Securing employment abroad offers a multitude of benefits, exposing you to fresh encounters, individuals, and cultures that you might otherwise miss by staying in your home country.
Surprisingly, finding work overseas is likely easier than you think. From making yourself more intriguing to building strong connections with friends and reaping long-term career advantages, let’s explore 10 compelling reasons why working abroad is an excellent choice. Make sure to keep an eye on the infographic, which outlines how to secure a job abroad in just seven simple steps.
Here are five compelling motivations to consider working abroad:
- Cultivate Your Unique Travel Experience
Admit it, those who embark on exciting adventures in places you’ve never visited are simply fascinating. If you find yourself confined to the 9-to-5 office grind for most of the year while someone else is exploring forests, swimming in the sea, camping on mountains, or reveling in the trendiest clubs worldwide, envy is inevitable. However, it doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. It’s entirely feasible to have these amazing experiences while maintaining a regular job. The key is that staying in one place (unless you’re one of the lucky few born in an ideal location) might limit your exposure to the diverse wonders the world has to offer.
- Embracing Challenges: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Working abroad comes with its unique set of challenges, such as language barriers, lack of contacts, and unfamiliarity with job markets. These difficulties can make the job hunt seem significantly more challenging.
One way to navigate this issue is to register with a job board like Europe Language Jobs, which streamlines the job search process by consolidating information on job openings across Europe. This enables you to quickly and easily search for opportunities in your desired field and location.
Stepping out of your comfort zone might mean altering your daily routine, which can be a significant adjustment. However, it can also introduce you to new activities and experiences you wouldn’t have encountered back home. For example, if you used to run a 5k through a local park before work but now reside in Barcelona, you might have to adapt. Instead of running, why not enjoy a morning swim in the sea, a unique opportunity that wouldn’t be available in your home country?
- Embrace New Experiences Abroad
Living in the same place for an extended period can become monotonous. While familiarity offers comfort and the security of family and friends, it can also stifle personal growth. The initial days and weeks in a new place may be overwhelming since you are away from loved ones and accustomed to new surroundings. But the challenges of relocating are far outweighed by the benefits of new places, activities, people, and, of course, food.
- Enhance Employability
Many hiring managers view international work experience as a valuable asset for several reasons, some of which we’ve already discussed and some we haven’t:
- Demonstrates adaptability
- Shows willingness to tackle challenges
- Suggests experience in dealing with diverse people and cultures
- May possess valuable language skills
- Potentially offers a network of contacts in a new city or country
- Higher Earnings Abroad
Consider becoming an English teacher as an example. In the UK, you might earn an average of £26,000 per year with extensive work hours and unpaid extra responsibilities. In contrast, teaching in a foreign country like Spain can earn you approximately €20 per hour, allowing for a comfortable life with fewer work hours and less preparation time. It only makes sense to go where you’re valued.
However, this isn’t true for all professions or in all locations. It’s important to remember that the motivation to work abroad goes beyond financial incentives. People pursue international opportunities for reasons such as a higher quality of life, cultural exploration, and personal growth.
For instance, for speakers of German, Dutch, and Nordic languages, relocating abroad can offer an improved quality of life that transcends financial considerations. The key lies in using your language skills as an advantage to negotiate a higher salary. With the demand for such language speakers far outstripping the supply, you’re in an excellent position to secure a job abroad. So seize the opportunity and find employment overseas before the competition catches on.