Moving abroad is considered to be an exciting and adventurous move, full of healthy changes as well as challenges to overcome. Having a career in a different country can be a daunting prospect, and there are many things to consider before taking the leap.
With differing laws, cultures and customs to contend with, you need to research extensively and be sure that the move will be right for you. Here are some factors to consider before taking your career abroad.
Cost of living
First off, the cost of living differs greatly from country to country, and it might not be what you are used to. If it is lower in the country you are moving to, then there is not much to worry about. If you move to a big city like London or Sydney, however, prices can really seem extortionate if you have never lived anywhere similar.
You should research how much everyday items like food, drink and fuel cost, as well as the average price of things like housing/rent and bills. This will help you calculate how much income you will need per month.
Additionally, whilst the volatility of the financial markets given the current economic climate might create opportunity for currency traders, it means an uncertain future for those trying to survive as entrepreneurs, whether male or female.
Income
Before accepting a tempting looking job overseas, you should thoroughly check what the pay is and whether it will cover all your needs. It is likely that it will be in a different currency, so you should use a currency converter to see how much the pay would equate to in your home currency.
Make sure that you have considered all your options in this respect, and that you have researched a number of employers offering the same job to see if the pay you are offered is fair. It could well be the case that you can find the same job with higher pay with a different employer.
Visa
You will also need to look at visas and the technicalities of actually moving to another country. Some have stricter regulations than others, so it is worth checking what documentation you will need to bring and what type of visa you will be eligible for.
In New Zealand, for instance, there are a number of different visas available to people looking for work, including short term and long term options. If you want to move permanently, you may well have to eventually seek citizenship.
Career Prospects
Accepting a job overseas is all well and good, but will it truly be the career you are looking for? Different countries have different sector strengths, and what might be considered a ‘good job’ in one country may seem undervalued in another.
The experience of living abroad brings plenty of benefits in itself, but it helps to have that extra security in knowing that the job you will be doing is safe and could be a healthy career.
Family and Friends
Finally, you should always think about the family and friends you will most likely be leaving behind for a significant period of time. It can be disconcerting arriving in a new country as a total stranger, and people often underestimate the initial shock of having few or no contacts to start with.
That is not to say that you won’t start meeting new people, but make sure you are prepared to leave behind the people closest to you (although you can stay in contact through platforms like Skype).
These form some of the considerations you should think about before starting/continuing a career abroad. Make sure you have done all the necessary research and have all the information you need, and you can’t go far wrong.