For most of us, the idea of moving abroad for work is one that’s usually confined to conversations about places like Australia and Canada. But across the world, many people are considering their options. You might find yourself among this group if you’re not happy with your current job or feel like there are better opportunities elsewhere.
Here are some things you should consider when applying for a job abroad.
Where do I want to live?
This is the most critical question to answer before you start sending out your CV and applying for jobs. You might think that this criterion should be the last thing on the list, but it isn’t.
If you don’t know where you want to live, then chances are, you aren’t going to enjoy life there. If you spend three months in a city and dislike it, it will be difficult for you to give your all at work entirely. So, when weighing up your options, ask yourself:
- Where do I want to live?
- What is the job market like?
- What is the standard of living?
- What do I know about the culture?
- Will I be able to learn the language?
What do I want to do?
When looking at potential jobs abroad, it’s crucial to figure out what kind of work you want to do. Are you interested in using your skills in a new country? Or would you like to find a job that uses the same abilities as the ones you have now?
There are many different things to keep in mind when looking for work abroad. The differences between countries—cost of living, quality of life, salaries, and available positions—may make it difficult to decide where to look.
If specific industries or companies interest you, it may be easier to decide which countries provide those opportunities. Do you want an English-speaking job? What about a career with paid vacation days? Is there an industry with more demand than others where you live right now? Do potential employers have reviews like American International University Kuwait Reviews? All these things can help narrow down your options so that you can find the perfect position.
What type of visa or work permit do you need?
You’ll need to consider the type of visa or work permit you need to move abroad. Different countries have different requirements, and some may not be as welcoming to certain types of workers as others.
For example, if you want to work in Europe, you need a European Economic Area (EEA) work permit. If it’s a country outside of the EEA like China, you need a visa.
You should also determine whether or not your current job allows for international assignments. Some companies may not let their employees take on international jobs because they feel that they are more loyal or committed to them than those who want to move abroad for better opportunities.
Do the wages cover the cost of living to the same or better than your current employment?
If you’ve been considering moving abroad for work, the cost of living is an essential factor to consider. What are your plans for housing? Do you have family members in the country?
It’s also worth considering how much it will cost to maintain your current lifestyle abroad. Will you be able to cover these costs with the salary that’s offered at your new position, or are you considering taking a pay cut if the salary is comparable?
If you’re not sure how much money you’ll need to live on after adjusting for inflation, use this calculator to find out. Just input your current income and adjust for inflation in the future.
