How Can a Year Abroad Change Your Life (and Your Career)
No matter how motivated and driven you are, there will be moments in your life where your career feels like having reached a stalemate. It might be because something happened within your personal life, a change in the economic environment or your passions have changed. During such times, it can be hard to see the opportunities in front of you or understand what the next move should be.
Of course, you might consider remaining in the job position you are in and enduring the months ahead until something comes up. However, you might also opt for a more rewarding but risky move that can change both your life and your career – such as moving abroad. Undoubtedly, this is not a comfortable choice for all professionals, and, without proper guidance, it is possible that you will feel a little overwhelmed. However, moving abroad can have endless benefits – learn about the best ones below.
It Can Boost Your Network
When moving abroad and accepting a position in a foreign company, you are likely to find an entirely new workplace. You will be surrounded by professionals with different backgrounds and experiences. While these professionals might come from the city you will move to, it all depends on the company you are joining.
You might become part of a team of international professionals and establish a network of incredibly valuable contacts. This an important aspect to consider if the industry you wish to work in is better developed in the overseas country you are moving to. It will allow you to gain a competitive edge that will make you even more attractive to employers in your home country!
It Can Improve Your Communication Skills
Getting out of the environment you are used to, hometown or office gives you the chance to improve your communication skills even further. Indeed, you will need to learn how to communicate with different people and understand the internal dynamics that permeate your new workplace.
Because of the different environments, roles, and activities, you might find yourself exploring some communication channels or strategies you have never considered before. And, of course, communication skills are at the core of every job – especially if you work in management or wish to become a business owner.
You Can Learn How to Integrate and Join the Ex-Pat Community
Moving abroad can be one of the most challenging projects of your life. However, this experience can also be one of the most rewarding ones. It will give you the chance to explore a different environment and meet new people.
This can be extremely refreshing after years of meeting the same friends! While this won’t be together, it can help you find ex-pat communities ready to support you and share their own experiences of moving abroad. You will learn a lot from their experiences, avoiding some common mistakes, and start creating a little family away from home.
Gives You a Competitive Edge
If your career has reached a stalemate because of the fierce competition in your hometown, there is nothing better than moving abroad to gain that competitive edge you need to win the best job positions. Indeed, all employers will value a pair of fresh, expert eyes in their environment – especially if you have gained this industry experience in a country that boasts better innovations and strategies in that field.
For example, if your background is in tech and you get the chance to spend even a few months working in Silicon Valley, you are likely to be the most wanted applicant when heading back to your hometown or city!
So, you might consider moving abroad as a valuable investment for yourself and your career: even if it feels overwhelming and troublesome at first, you won’t need to wait long to see results!
It Is a Great Life Experience
Naturally, the first days or weeks abroad can feel terrifying. However, this won’t last long, especially once you have found your balance between working hard and enjoying your free time in the new environment. Indeed, moving overseas allows you to live a once-in-a-lifetime life experience that not many have the chance to enjoy. Whether this involves meeting new people, exploring new places, or diving deep into the culture of a country, you are likely to make long-lasting memories.
Gives You Access to International Jobs
Moving abroad is undeniably a great opportunity, but the rewards it yields don’t end there. Indeed, such a life-changing experience will give you access to more international jobs and positions. If you are interested in moving abroad for the next few years, starting with just a few months is a great way to test the water. However, while doing so, you can also start building a global network that can help you keep updated on international job positions and opportunities.
It Builds Your Cultural Awareness
Moving abroad will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. While you might love them or feel not so comfortable with them, it is a great way to put your mind to the test. Indeed, brief periods of just a few months to a year can help you learn what life is like in another country. And, if you have always been curious about other cultures, you can start exploring how others live and conduct business.
Allows You to Explore Different Workplace Dynamics
Undoubtedly, each office or workplace is different, even within your home country. However, when moving abroad, you will have to learn about new processes, innovations, and ways to communicate. This is something that can feel overwhelming at first, but it can truly help you discover innovations and new approaches.
In turn, you can bring this knowledge back to your hometown and bring a competitive edge into your new company or business. Ultimately, moving to an overseas company or workplace is an ideal way to compare processes and find the inspiration you need to bring back something different.
It Boosts Your CV
If you are worried that the time abroad will only be an unnecessary experience, you should keep in mind that it has the chance to boost your CV like nothing else. Moving abroad does not have to be forever, but it has the chance to change how employers in your home country will consider you. An experience abroad is highly valued, and most employers will consider the professional and personal development you have gone through while living this experience.
Improves Your Problem-Solving Skills
Whether you wish to keep working in the same industry or moving abroad has opened your eyes to new passions, it is a valuable experience. Of course, it can help you develop professionally, but the greatest changes you will see are in your behavior and personality. Indeed, living abroad and in contact with different cultures will encourage you to take greater responsibilities and learn how to become more autonomous.
During your time working abroad, you are likely to live alone, and you will need to deal with common daily problems. For example, you will need to find guidance to get your work permit, find out how to get around, and even learn a new language to communicate. In any case, you can be sure to be a more capable person when you head back to your hometown.
It Offers Unique Travel Opportunities
If you love traveling, there is nothing like moving abroad for work to explore a different country in-depth and with the eyes of a local. Indeed, only a few people have the chance to spend so much time in a different place, and it can help you learn much more about your destination than you ever thought possible.
Finding a balance between traveling and working abroad is not always easy, but it can help you live a complete experience while in your new home. And, if your colleagues, friends, or members of the ex-pat community invite you on the weekend away, make sure you don’t miss out on such a great opportunity!
You Are More Valued by Employers
Generally, employers are aware of the advantages and competitive edge that a candidate that has worked abroad can bring into a company. Indeed, such a unique experience can offer employers and business owners the chance to remain competitive, upgrade their facilities in the right way, and gain valuable insights from similar businesses abroad.
So, when you are thinking about heading back to your hometown, you can benefit from access to better job positions, higher-paid jobs, and more rewarding tasks. And, this is true whether you wish to remain in the same industry and try something new: when looking to hire someone, a candidate that has moved abroad demonstrates all the most desirable skills to an employer.
Bottom Line
Moving abroad can be an overwhelming and frightening experience, but it can also be extremely rewarding. While the first weeks will require you to adapt to an entirely new universe, you are likely to find a supportive community and group of colleagues ready to help you through each stage.
In terms of your career, working abroad allows you to gain a competitive edge, boost your CV, and even have access to international or better-paid job positions. So, if you are looking for an investment to make to relaunch your career, make sure it’s this one!
