Working abroad can launch your international career and offer doors to new opportunities worldwide, in addition to being an amazing experience.
Your language skills will skyrocket, and your cross-cultural competencies will shine while bringing those other soft skills.
If you have the opportunity to work abroad, do it! In this blog, we’ve included fifteen things to consider, information to look up, and questions to ask to help you get ready.
1. Visas and Work Permits
Your ability to work abroad will ultimately depend on your work permit or visa, no matter how much preparation and organization you put into it.
Consequently, the first step will be to confirm which documents you’ll need to perform lawfully in another country and how to obtain them. Be sure to account for the possibility that getting a visa or permit may cost money and take some time.
It’s also important to find out how long you can keep the documents above; are they related to your job or just temporary?
2. Cost of Living
Money comes next on the list of crucial factors to consider. Even though you may have a faint idea of how much money you will make each month, you should be aware of the industry average and how it stacks up against the cost of living.
You must calculate how much money you will have left after paying your monthly expenses (rent, bills, taxes, etc.). (Very few things are as miserable as being unable to purchase anything while residing in a beautiful place.)
3. Accommodation
If you have your heart set on a particular city, find out how simple it will be to locate housing and employment there. Examine how individuals commute and how that affects your expectations and budget.
In addition, make a strategy for your next steps, both before and after you relocate. This will assist you in making long-term plans and determining whether this relocation is temporary or permanent.
4. Holiday
One reason people move abroad is likely to explore a new culture, and they will need time to do that. Finding out how much vacation time (and sick days) you’ll receive may seem like a small deal initially, but it can vary significantly between countries.
While employees in Germany may take up to 30 paid holidays annually, those in the USA typically take only 10. And it’s not just how much, but also when.
For instance, due to the high temperatures in several places, many businesses in Italy encourage their staff to take virtually the whole month of August off.
Work and inactivity can derail the best adventure plans, so you will have the time and resources to explore and occasionally see your family back home.
5. Networking
It’s important to have contacts in another country, but fortunately, you don’t even need to go there to start a conversation and get familiarized. Use social media to find and connect with individuals in your industry.
Reaching out to others for assistance, guidance, and the infamous “two cents” is a great way to start a conversation. Join organizations and forums, be active on Twitter and LinkedIn, and engage with locals and expats.
6. Working Hours
Even if all employees in a country might never work a “standard” amount of hours, there are certain distinctions between markets and cultures. To prepare yourself, you should learn how they vary from yours.
For instance, the standard workday in the UK is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus one hour for lunch. On the other hand, a typical workday for Spanish employees is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a two-hour lunch break.
In contrast, a typical work week in Dubai runs from Sunday through Thursday.
7. How Locals Find Jobs
Various cultures approach finding a job differently; some appreciate a face-to-face connection, while others prefer a more formal approach with loads of paperwork.
Research how the locals find their jobs to understand if you can find a job on your own (even if it’s far away) or need to go through a recruiter or agency.
8. Write a Correct CV and Cover Letters
Now that you know how to look for a job, you must prepare the following to begin the process: Discover everything there is to know about the format, content, and etiquette of creating a cover letter and CV for your new country and field.
You must be aware of the number of personal facts you must disclose and the documents and references you must attach.
9. Banking
Research how to set up an account abroad. Look into local banks’ minimums, transfer timing, fees, and online capabilities. Make sure to get a reference letter from your new bank.
10. Diplomas and Certifications
Your new country of residence may require a second (language) diploma or certificate depending on your level of education, work experience, and talents.
Examine the job specifications and determine where, when, and how to obtain the required paperwork. (This may indicate that you must invest additional time and funds to reach your desired destination.)
11. Things May be Different
Hopefully, part of your motivations for wanting to work abroad include discovering new things, beginning a new chapter in your life, and expanding your horizons.
However, we want to put it out there anyhow: Make sure you’re ready for the prospect of experiencing some homesickness, cultural shock, and “but why” questions along with “that’s just how it is” responses.
It happens to the best of us, so take it as a sign that you’re maturing, getting better, and ready to create lifelong memories.
12. Have an Alternative Plan
Not to dampen your endeavors, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan if things go differently than expected. For instance, it’s helpful to understand how long you are permitted to remain in the country and how long you may live without a job.
Choosing how much money you want to set aside to build an emergency fund for rainy (and stormy) days will be crucial.
13. Family Responsibility
The most important thing to consider is how this will impact your family. Do you have a spouse? Are you a parent? Are there any family members that rely on you for support?
In contrast to accepting a new job back home, you must carefully consider how your family will handle such a significant disruption.
Getting everyone on board before your first interview is preferable to learning that you can’t accept the job offer after it has been extended.
14. Tax Rates
Negotiating your salary can be delicate, so determining how tax rates and the cost of living differ will give you a good starting point.
What may seem like a very generous pay rise or even a pay cut may be in line with local tax rates.
15. Pack the Proper Amount
It is helpful to prioritize your luggage when you are getting ready to work abroad. Packing might make it easier to restore and move your items after your trip.
If you find packing difficult, you may need to remember something essential when you reach your destination. Pack precisely the proper amount and kind of materials to ensure a smooth travel and feel ready for your first few days at work.
Wrapping Up
Relocating overseas for a job requires meticulous planning, and this is only a short list of things to consider.
If you’re seriously considering working abroad, investigate the country and the organization thoroughly and speak with others who have made similar career-changing decisions.
But many people find that the effort is worthwhile. It’s amazing if you’re extroverted, open-minded, and enjoy traveling. Just go for it because if not now, when? Good luck!
