One of the best ways to shake things up both personally and professionally is by making big changes in your life. And one of the biggest, albeit riskiest, changes you can make is getting a job in a new country. Fewer things are more exciting and scarier than finding your way in an entirely new place where no one speaks the same language or even possibly drives on the same side of the road as you.
But unless you plan to make a living with a guitar and glass jar, you need to do your homework before getting on that plane. Here are some things to help you prepare for your big adventure.
Know Your Limitations
Maybe you’ve always thought it would be cool to live and work in a country like Spain or Italy or in an emerging market like China. But have you truly considered what it would be like?
The first, most obvious challenge is the language. You may have visited the country and have gotten by with your college level knowledge of the language. But being able to ask for directions or order a meal in a restaurant is much different than being able to communicate and understand the more subtle details and complexities of fast paced business transactions.
Unless you’re working at a multi-national company where your specialized skills are in demand, you’re going to have a hard time finding a job unless you can speak the language fluently. So if you really have your heart set upon a specific country, make a serious effort to achieve fluency in the language before going.
The other thing to ask yourself is if you’re personally and psychologically ready for the move. Although it sounds glamorous from afar, how will you really feel thousands of miles away from your family, friends and familiar cultural context? Be prepared for a transition period, in which you’ll need to adjust to some culture shock. Try and focus on the exciting newness of the place, of being able to experience life through a wondrous new prism.
Do Your Research
If you’re up for the challenge, but not sure where you want to go, start by researching jobs in areas with emerging markets – places like China, Latin America, India or Eastern Europe. Jobs in technology, finance and business are especially in demand in these countries.
Take time to research the economic, political and cultural conditions of countries you’re considering. Make sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into and prep yourself for any cultural customs and etiquette that you need to be aware of. Understand the corporate culture of places you’re considering. Will you be expected to work 12 hours or more a day? Or are you going to a country where it’s customary to take two hours lunches and work until 10? Is teamwork valued over individual accomplishments? Make sure you answer these questions before you leave.
If you go to the HSBC Expat Explorer Interactive site, you can check out expat rankings and explore countries based on the factors that matter most to you, like income, health care, commuting and feeling welcome at work.
Where to Find a Job Abroad
The best place to start looking for a new job is at your current one. If you already work for a multinational corporation such as Coca-Cola, Nike, Apple, or countless other brands, the best place to start is there. Inquire at your company about any opportunities abroad and what it might take to qualify for them.
You could also visit the website of specific companies where you’d like to work and inquire directly about any opportunities abroad.
Another great resource is the U.S. State Department website, which offers country specific information and an oversees employment guide.
You should also tap into your social networks for anybody who’s working abroad or has ties to companies abroad where you might be interested in working. Once you spread the word to friends and colleagues, you might be surprised at how many tips and suggestions you’ll receive.
And if you’re still not sure about whether your ready for a long or short term stay, you could also consider a more temporary job teaching English abroad. That way you can get settled in a new country and decide if you like it before making a bigger commitment.
Be Prepared
Before you go anywhere, of course, you need to make sure your formal documents are in order and details, such as whether or not you need to find a sponsor in another country, are ironed out. Embassy sites of foreign governments are especially useful in explaining their nations’ rules about visas and provide details about programs for entrepreneurs, if any.
Another useful resource is workpermit.com, which provides information about working in industrialized nations in Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada.
The move might seem daunting at first, but don’t let that stop you. After all, it’s these challenging new experiences and adventures that ultimately make life worth living.
