President's Column - March 2025
Hello Members and Industry Friends,
We’ve made the move.
As I’ve chronicled over the last few columns, my family is undergoing an international move. I can now say we have made it safely to the other side. Before moving to Switzerland, we thought the hardest part would be getting there. We assumed that once we arrived, things would naturally fall into place. Instead, the real challenge began upon arrival. The sheer volume of paperwork and administrative requirements is overwhelming. From residence permits to health insurance and bank accounts, everything involves layers of complexity that seem impossible to complete efficiently. Even the seemingly simple act of sorting garbage and recycling has proven to be a mystery—there are at least six different ways to categorize waste, and we still haven’t figured them all out.
Adjusting to a new country means adapting to its unique systems and expectations. In Switzerland, efficiency and precision are hallmarks of daily life, and every task comes with detailed procedures. While this structure ensures things run smoothly, it also makes the settling-in period more challenging. There is no room for shortcuts or approximations; everything must be done properly, which can feel exhausting when you’re trying to manage countless new responsibilities at once.
One of our biggest challenges before the move was ensuring our dog could travel with us. In last month’s column, I detailed the bureaucratic maze we had to navigate to get him to Switzerland. After a two-week separation, he finally arrived, but his adjustment is ongoing. City life is a major change for him, just as it is for us. Gone are the days of simply letting him out in the backyard. He used to have a bell that hung from the doorknob that he would ring when he wanted to go out. He’d have a bit of a sniff around the property, (and the neighbor’s) and come back when he pleased. Now he has to get in an elevator and walk the cobblestone streets. Also new is the kids bickering over whose turn it is to walk him, so that’s fun! The good news, this is only a temporary accommodation, we’ll be moving to a house with a yard in a few weeks. Not sure who will like seeing the bell on the door again the most.
Another major adjustment is transportation. Having no car has forced us to embrace public transit, and Switzerland’s system is nothing short of extraordinary. The efficiency, cleanliness and reliability are unmatched, and there is a deep sense of security in knowing that no matter where you need to go, the transportation network will get you there on time and safely. On time, once you learn a bit of the system. It’s been relatively painless but we did have an important appointment to make and two bus transfers and a train ride later, we found ourselves calling an Uber to make it on time. Turns out I was looking at the weekday schedule, not the Saturday hours. Our 13-year-old son has found a newfound independence in this system, traveling alone to school and hockey practices with confidence. It’s a level of autonomy that he did not have at home. There he was limited by how far we’d allow him to ride his bike. Here we are fearful of what comes next for the kids. If he is already doing this, a few days shy of 13, what will he be getting into over the next few years? For now, I’ll just enjoy not having to drive to the rink six times per week!
We knew the logistics would be part of it; so would goodbyes. As the departure date drew near, reality set in, and the emotional weight of saying goodbye became more profound. Some farewells bring unexpected emotions, while others are surprisingly easy. I have three children, two are younger and here with us but my oldest is staying in the US. He is off on his own, doing his thing, engaged and thriving in his career. The day I agreed to make the transition, I was dreading the goodbye. But it was surprisingly different than expected. It often seems that the closer we are to someone, the less dramatic the goodbye—perhaps because we know that although our circumstances will change, our bond will remain intact. The most emotional goodbyes are often those where we sense that this might be the end of a relationship. Distance has a way of redefining connections, and while technology allows us to stay in touch, not every relationship withstands the test of time and separation.
We were in our last house for 11 years. I often frequented the local sandwich / pizza shop around the corner. Always the same guy taking orders and working the register. For a decade, we always had the same quick chit chat while the order was coming up. He didn’t know my name and I wouldn’t consider him a “friend,” but we knew each other. The day the movers came, I put in a big order to pick up and after paying and walking towards the door, he yells, “See ya next time, Buddy”! It stopped my dead in my tracks and thought, probably won’t be a next time. So there I was tearing up in the local pizza joint. You just never know how you’ll respond to a goodbye.
An international move also brings clarity to friendships. True friends emerge as they step up to help with the endless last-minute tasks that inevitably arise. Whether it’s offering a helping hand with packing, taking care of administrative errands or assisting with responsibilities once you’re gone, these moments reveal who is genuinely reliable. The support system we lean on during a transition like this reinforces the importance of loyalty. Moving abroad teaches us to be grateful for the people who show up when it matters most and reminds us to be that dependable friend in return.
This journey has reinforced some important life lessons. First, knowing who to rely on is invaluable. The people who offer their help, their time, and their support in times of transition are the ones worth keeping close. Being able to trust and depend on others makes an enormous difference when life is in flux. Loyalty goes both ways—just as we appreciate those who stand by us, we must also be willing to do the same for them.
Second, moving abroad requires an open mind. Everything is different, and not everything will be comfortable at first. Embracing the unfamiliar with curiosity rather than frustration makes the process smoother. Whether it’s adjusting to a new culture, learning a new language, or figuring out an intricate garbage disposal system, a willingness to adapt is key.
Finally, amid all the stress and logistical challenges, it’s essential to stop and appreciate the beauty of the moment. This move is not just about paperwork and planning—it’s about adventure, growth and discovery. Taking the time to appreciate the journey, the new experiences, and the people who make it meaningful is what truly matters. We moved here for several reasons and some of those pictures in our mind are now our reality. Our adventure in Switzerland is just beginning, and while the challenges are plenty, so are the rewards. Each day brings new lessons, and with time, we’ll look back on this transition as a defining chapter in our lives.
Stay tuned!
Rob has 27 years of experience at Bobst, one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries. He currently serves as Tooling Director.
Rob is based in Switzerland, with his wife Monica and their children, Leo and Manuela. His older son, Khai is engaged and remains living in New Jersey. Rob enjoys camping and cooking as well as being a full time chauffer to hockey and swimming practices.
He is proof that being one of those “take it apart and see how it works” kind of guys can lead you to a wonderful career, meeting new people and experiencing the world.
The President's Column appears in The Cutting Edge, the IADD's monthly magazine.
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