What are some ways to handle difficult trade-offs when working abroad?

1 Prioritize your values

Before you make any decision, you need to identify what is most important to you and why. What are your core values, your long-term vision, and your non-negotiables? How do they align with your reasons for working abroad and the opportunities and challenges you will face? By clarifying your values, you can make trade-offs that are consistent with your purpose and avoid regret or resentment.

2 Research your options

Once you know your values, you can explore the different options available to you and how they match your criteria. For example, if you value career advancement, you can look for opportunities that offer growth, learning, and recognition. If you value family time, you can look for options that provide flexibility, support, and stability. Researching your options will help you weigh the pros and cons of each trade-off and make informed choices.

4 Communicate your needs and expectations

When you work abroad, you will have to deal with different cultures, norms, and expectations. This can create misunderstandings, conflicts, or frustrations if you do not communicate your needs and expectations clearly and respectfully. You should also listen and understand the needs and expectations of others, such as your employer, your clients, your coworkers, or your host community. Communicating your needs and expectations will help you build trust, rapport, and collaboration.

5 Be flexible and adaptable

Working abroad will inevitably involve some uncertainty, change, and stress. You may have to deal with unexpected situations, challenges, or opportunities that require you to adjust your plans, goals, or strategies. You may also have to cope with culture shock, homesickness, or isolation. To handle these trade-offs, you need to be flexible and adaptable. You should embrace learning, curiosity, and openness. You should also seek support, self-care, and balance.

6 Review and reflect

Finally, you should review and reflect on your trade-offs regularly and see how they affect your outcomes, satisfaction, and well-being. You should celebrate your achievements, learn from your failures, and appreciate your growth. You should also check if your trade-offs are still aligned with your values, if your options have changed, or if you need to make new trade-offs. Reviewing and reflecting will help you evaluate your progress, adjust your course, and enjoy your journey.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?