options
- Weigh the pros and cons
- Make the call
- Take action
- Look back and learn
Each step builds on the last, so skipping around can lead to confusion, stress, or choices you regret later.
Why having a process helps
When you’re dealing with big life stuff like applying for a visa, choosing where to study, or navigating healthcare, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where having a clear process helps. It gives you something solid to lean on when your brain is juggling 12 things at once.
Plus, following a step-by-step method helps separate facts from feelings. This is helpful when you’re feeling rushed, unsure, or tired.
And if you’re making decisions that affect other people, it helps to have a clear reason behind your choices. It makes conversations easier and keeps everyone on the same page.
Watch out for these common challenges
Even with a plan, decision-making isn’t always smooth sailing. There are a few common challenges to keep in mind:
- Overthinking and waiting for the “perfect” option (spoiler: it rarely exists)
- Not having enough clear info or knowing where to find it
- Fear of getting it wrong, especially when the stakes feel high
- Unfamiliar systems or cultural differences
The good news is that simply recognizing these hurdles makes them easier to handle. The goal isn’t to make flawless decisions, it’s to make informed ones that allow you to move forward with more confidence.
Gathering the right information (so you don’t have to guess)
Now that you know what decision you’re making and the process to follow, it’s time to gather the facts. Because let’s face it, guesswork doesn’t usually lead to great outcomes. One small mistake, like misunderstanding a visa rule or choosing the wrong school, can have big consequences. So doing your homework now can save you time, money, and stress down the road.
How to gather helpful info
Start with this question: What do I need to know before I can decide?
Let’s say you’re choosing between two job offers. That might mean comparing salary, benefits, commute time, and even work culture. Consider the following:
- Write down your questions and tackle them one at a time
- Ask people you trust, including friends, mentors, or others who’ve been through it
- Make checklists to compare your options side-by-side
- Take notes when speaking with professionals
The goal is to gather just enough information to move forward, not research your way into a stress spiral.
How to know if your info is trustworthy
Not everything on the internet deserves your trust. When you’re making an important decision, especially as a newcomer, there are a few things to consider.
- Reliable: Stick to official sources like .gov, .edu, or well-known organizations
- Current: Outdated rules (especially for immigration, healthcare, or housing) can trip you up
- Relevant: Look for guidance that applies to your specific situation as a newcomer
Still unsure? Double-check. Cross-reference information from at least two or three different sources.
Exploring your options (yes, you’ve got more than one)
Once you’ve figured out the problem and gathered the info you need, it’s time for the fun part: looking at your options. This is your chance to get creative, think outside the box, and explore what could work for you.
Don’t stop at the first idea
When you’re making a big decision, the first idea that pops into your head isn’t always the best one. Try to come up with at least three possible solutions, even if some seem a little outside the norm.
Some examples of this are the following.
If you’re sending money back home:
- Option 1 is to use a mobile app with low transfer fees
- Option 2 is to go through your local bank’s international services
- Option 3 is to set up scheduled transfers with a trusted remittance company
If you’re searching for housing:
- Option 1 is to share a place with roommates
- Option 2 is to rent a studio in a more affordable area
- Option 3 is to look into subsidized or community housing programs
Which options make sense?
Now that you’ve got a list, it’s time to think practically. Ask yourself:
- How much will this cost?
- How much time or effort will it take?
- Are there any risks or deal-breakers?
- Does this fit with my values, goals, or current visa status?
For example, maybe you’d love to start your own business, but if your visa doesn’t allow it, it’s not an option right now. That’s okay, the goal is to find what works within your current situation.
Pick the option that gives you the best shot at success
Once you’ve weighed your choices, go with the one that strikes the best balance between being doable and being worthwhile. It might not feel perfect, and that’s normal. Most big decisions don’t come with guarantees.
But if you’ve done your research, thought through the pros and cons, and stayed honest about what’s realistic, you can move forward with much more confidence.
Making confident decisions
Good decisions don’t happen by accident. They start with clarity and end with action. And the best part is that it’s a skill you can keep getting better at.
Don’t forget the first step
Moving forward, whenever you’re faced with a decision, remember the very first step clearly identifying the decision you need to make. It helps you stay focused, know what success looks like, and move forward with purpose instead of confusion.
Decision-making gets better with practice
Nobody is born a perfect decision-maker. It’s something you learn over time. And the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Here are a few ways to sharpen your skills:
- Write down your thinking when making big choices
- Talk things through with someone you trust
- Reflect on past decisions and consider what worked, what didn’t, and why
Every decision you make is a chance to learn more about yourself and how to navigate your new environment. Whether you’re figuring out work, housing, family life, or something completely different, the tools you’ve picked up here will help you gain more clarity and confidence.
FAQs
What’s the most important first step in making a big decision?
Start by clearly identifying what decision you need to make. Being specific helps you focus your energy, gather the right information, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
How do I know if I’ve gathered enough information?
You don’t need to know everything, just enough to compare your options with confidence. Focus on reliable, up-to-date info from trustworthy sources and cross-check when in doubt.
What if I’m afraid of making the wrong choice?
That’s completely normal, especially when the stakes feel high. Try thinking through best- and worst-case outcomes, and remember: no decision is perfect, but thoughtful ones usually lead to better results.
Can I get better at decision-making over time?
Absolutely. Decision-making is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice. Reflecting on past choices and learning from your experience helps you build more confidence going forward.