4 Tips for Moving Overseas for Work
The world has never been smaller than it is now. Whereas people were destined to spend their entire lives in the place where they were born, today it’s possible for us to find and interview for a job from the comfort of our home, and then, within next to no time at all, move overseas to begin a new life. That’s pretty remarkable, and it sure is exciting. However, it’s not a decision that should be taken lately, and even if you know it’s the right thing to do, you might find that it’s difficult at times. Below, we take a look at a few essential tips that’ll help you to make the transition as painless as possible.
Check the Broader Culture
It’s easy to get lured by all the exciting points of a destination. If you’ve visited the place you’re moving to before, then you might have many fond memories, and an idea of what life would be like once you moved there full-time. But of course, it’s important to remember that there’s a huge difference between visiting and living in a place. Before saying yes to the job, make sure that you have a realistic view of what living there is like. It’s best to know the downsides before arriving, rather than slowly realizing them once you’re there.
Cost of Living Issues
When you’re offered your salary, it’s best to ignore your initial impression of the figure. You’ll be comparing it to the wages in your current city. Things might be very different where you’re moving! It’s all about the cost of living. If you’re moving to, say, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, then a $40,000 a year salary will take you very far. If you’re moving to Manhattan, New York, then you’ll be scraping by. Do your research, and check what level of quality of life the salary will provide for you.
Staying Legal
We’re all one big human family, but they don’t seem to have gotten that memo at border control. If you’re going to live and work in a foreign country, then you’ll need to have the right visa to do so. While your company might arrange your work permit, there could be other issues that are in your hands, such as visas for your family. Because all things immigration can be complicated to understand, it’s best that you work with a family immigration lawyer. They’ll be able to guide you through the entire process.
Make Connections
You’ll be excited by the quality of life and all the attractions and possibilities of your new home, but once you land, you might discover something: you’re a little lonely. Nobody likes to feel that way! But at least it’s in your hands. Get out there and meet people. If you don’t speak the language, then learn. Join clubs, take up sports, and get yourself in the mix. Over time, you’ll find that lots of people come into your orbit, and you’ll be able to make friends.