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Last Updated on September 10, 2024
A world of opportunities awaits those open to moving and working overseas instead of limiting their career options to their own country. Whether you plan to move abroad for life or for a short while, the thought of living and working in another country can be intimidating for many. However, several people choose to travel to foreign lands to make a living. And those who missed their bus encourage others to do so.
Working in a construction company abroad may not necessarily be like being in a safe 9-to-5 job environment. If working long hours isn’t an issue, then consider problems related to work-life balance solved. Two main considerations that you need to ponder before arriving at a decision are if it will actually help you advance your career and if it will enhance your overall life experience. Many people consult others who they know have worked abroad for advice, to get a fair idea of what it’s like and whether the move will suit them.
A world of opportunities awaits those open to moving and working overseas. The thought of living and working in another country can be intimidating for manyClick To TweetIf you’re on your way to accepting a lucrative job offer at a good construction company in another country and are looking for all the advice you can get, then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we look at some pros and cons of working overseas.
Pros
Exposure to Large Scale Projects
While the global economic meltdown is still around, some countries aren’t affected much; as a result, their economies are comparatively healthier. This implies that their construction sector is probably doing well too. It is in these counties that a construction professional can hope to prosper and make moolah. He can also expect to be part of large-scale and big-budget construction projects wherein he can gain hands-on experience in his craft and learn from the best.
Salary and Incentives
If you’ve decided to move away from your home and family and work in an alien country, it is assumed that the opportunity is probably rewarding enough for you to take such a step. That said, working in a positive economy will have a direct implication on the pay package that is offered to you. If you’re moving to a country where the currency value is considerably higher compared to your home country, then you can look forward to a swelling bank balance.
Besides the pay package, you might also get chances to earn performance-linked incentives. As long as you work effectively, this is a great opportunity to make more money and make the geographical disparity between you and your family worth it.
Gaining Temporary but Meaningful Experience Outside Your Comfort Zone
The mention of having worked with big construction groups in a foreign land will, without doubt, look impressive on
Cons
Working Conditions at the New Place
Do not expect the working conditions to be the same as you might be used to. For example, if you’re taking up a job in a Middle Eastern desert region, you might have to work all day long in the hot sun and endure the desert landscape. This kind of work may go into months, and leave requests to visit your family may not be taken too kindly. Your accommodation might not turn out to be in keeping with your expectations either, especially if it is provided as part of your remuneration package.
It takes time to adjust to a new country. You will need to be extremely patient and resilient in handling your career there.
Adapting To the Laws of the Land
In all probability, you have very little or no idea of the laws and legalities of the country you’re considering moving to. Every country has different laws, some of which you might have never imagined could exist. However, a law is a law, and non-adherence to it will get you into trouble.
Relocating Your Family
An important consideration while moving abroad is if you can take your family along. Usually, companies do not provide amenities for the employee’s family. This factor is especially important if you find it difficult to go on for long periods away from your family. If you have children, their schooling might be another cause for concern as it is not easy to arrange for admissions and can be a costly affair.
The Expert Expat is essential reading for anyone moving overseas. Personal stories - from the authors' dozens of years abroad as well as the experience of countless expats worldwide - help prepare people for the exhilarating and daunting task of establishing a life far from home.
Conclusion
Thanks to globalization, the world has become a smaller place with ample opportunities for everyone. Whether you finally choose to move abroad or not is a decision dependent on you based on your priorities and the importance of the outcome of such a move. It might not be easy, but with the right attitude, it doesn’t have to be tough either.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
