Twice this week, I have been asked by 2 friends who are moving abroad, to advise if it is the right move and how to make it work. Based on my own experience of moving from one country to another a few times in life, here is what I told them and I’ll break it down to 3 key questions:
📌1. Should I move? I am sort of OK here as of now but for the future of my family, does it make sense for me to move?
Yes, you should move when you have been at the same place for a long time. You will get:
✅ Exposure: You will start seeing the world differently. You will start appreciating the diversity more and develop a global perspective (not necessarily if you don’t open up when you move).
✅ Confidence: Your decisions today will boost your confidence to make even bigger decisions in life.
✅ Courage: Your life expands or shrinks based on your courage. Your decisions will also set a precedence for your children as a risk-taker.
📌2. Personal Finance: I have limited savings. I fear I may run out of funds before I find a job. What will I do then?
✅ Plan to start-over from scratch when you arrive in a new country.
✅ Do strict budgeting. Avoid eat-outs and cafe lattes before you get a decent income. Buy things on discount. Avoid branded clothes, top brands stuff etc.
✅ Try to get some paid consulting work to make your savings last longer. Preferably try to do the work relevant to your field. If not, learn online skills to generate some passive income so you don’t eat from your savings, refer to this video: https://lnkd.in/dMjXhgFk)
📌3. What to do when I get there to get a job?
✅ Networking: Start today! Don’t reach out to the network when you need some help but see who you can help today. Also, reach out to people you know in that country (from your previous employer, your university fellows etc). Request a call. Don’t start by asking them to help you get a job. Ask broader questions about getting settled in a new country. Look for guidance which can improve your understanding of the new country, lifestyle, education for children, job climate etc. Such conversations can lead to good connections.
✅ WhatsApp Groups: Join relevant groups of people from your country living in that new country. Sometimes, job ads are also shared by the group members.
✅ Networking Events, Meetups and Volunteer Work: Attend relevant industry events when you arrive there. Become active and offer help to people. Offer to do volunteer work in your field/neighbourhood.
✅ Join relevant job boards: Find out which job portals and websites advertise jobs of your field in that country to learn about job roles,salary brackets.
✅ CV Update: Update your CV. Whenever you come across a relevant job ad, tailor your CV, to stand out.
Anything else you would like to add to this list?
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