"Lost In Space" and Global Transition:
Is There a Difference?

How prophetic those feelings turned out to be -- as now many years later, I've actually "been there, done that." Well, it wasn't while living in space, but while living in foreign countries and among different cultures. Each time I moved to a different country, I experienced the same empty and lost feeling inside.

When the movie Lost in Space came out a couple of years ago, it not only reminded me of the emotional upheavals of global transition, but also the actual process of moving abroad. Without a doubt, some transitions are like the frenzy of a hi-tech space adventure. It's that whole series of frantic and sometimes death-defying events: Saying good-bye to extended family members whom you may never see again, you board a spacecraft (airplane). After takeoff, your kids (and spouse) suddenly turn into unrecognizable aliens and your pet gets loose. Your heart begins to race out of control as the pilot yells, "Hang on! We're about to blast through a worm-hole (turbulence)." Then finally, after what seems like a crash-landing on some far-off planet, you exit the craft, look around and realize…you're --- lost - in - space!

And if this actually happens to you in space, I can't help you -- other than to suggest calling Hans Solo next time (oops…that's the other movie).

In any event, thank goodness that's all in the world of fantasy. Here on earth (and in reality) when it comes to global transition and relocation, there are real solutions to real problems, regardless of how outrageous they may seem. However, the analogies do follow in that whether it's space travel or global transition, it takes proper planning, preparation and support.

Where does one get that support? If you are involved in the world of global transition, how do you find the resources to plan and stay on course? As global transition becomes more commonplace and the need for support becomes more of a necessity, resources are becoming increasingly available. Of course, you can start by going into cyber space (the Internet) where you will find a galaxy of resources. These include organizational and relocation professionals, experts and certainly some well-organized and helpful grassroots support groups.

Moreover, there is another substantial resource on the horizon -- the Families in Global Transition (FGT) conference (October 2-4, 2002). Whether you are an employee relocating with a corporate, government or service oriented entity or an expert or transition support specialist, attendance at the FGT conference is a must for you. It's a one-stop-shop bringing all of these people and resources together in one place.

FGT creates a forum where members of internationally mobile corporate, military, diplomatic and missionary families gather with those who assist them: human resource personnel, relocation experts, educators and counselors. They come together seeking to develop practical strategies for dealing effectively with the special dynamics encountered in the global lifestyle -- a "space station" of sorts where you can find answers and real solutions to your relocation and global transition processes. So set your course for Indianapolis, Indiana to arrive on October 2nd, 2002. For more information about Families In Global Transition, go to www.tckworld.com/fgt.

Kevin McNulty has relocated around the US and abroad over 20 times--first as an "Army Brat," subsequently throughout the 20-year Air Force career he just retired. Currently he is an International Transition and Career Consultant with Ricklin Echikson Associates and the Marketing Director for The Families In Global Transition.