Move for the Company, Not Just the Place
As tempting as it is to move to a beautiful place for the location and lifestyle, don’t do it at the cost of your career. There’s nothing worse than moving to a country for a job you end up hating, especially if your legal status depends on an employer-sponsored visa.
Be proactive about researching the reputation of any company you’re considering.
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In deciding where you want to work, consider the kind of experience you’d like to have:
- Is there a region of the world you've always wanted to explore?
- What kind of day-to-day lifestyle are you looking for?
- Is there a particular climate you prefer?
- How comfortable are you navigating life in a new language?
Try visit the place you're interested in moving to if it's feasible. Because working in a country or city is not the same as vacationing there.
While hitting the tourist hot spots is great, try to explore neighborhoods where the locals live, visit grocery stores, and sit in restaurants. Then you can do one better and speak to other expats who live there to get a sense of what day-to-day life is like.
As exciting as it is to move and work abroad, such monumental change can also bring on waves of anxiety.
Routines and cultural norms you take for granted don’t exist in other countries. Instead of fighting against them, recognize the benefit of a different way of doing things—learn new customs and challenge yourself to adapt to different business practices.
Don’t be afraid to make the first move.
Beyond work colleagues, tap into Facebook groups and Meetups, which will enable you to meet fellow expats embracing life in a new culture.
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It involves using personal, professional, academic or familial contacts to assist with a job search, achieve career goals, or learn more about your field, or another field you'd like to work in.
Pick a place for your office away from distraction.
Boundaries also apply to other people who may be sharing the same space. Children can work alongside you as if they were coming to the office.
Do:
- Redefine personal success to be more about high-quality relationships, community engagement, and physical and spiritual wellness.
- Be intentional about how you choose to spend your time and with whom you spend it.
- Try mindfulness.
Don’t:
- Go it alone — enlist the help of colleagues, family, and friends.
- Automatically reach for your phone.
- Be sparing on exercise, sleep, and wholesome food.