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There are many reasons why you might decide to relocate abroad for work. It could be that you have been head-hunted for the job of your dreams, and it just so happens to be located in a faraway place. Or maybe you just want a change, and you’re approaching it the other way around: move first, find a job later. However it is, you will want to make sure that it is a smart move for you personally.
That means paying attention to all the little details involved in the whole process so that you can be sure you are not missing anything important or vital. In this post, we are going to guide you with some of the considerations you can’t afford to ignore.
Are you ready to make the jump to another city or country? Sara Graham guides you through how to deal with people, pets, paperwork and all the important moving parts of relocation.
Pros:
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
- Higher salaries or better job benefits
- Exposure to new cultures and experiences
- Possibility of living in a desirable location or city
- Chance to start fresh and meet new people
Cons:
- Separation from family and friends
- Cost of relocation, including moving expenses and higher living costs
- Difficulty in adjusting to a new environment and culture
- Uncertainty about the new job, company, or industry
- Potential for feeling lonely and isolated in a new place.
Choosing Your Location
This first point is important for many reasons, not least because you want to know as soon as possible where you are actually going to be moving to. This will depend on the situation at hand, of course. First of all, if you are relocating for a specific position, it is likely that you already know exactly where you will be located. This takes the choice out of it, but also a lot of the stress and worry. If all you know is that you want to relocate, but you aren’t sure where then you need to weigh up a few things in your mind (and with anyone who might be moving with you).
For example, what kind of culture do you generally fit in well with? Can you speak any other languages? What about weather and climate – what can you handle? It’s important that you think about these things first and foremost; if you are not comfortable in your new country of choice, you will not enjoy your work either.
Thinking of relocating for work? Read this first! Discover the pros and cons, tips to make the move a success, and whether it's truly a smart move for your career. #relocation #careeradvice #jobsearchClick To TweetGetting The Paperwork Sorted
You might well be surprised at just how much paperwork there will be when you get ready to move. As well as the standard things you need for flying over there, you’ll also need to research for your chosen country as to whether you need any specific temporary work permits or visas. If you do, then you will want to make sure that you get those sorted before you go. Ideally, do this as early as possible.
The process of obtaining visas can be surprisingly long, and it is worth getting it done so that you can have that peace of mind as you make the move. If you think you might need help with it, there are many people who can help you do so – just look online for professionals who can assist you.
Relocation Costs
If you’ve been offered a job that entails relocation, there is an excellent chance that you will be given relocation costs for your move. Everything is up for negotiation, and you should use your offer as an opportunity to have the costs of your move covered. Typically, this would include the cost of moving belongings, looking for a new home (or apartment), and potentially com expatriate benefits (such as tax equalization and a cost of living adjustment). Take a look at The Expert Expat: Your Guide to Successful Relocation Abroad.
Build a Network
Many countries and cities have support groups for expatriates. Local community groups, real estate agents, and the local library will all have information on resources for your new location. Local professional associations are also a great way to create a network of resources.
Finding A Home
You can’t just think about the work itself; wherever you go, you’ve got to live as well. You need to make sure you have some kind of accommodation lined up before you go, otherwise, you won’t feel at all comfortable when you move. In some cases, your new employer will have a temporary or permanent address for you to use, and it is worth asking them to see if that is the case. Either way, get this arranged soon and you will feel much more comfortable about your change.
This book simplifies the moving process with tips, various checklists, worksheets, and an in-depth moving timeline which is not only a big overview of the entire moving process with things broken down into steps, it is also a convenient checklist for you to mark off each task as completed.
