Ask The Expat Career Coach: Why Work Abroad?

I often get the same questions about expatriate careers and businesses from people through a variety of my online and social networks.  In the interest of answering these questions so that more expats may benefit, I've decided to create an "ASK THE EXPAT CAREER COACH" blog post series. I'll start with one of the most common questions I get asked:

 

"WHY WORK ABROAD?"

Working abroad can give you invaluable experience that will not only help you differentiate yourself from your competitors (a key element of a strong personal brand), but will help you develop skills sets valued by employers. One study done by Hays recruitment indicated that over 80% of professionals who worked abroad felt that it helped them in their careers.  

Most employers value the initiative demonstrated by those who pursue work abroad, and the demonstrated ability to handle ambiguity and new challenges. With workforces becoming more multicultural and diverse, learning new languages and to develop cross cultural communications skills abroad can also serve you once you've returned home. And living and working in another culture not only helps you be more flexible and adaptable, but develops your aptitude for looking at systems and problems from new and different perspectives. Studies have shown that living abroad enhances your creativity and negotiation skills.

As today's markets are becoming more and more global, having experience working in different markets, within different business systems, operating under different types of regulation, will be seen as an asset and gives you a breadth and depth of experience that few others will be able to claim.  It also helps to broaden you network globally, another valued and potentially differentiating asset.

 

Due to differences in climate, cost of living and culture, working abroad also affords you the opportunity to experience a very different lifestyle. I can say that much of my own learning and growth has come from living and working in many different countries. The opportunity to have new experiences and explore new cultures is one that most expats treasure.

I could go on...particularly around all of the benefits of living in another culture that working abroad affords you, but would love to hear from other expats why they've chosen to work abroad.  

If you are an expat working abroad, will you share your reasons for choosing to work in another country in the comment section below so that others may learn from your experience?

YOUR EXPAT CAREER and BUSINESS SUCCESS TIP: If you are considering pursuing working abroad for any significant amount of time, it's likely you have concerns about such a choice.  Perhaps you fear it will be difficult to "reenter" the workforce in your home country, or will not be able to manage the cross-cultural challenges you'll face working in a foreign country. Making the right choice means making an informed choice. So I want you to not only make a list of all of the benefits of working abroad you can think of, but also brainstorm how your experience working overseas will make you more attractive to future employers, no matter where your next destination may be. Knowing all the benefits will help you make a more informed decision moving forward.

Comments

[Stuart Birkwood]

Megan, There are so many great reasons to work abroad it would take days to highlight them all! After stints in the US, Poland, Finland and now Saudi Arabia i feel the main ones for me are 1./ Expanding your personal horizons 2./ Enhancing the quality of life for your family 3./ Building long lasting friendships 4./ Setting the foundations of Financial security. 5./ Having FUN! Hoping this fits the bill and keep up the great Twitter posts! Stuart

[Megan]

Hi Stewart,

Great to see you here! I hope things are well in Saudi Arabia at Starwood.

Thanks so much for sharing your reasons for working abroad with everyone.

I too agree quality of life is a top reason for choosing to be an expat.

I also love the learning that comes with operating in different cultures - everything can become an adventure!

Coaching across cultures only amplifies the opportunity to explore different perspectives and learn.

Don't be a stranger!

My best,

Megan
@expatcoachmegan

[Judy]

It was my husband's career that took us abroad initially and his career certainly took a significant leap forward. As a family it's been a great success for us, our son got an excellent education, I was able to be a full-time mom for a while and financially it was lucrative. I gave up my career initially, but have learned a great deal and recently rejoined the workforce (overseas) in a new career.

However, thirteen years after the adventure began we now realize we have probably burned our boats with respect to ever working in our home country again (although we do plan to retire there). Our resumes are all about overseas projects which don't seem relevant to employers back home. You touch on this concern from would-be expats in your article and I think it's a valid one. At some point you can pass the point of no return.

[Megan]

Hi Judy,

Thanks for your comments!

I invite you to question your belief that you have burned your boats with respect to ever working in your home country again.

I would have to disagree with you - experience with my own clients in this regard gives me evidence to support an alternative perspective to yours.

There are things to do to begin to build those bridges....what might one thing you could do right away on this front?

Keep in touch and let me know how things are going,
Megan

[Patricia]

Megan,

I am currently working for an international company in the states, and my boyfriend is living in argentina. I would like to move there with him, and am exploring opportunities with my company. Working remotely in the states is not the same as working from a different country. Do you have any advice or recommendations on how to approach or communicate with them? I am very determined and passionate to make this work :)