In today’s globalised world, geographical borders no longer limit people to grow their network and develop their career. More and more people dream of building career in a foreign country and becoming expats. Be it through internal moves within the company, or through job offers from overseas corporate, there are many ways to pursue an international career.
While choosing a career abroad can seem like a great idea, there are couple of instances, wherein working abroad turns out to be a horrifying experience. Then, how can you ensure that your decision to move overseas is a stepping stone to future success?
Undeniably, international working experience could win additional brownie points for your candidature, especially if you choose working for multinational corporate with positive track records. This not only enhances your CV, but working abroad is also an effective way to seek personal growth.
When you decide to accept a job abroad, you have to be prepared for major challenges such as language, culture, and even contrasting ways of life, that might be different from what you have been living with and accustomed. For some people, working abroad is one of the best ways to experience long-term travel and stay away from home.
However, to ensure that you get the best experience working abroad, it is crucial to consider all of the future possibilities that lie ahead. Here are some useful tips you need to pay close attention, when you get started on pursuing a career abroad:
See: Singapore Ranks One of the Most Expensive Destination for Expats in 2017
Even before sealing the deal of working abroad, it is imperative for you to do a thorough research regards your future host country and the occupation offered. Make sure that you understand your rights and obligations as expats (which include taxes, visas, and insurance), life expenses, cultural and language barriers that you might face, as well as the country’s security assurances for foreign workers.
International relocation will not only affect your own life, but also your family and friends. You have to consider several critical points, such as whether you will bring your whole family, who will take care of them when you move abroad by yourself, and how the relocation will impact your family’s long-term plan.
If you move to a host country with an entirely different background from your home country, you might have to prepare for some cultural shocks. Yet, instead of shunning from this new values, you should take time to learn and embrace them. Only by doing so, you can enjoy your life abroad and build network overseas.
Bear in mind that working abroad is not the same as being a tourist. It requires careful preparation and complicated requirements, especially those related to legal permits and contracts of employment. Therefore, it is important for you to understand your contract well, so that you know your rights before booking your ticket overseas.
Do not just spend your time toiling all the day in the office. While you are in a foreign country, use this opportunity to get to know and understand more about the ins and outs of the country. Invest your time in going on an occasional vacation. This will not only recuperate your mind from the tedious work routine, but is also an effective way to gain new experience.
Even when you are not working overseas, you should always save your money in case of emergency. Keep a frugal mindset, even if you are a younger adult. Working abroad is a big move that can change your life forever. There are times when you have to compromise with the situation, in order to fit yourself with the new environment and mingle with new people.
You might find that your new job and country turns out to be different from what you know, so everything comes as full of surprises and pitfalls. But as long as you enjoy the process and implement the right strategy, you will find that this will give you valuable experience to impact your point of view and enhance your work ethics.
Read also: Should You Hire Expats? Pros and Cons of Hiring One!
