That’s very relatable. When I moved to Japan I almost gave up after my first year. Extremely cold winter, scorching hot summer, far as fuck from my family, I didn’t speak a word in Japanese. I was done. Enough. Bye. One Sunday morning I woke up, called my parents and told them I would try staying one more year. I remember crying on the phone saying I was sorry (they were really looking forward to have me back home). That was almost 10 years ago. I learned that being an expat is a bittersweet experience. You miss your friends and family, but once you meet them you enjoy their company 1000x more. You learn how to value spring a bit more once you experience a harsh winter. You look forward for the first snow of the year after a 40°C afternoon in August. I still don’t understand A LOT of the lingo here but every time I go to the city hall and deal with the Japanese bureaucracy by myself it’s a little victory. My advice to you is:
- winter is not forever
- it’s normal to regret and have second thoughts
- try to make plans that will make you look forward to be there next month (plan a road trip/ a concert you’d like to attend to/ whatever floats your boat)
- your friends wouldn’t give up their goals/dreams because they miss you. Love and respect them but don’t give up on shit you fought for because of them (a bit harsh I know) If after that you still feel like going home, then maybe Switzerland it’s not for you. But give it a try. Good luck OP.
I’m in Hokuriku area. My first winter here was tough.