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There are countless reasons you might be considering a job overseas. Maybe your workplace has opened up a new office and wants someone who knows the company in charge and keeping an eye on things. Maybe you’ve been offered a transfer to a branch of the company in a different location. You may simply really want to live in a certain country and are looking for a way to support your move there and be comfortable and settled when you arrive. Whatever your reason, working overseas really can come hand in hand with a whole range of benefits. From increased pay to the general experience of living outside of your native country. Of course, this is a major life move and you do need to consider it thoroughly before agreeing or committing. Here are some considerations to take into account when making this decision.
Permanence
First, you need to consider what type of move you’re willing to take on. Is this going to be a permanent move? Or are you only going to need to work away in this new location for a matter of weeks or months? The answer to this question will impact a lot of other factors going forward.
Right to Work
You also need to consider your right to work in other countries. The vast majority of countries do have rules about work and immigration, so you need to look into your desired destination and see what the requirements are to live and work in the country legally. You may need a specific visa such as Canadian experience class or you may only be allowed to stay or work in the country for a set period of time. There are so many different options here for different countries around the world that it would be impossible to focus on them all, so you will need to do some of your own research and may need to talk to a professional in the field who will be able to help you further. This is a main factor in whether you can opt for this opportunity or not. Failing to get the right paperwork and permissions could result in you breaking the law and facing legal consequences.
Language
Another major consideration to take into account is language. Does the country you’re considering working in share your native language? Or are you going to have to pick up an additional language that will allow you to take on this role. Way too many people assume that just because they can work in their native tongue, they don’t need to pick up the language of the country they’ll be working in. But this will quickly prove untrue. At the end of the day, you’re going to be living in this country and you’re going to need to understand the language to lead a good quality of life there. From understanding signs to ordering food, using local facilities, shopping and so much more, you will end up using the language of the country you’re living in on a day-to-day basis.
Distance
Chances are, you have friends and family at home who you’re going to want to be able to see going forward. Sure, it’s easier than ever to live at a distance and maintain connections thanks to instant messaging, calls, video calls, and other technology. But you’re going to want to see these people in person too occasionally at least. How far away is the place you’re planning on working in? Is it feasible for you to have the time and
Partners
Are you in a relationship? Chances are if you’re moving, you need to determine whether your partner is coming with you or not. If they are coming with you, you need to determine how they will move with you. Will your employer sponsor them and their moving costs too? Will they feel comfortable and happy in the new location? Will they be able to find their own work once out there? These are all important things to discuss when making this decision. You need to make sure that the move is beneficial for both of you and, if not, you need to determine whether to stay and maintain the relationship or leave and end the relationship.
These are just a few factors you’re going to need to consider when it comes to accepting a role overseas or not. Hopefully, some of the suggestions will give you areas to focus on and will help make sure you make the right decision.
