Riding the Happiness Curve: What to Expect When Moving to Switzerland
At Alliance Relocation, we know that moving to a new country is not just about logistics, it’s about people, emotions, and the journey of settling into a new life.
We were lucky to spend two years in France at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, There we were introduced to the concept of the “Happiness Curve of Relocation.” This charts the emotional highs and lows people typically experience when moving to a new country. At the time, I found it uncannily accurate, and over the years of helping families and individuals relocate to Switzerland, we have seen it play out again and again. Recognising that this curve is normal is powerful. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s part of the natural rhythm of transition.
The Happiness Curve of Relocation
The Honeymoon Phase – In the beginning, everything feels exciting and new. Switzerland’s mountains, lakes, chocolate, and efficient systems can feel like a dream. The people you meet echo your excitement, and the buzz is infectious. How could you ever bore of these mountains, these clean blue lakes, the public transport system, the cleanliness, the safety for your family?
The Downturn – After the initial thrill, many start to experience frustration, loneliness, or cultural fatigue. In the INSEAD model, this happens at around the three-month mark. Suddenly, daily life feels harder; if you have children in school, they can experience the same curve, which leads parents to question their decisions. If you are only ever as “ happy as your unhappiest child”, this can be a particularly difficult phase for the family. Even simple tasks like opening a bank account, going to the butcher, finding a doctor or simply understanding the local language can feel like insurmountable obstacles. Some people feel this dip more intensely than others.
Adjustment and Integration After roughly 9 months (again, people experience this differently) the curve turns again, routines form, friendships develop, and confidence grows. Slowly but surely, Switzerland begins to feel like home.
Practical Ways to Ease the Downturn
The good news? There are tangible steps you can take to make the middle phase less daunting and the adjustment smoother:
Learn the Language (Even a Little Helps) – Small efforts go a long way. Also, a bit like Birthing classes, the bond formed while wading through dative and genitive endings cannot be underestimated. This is why we recommend not going for online classes, join small in-person groups, whatever your level.
Build a Social Network Early, Many people say Oh, I am not really a club joining person. We totally sympathise, but joining clubs is a great way to meet other new arrivals. Then you can branch off and do your own thing but it is a great starting point. Ask your consultant for local and special interest groups in your area
Stay Active and Explore Connect with Switzerland through hiking, skiing, or simply strolling your new town. There are many aps to help you explore, like outdoor active or town tours or again you can volunteer at sporting events,
Keep Familiar Routines Maintain family traditions, workouts, or rituals for stability. Ask your Alliance consultant for tips on local gyms or mahjong groups, or Spanish groups. You will be surprised how many there are and how diverse.
Seek Professional Support When Needed: We are here to smooth the path. If you want help finding a job or volunteering, this can also be a great way to meet people and integrate. We have all been in your shoes and navigated the same obstacles you are facing. We cannot remove the obstacles, but we can offer guidance from our own experiences.
At Alliance Relocation, our mission goes beyond securing housing or handling paperwork; it’s about helping you and your family ride the curve more smoothly. We’ve been there, and we know how challenging and ultimately rewarding this journey can be.
Switzerland is a wonderful place to call home. By understanding the emotional journey, embracing the challenges, and taking small positive steps, the happiness curve flattens out sooner, and life here becomes not only manageable but truly fulfilling.