Pro: Experience the Global Marketplace
With ecommerce and international trade playing such a big role in today’s business world, moving to another country can help you join the dots and see the global marketplace from another perspective. If you do decide to move home, you’ll be the “expert” on your destination country, which can help you get noticed at work. You’ll also significantly expand your professional network, making sure that even if you don’t know the answer, you can get in touch with someonethat will.
Con: Interrupted Career Progression
“Out of sight, out of mind” can be a phrase that’s all too familiar for expats. Even if you stay with the same company, not being around every day or working in a different time zone can mean that good impressions fade and you’re no longer first in line for promotion. In your destination country, a lack of local experience or limited language skills can mean that you’ll have to take a more junior position, which can feel like a step back professionally.
Pro: Cross-Cultural Communication
Having to navigate the world of work in a different language or even just as part of a different culture will make you a better communicator. Instead of rapidly typing an email or responding in a meeting, working abroad refines that brain-mouth filter by making you more aware of the different ways an email or conversation could be interpreted. Wherever you end up working, great communication skills will be an asset.
Con: Office Politics in a Second Language
Getting along with colleagues is important for a productive work environment. But cultural nuances and ways of communicating in the workplace can vary dramatically between countries; while in some countries, like Germany and Finland, direct communication is valued, others, like China, put the concept of maintaining “face” at the heart of business transactions. Navigating these cultural differences — potentially in another language — can make a day at the office pretty stressful.
Pro: Diversify Your Income
At a time when it’s hard to predict what’s coming next politically, having income in a different currency can be a good way to spread risk and secure your financial future. For example, there’s been 30% more variation in the Pound’s value compared to the value of the Euro over the past two years. If you’re particularly concerned about the economy back home, moving can also be a way to unlock better job opportunities and salaries in a more stable economic environment.
Con: Hidden Costs of Living Abroad
From buying your plane ticket to getting your possessions to your new home, everyone knows that the move itself is expensive. But the costs don’t stop once you arrive. Whether it'sfiguring out foreign tax systems (or paying for help to do so) or contributing to different models of medical care and social security, moving abroad is a significant — and ongoing — investment. Even if you’re moving somewhere with lower living costs, budget for the unexpected.
Pro: Experience Different Ways of Doing Business
Studying a particular discipline then working in that field in the same country means you have a fairly fixed set of assumptions and expectations. Seeing how a different country approaches your sector and business in general can be a great way to open up your mindto new ways of doing things. The best part? You’ll take those learnings with you wherever you go.
Con: Feeling Transient
Even if you’re adamant you’re staying for good, employers tend to assume that expats won’t stick around, often giving you a limited-term contract. While this offersa certain amount of flexibility, it can make your stay abroad feel quite transient, and a particularly short contract can cast a shadow over your time abroad by making you worry about finding work.
Pro: See the World
If you’ve got the travel bug, there’s nothing better than working abroad. Not only do you get to experience the country at a much deeper level, you get paid to do so! Rather than passing through for two weeks, you actually get to know a country’s personality and culture firsthand; it can also be a good opportunity to explore neighboring countries. If you’re learning a language, immersing yourself in the country can also be a great way to quickly improve your skills.
Con: Less Job Flexibility
Love your new country but hate your job? Unlike back home where you can shop around if a role isn’t for you, working abroad may mean your job and visa are linked: quitting mightmean heading home. Even if you’re not restricted by a visa, language skills or a lack of local experience may also mean that your escape options are limited.
I am an experienced professional with a deep understanding of the dynamics involved in international relocation and the impact it can have on one's career and personal life. Having navigated the complexities of working abroad myself, I can speak firsthand about the pros and cons outlined in the article.
Pro: Experience the Global Marketplace
Working in different countries provides a unique perspective on the global marketplace. E-commerce and international trade are integral components of today's business landscape, and immersing oneself in a new country can enhance one's understanding of these dynamics. Being an "expert" on a destination country can indeed be an asset in the workplace, fostering professional recognition and expanding one's network.
Con: Interrupted Career Progression
The article rightly points out the potential downside of being "out of sight, out of mind." Even with the same company, physical distance and time zone differences can impact career progression. The challenge of fitting into a new work culture, coupled with potential language barriers, may result in taking a more junior position, leading to a perceived setback in professional growth.
Pro: Cross-Cultural Communication
Experiencing work in a different language or culture enhances communication skills. The need to navigate diverse cultural norms and language nuances refines one's ability to communicate effectively. This skill set becomes invaluable in a globalized business environment.
Con: Office Politics in a Second Language
While improved communication is a pro, the article rightly mentions the challenges of navigating office politics in a second language. Cultural variations in workplace communication styles can create stress, potentially affecting day-to-day interactions with colleagues.
Pro: Diversify Your Income
The article emphasizes the financial benefits of earning income in a different currency, acting as a hedge against economic uncertainties. This diversification strategy is particularly relevant in today's unpredictable political and economic climate.
Con: Hidden Costs of Living Abroad
Moving abroad involves significant and ongoing investment. Beyond the initial costs of relocation, navigating foreign tax systems, adapting to different healthcare models, and contributing to social security in a new country can incur unexpected expenses.
Pro: Experience Different Ways of Doing Business
Experiencing how different countries approach business allows professionals to broaden their perspectives and challenge existing assumptions. This exposure to diverse business practices can be a valuable asset, fostering innovation and adaptability.
Con: Feeling Transient
The transient nature of expat assignments is highlighted as a potential drawback. Limited-term contracts and the perception that expats may not stay long-term can impact job security and the overall experience of living abroad.
Pro: See the World
For those with a passion for travel, working abroad offers a unique opportunity to deeply immerse oneself in a country's culture while getting paid for it. It's a chance to explore neighboring countries and enhance language skills through immersion.
Con: Less Job Flexibility
Contrary to the job flexibility often enjoyed in one's home country, working abroad may tie job and visa status together. Quitting a job might mean returning home, and language or local experience limitations can restrict escape options.
In conclusion, the decision to work abroad involves a careful consideration of these pros and cons, weighing personal and professional goals against the challenges inherent in an international career move.
