Finding Work Abroad

The plan to expatriate usually comes about when someone has simply had enough of their old way of life and they want to exact a dramatic change in direction on their life.  If you’re thinking of moving overseas to start a whole new phase in your life there are many considerations that you at least need to bear in mind before you go...

One of the main considerations for anyone below retirement age is finding work abroad and this article is a guide for anyone thinking of going overseas and starting a new phase in their career development.

First things first you have to think about your reasons for relocating - if it is simply to change country and leave behind bad weather and long commute times you may well be happy enough to find work in a similar field to that in which you currently work.  If this is the case is it possible for you to arrange a transfer abroad via the company you’re already employed with? 

Companies who have offices around the world and who employ expatriate staff are often only too keen to hear from willing volunteers and are also likely to pay relocation costs etc.  This is of course an ideal scenario but not one that many can tap into successfully - but remember, if you don’t ask you don’t get!

The next important factor to bear in mind is that it is always easier to get a job when you’re in a job because employers don’t like to see long gaps in CVs and they wonder about your ability to commit and be motivated if you take a period of personal down time voluntarily.  That said, if you’re moving overseas it is not catastrophic if you fail to secure work before you go as employers can be made to understand that you’ve just undertaken quite a life changing and dramatic event simply by moving abroad and that the period of time you were out of work was the period of time it took you to move.  But ideally you will have at least made contact with potential employers before you relocate or have sent your CV to recruitment agencies in the country/town where you will be living.

If you’re relocation comes about at least in part because you don’t like the current direction of your life and this includes your working life, all considerations relating to finding work abroad change.  You have to ask yourself clearly what it is about your current way of life, current job or chosen profession that you really most want to change.  If you just want to change company can this be done within your own home country; if you want to change career direction altogether then how likely is it that you will be employable in any new profession in a foreign country where you have no previous work record and in a profession where you have no previous work experience?

Use the internet to search local job sites in the country you’re thinking of moving to and see what jobs are being offered in your chose field, the qualifications and experience employer’s require, the rates of pay they award - then assess your suitability as a candidate for the types of work you would like to get.  You have to be realistic and quite hard on yourself - as a dreamer you’ll likely fail!  As a realistic pragmatist you will be far more likely to succeed.

Finally, get involved in expatriate forums where you can remotely network before you even move abroad.  Expats have their own international network and often know of people in different professions in different countries all over the world and from whom you can learn more about the practicalities and realities of finding work abroad and maybe even secure yourself your brand new overseas assignment.

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