PCS moves are never easy. Returning home can feel like stepping back into a familiar world, only to find it’s not quite the same.
What is Reverse Culture Shock?
Reverse culture shock can be frustrating. Returning to your home country after living abroad can feel disorienting. It’s like stepping back into a familiar world, only to find it doesn’t feel quite right anymore.
The slower pace of life overseas can make the hustle and bustle of America feel overwhelming. The constant activity and pressure can be suffocating for those experiencing reverse culture shock.
The Stages of Reverse Culture Shock
Reverse culture shock comes in stages. Each brings complicated feelings. You can feel relieved, overwhelmed, or even scared—even at the same time.
We’re Going Home!
The first stage of reverse culture shock is excitement and relief. You get to go home, where things are familiar…or so you think.
Changed Perspective
This stage is where you realize a lot has changed. Chances are, you lived in the States a few years ago. You have changed. The places you used to go have changed.
Wrestling with feelings of nostalgia and reality is something most people experience as a part of reverse culture shock.
Embracing Growth
Ready or not, you’re going home and you’ll need to embrace the growth between each chapter of your military life.
Things to Know When Returning Stateside After Living OCONUS
Returning to the US after living overseas is both exciting and overwhelming.
From navigating cultural adjustments to managing logistics like housing, transportation, and paperwork, there’s a lot to prepare for as you transition back to stateside life.
These tips will help you tackle the essential steps, avoid common pitfalls, and make your return as smooth as possible.
Household Goods
Unfortunately, you can’t use government-loaned furniture upon returning to the States like you may have abroad. However, you should get your household goods (HHG) within 60 days of returning. You can usually send a separate shipment early.
Getting in the Driver’s Seat
You can sell the car you have OCONUS to Military AutoSource, who will recondition it and resell it to an overseas service member who needs an affordable ride once they arrive.
Your MAS OCONUS car-buying benefits apply to cars you purchase while stationed or deployed for overseas AND stateside delivery. You can order your new car, truck, or SUV at regulated military pricing, with a worldwide warranty. Military AutoSource will have built and delivered to the stateside destination of your choice where and when you need it.
Buying or Renting a Home
Many choose to buy a home when returning to the States. But going to house hunt ahead of time is nearly impossible. You can rent a home upon your return, too.
If you choose to buy unseen, here are some things to know:
- Find a trusted and reputable realtor
- If you have a family member, friend or a contact near the location where you are PCSing, ship items to them before moving back to the States. They may even drive by and view a home you’re considering.
- Don’t just look at pictures. Pictures look great—that’s the point! Look into the area (really look, use Google Earth!) and ask for opinions of the community.
- Request a video from your realtor that shows the drive near the house you’re buying to get an idea of the surrounding areas.
Successfully Transitioning Back to the States
Returning to the States might even feel awkward or frustrating at times. When PCSing OCONUS, everyone is in the same situation—displaced and desiring community.
When returning to the States, individuals who experience reverse culture shock often feel more isolated as they reintegrate into an established community.
Prepare and Budget Ahead of Time
Moving costs money, even in the military. There are some out-of-pocket expenses. Some expenses you will be reimbursed for and some you won’t. Rental cars, childcare, pet care, or new future/appliance expenses may happen. So don’t forget to budget accordingly.
Prepare the Kids
Adjusting is hard. Culture shock can hit kids especially hard. Older children who remember living in the States can have the same reverse culture shock as adults.
Smaller children who only know about living abroad can be overwhelmed. Read books, answer their questions, and be a voice of comfort and stability.
Home Sweet Home
Moving back to the States can be overwhelming, especially with reverse culture shock. But with some planning, you can be prepared.
Budget for unexpected expenses, learn the stages of reverse culture shock, and remember to talk to a Military AutoSource specialist about getting your car when you’re back in the US!
About Military AutoSource
Military AutoSource provides a factory-direct program tailored to the unique needs of military life. As the only Exchange and DoD authorized car-buying program, MAS is the exclusive military distributor and retailer for Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles.
Through our program, U.S. Military, DoD civilians and contractors as well as the Diplomatic community can purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle for delivery in the US or to more than 50 overseas duty locations. Learn more about your overseas U.S. Military car-buying benefits.
