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How to Successfully Work Abroad, From Someone Who's Done It
Prepare for Growing Pains
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.
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Do Your Research
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?
Visiting vs. Living in a new place
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.
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.
Prepare for Growing Pains
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.
Build a Community
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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Purpose of Career Networking
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....
Top 7 Networking Tips
- Include the right people: anyone who can assist you with a career move
- Know what your career network can do for you
- Keep in touch - work your network: People are more willing to help when they know who you are
- Give to get - what can you do for your career network
- Keep track of your network:
make sure you know who is who, where they work, and how to get in touch.
- Network online
- Attend networking events.
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Keep the Same Schedule
To give your day structure, keep the same routine as when you went into an office. Get up at the same time and make a to-do list. Check in with the same person every morning.
Your s...
Set Boundaries
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.
Schedule Breaks
You won't have the same cues as you do from your workplace to remind you to get up or get lunch. When you lose the pace of your day, everything can start to blend together.
Treat your exercise, meals and stretch breaks as you would any other meeting. Put it on your calendar, at least to start.
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An Unbalanced Life
We live in a culture where work demands our complete allegiance. At the same time, it can be extremely enriching. You feel challenged by your work, you're attached to it, you're learning new things...
Redefine Success
Reconsider how you define success. Workaholics are always aiming to get ahead. But you also need to draw a boundary line that shows respect for your family life, and your physical and spiritual well-being.
Refocus Your Attention
After you have redefined success, consider how you want to invest your time and energy.
There will always be more work to be done, but make a choice to spend your time elsewhere: with family, friends, or in your community. And when you spend time with your family or friends, do so with undivided attention.
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