LIVING & WORKING ABROAD

ARE YOU MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION?

Today, we are faced with more work choices and options and the way we are choosing to work is constantly changing. Many companies have now gone global therefore the dynamics of the work environment are changing and in many cases more demanding. It is not uncommon for individuals to have three or four jobs during their working life. So, what is the right decision for you?

There are many reasons why people relocate and work abroad. What are the motivating factors for you to change the way you work or want to live?
Here are some of the reasons why people make a decision to live and work abroad:

1. Short-term or long-term work assignments or contracts

2. A promotion or a requirement that you go for work

3. Searching for new opportunities

4. A desire to travel and see other parts of the world

5. Expand your horizons, networking and gaining valuable experience

6. Little or no career prospects at home

7. Marriage or family reasons

8. A tax free or an increase in salary

9. A search for a more meaningful existence

Now you have started to think about these things and whether living and working abroad is for you, and if you feel you are making the right decision you will need tostart to put together a good plan and use it as a guide to help you during your new journey. Here are some other areas you will need to think about that will take you a few steps closer to achieving your dream of living and working abroad:

If you are not relocating with your current job then you will need to get a job abroad, so start looking and get your resume out there to potential employers

If you are not a native speaker of the country where you will be living, start learning the language! It will make life much easier and help you build up a social network. It is advisable that your family learn the language aswell, so they will not feel isolated or alienated in their new country

Start learning and gaining knowledge of your new country of residence, well in advance. Go to the local embassy for all the information you require on immigration and visas. Familiarise yourself with the local customs and laws so you do not offend anyone when you first arrive. You want to start your new life the right way, not the wrong way! Buy yourself a good guide book and make sure you use it, they are an extemely useful tool

Where will you live? Start looking at international real estate and/or corporate rentals. Make sure you live near your work if possible and that you are close to shops, transport, amenities, hospitals and doctors. If you have children research the local schools and educational opportunities in the area. Don't forget to re-direct your mail and notify relevent companies you are moving overseas

Get quotes from a few different shipping companies to get the best deal. Make sure the costs include full insurance for damage or breakages during transit

Look into investing overseas or opening an offshore bank account. Get professional advice legally and financially for tax benefits or disadvantages before you make any firm decision

Join an ex-pat network to get access to the best advice from the people who know from their own experiences, good and bad!

If you have pets decide whether you will take them with you. You will need to organise transport and quarentine which can be a timely process. Make sure the country you are moving to accepts pets

Check the communications and accessibilty in your new country. Every country has a different telecom service so do your research thoroughly before you sign any contract or plan. The same applies to satelitte and cable television

Ensure you have appropriate health insurance and access to proper healthcare

If you are relocating with work, arrange to get in contact with other ex-pats that will be working with you. A good start for you and your family to build a social network with like-minded people

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