Considering a move abroad but worried about the impact on your career? Continuing a career abroad is certainly possible, with some careful contemplation and a whole lot of creativity. Here are ten tips for your career abroad.
1. Think creatively
You may need to rethink your career path but with creative thinking you can end up going in a surprising and fun, albeit new, direction. Now is truly the time to think outside the box.
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2. Assess your current skill set
Ask yourself how you can use the skills you already have in your host country, or how you can adapt them to fill a local need. The book, “A Career in Your Suitcase” is a great resource to help with this exercise.
3. Follow your passion
Moving overseas can be a springboard to a new career, one that means you get to finally follow your heart. Imagine a working life based on your passion! Can your hobbies become money spinners?
I took a career change direction six years after moving to the Netherlands. Sometimes it takes time, and the journey isn’t always directly from A to B but a life abroad presents you with opportunities. Follow your passion. Follow your own path.
4. Use your ‘insider’ knowledge
Use the experience you gain moving abroad as a basis for your career abroad. Maybe you can coach others making the same move you have made. You could focus your business on helping others make a smooth transition to a new country.
5. Retrain
Think about retraining or brushing up your skills. There are many long distance learning programs out there to help you.
6. Be realistic
When you move overseas career barriers can be numerous: recognition of pre-existing qualifications, local language, work permits, local culture, job market, legal requirements. Start your research before you leave home and make sure you understand your limitations.
7. Build a portable career
Consider making your career portable so that you can take it with you should you relocate from place to place. Become an Anywhereist!
8. Use all the support you can get
Don’t underestimate the support you will need to keep your career on track overseas – check with your partner’s employer if they will support any retraining or if there are any local schemes to help you. Connect to people on social media and in online groups to build up a network in the place you will call home. Put feelers out and who knows what you may get back.
9. Use your network
Build up a network that can point you in the right direction, brainstorm with you and offer you feedback and tips. Listen to people around you and use your network to identify gaps. Keep your eyes and ears open for potential gaps or opportunities for your career. Ask around. Don’t be shy – ask for tips.
10. Stay positive!
*For your convenience, this post includes affiliate links to products and books useful for the Turning Dutch community. They cost you nothing more to buy, but I may get a small commission, which goes towards costs to keep the Turning Dutch site running.*
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