Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly
There are few life events more exciting, stressful and potentially rewarding than starting a new career in a different part of the world. The thrill of exploring new locales, meeting different people and finding out about the unique elements of different cultures, cuisines and continents is very alluring.
However, leaving your home and starting over elsewhere can be quite challenging, both mentally and logistically. From relocating your possessions and securing a residence to making new friends and juggling legal concerns, there is much to consider when moving internationally.
Here are some key points you need to know about how daily life will change when working overseas for the long-term.
Renting Versus Owning
When relocating to another country, a big question to consider is whether it is worth the effort to purchase a residence or rent. The benefits of renting are obvious: minimal responsibility and less upfront costs.
However, the benefits of owning internationally can be substantial as well – especially for more expensive homes. In many in-demand global economic hubs, a million pound mortgage can secure a home that quickly accrues in value. Some homeowners in foreign markets can see their home values increase by 20% or more in just a couple of years. As such, that million-pound mortgage may be more valuable than you realise.
Enness Global Mortgages is a prime example of mortgage experts specialising in million-pound mortgages, mortgages for international investors, and bridging finance. If you’re relocating to a foreign country and ready to invest in a new home, their services are optimised for your specific situation.
Understanding Visa Requirements
For those seeking to work overseas for months or even years, visa requirements can become tricky. Some countries may have a rather laissez-faire approach with regard to semi-permanent work visas, while others require guest workers to periodically exit and re-enter the country in order to renew their visas.
In many cases, employers take responsibility for maintaining and renewing worker visas, but some situations (such as freelancers working internationally) don’t have such a luxury. As such, be aware of international visa laws and learn about which countries have easy work visa laws.
Others Like You Live There (Expats)
It’s important to remind yourself that others are working and living in the same locale as you, enjoying the same life experiences. Sometimes, homesickness and depression from feeling isolated can manifest in the early stages of working overseas. It’s hard to make friends and connect when you’ve moved halfway across the world to an entirely new place, after all.
As such, sometimes the easiest way to learn about your new locale and immerse yourself in it is to embrace the local expat community. If you’re working in a major or even mid-sized city, look for the nearest expat organisations and communities to find out how best to become a part of your new home.
Be Ready for Linguistic Hurdles
Even in places where the same language is spoken, linguistic hurdles can be encountered. The use of slang and different expressions can create language barriers at times, so be prepared for this (especially if you’re moving to a country where a different language is spoken; even functionally fluent individuals encounter such issues).
Making friends in the local community – as well as simply searching for various terms or phrases you might not understand – is the easiest way to slowly dissolve this common form of culture shock.
While work itself may keep you occupied during portions of each day, working overseas is about more than just the occupation. How you spend your days off, where you choose to live, what rules you have to follow and how best to socialise are some of the biggest concerns that foreigners will encounter when relocating for work. Consider these dynamics carefully in advance of any international career move.
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