Embrace A Career Abroad - World Of Opportunities

I am guilty of talking about my experience working abroad. I often get a little look when people probably get a little bored of hearing about it, but, I struggle to not mention it, it was a massive part of my 20's. I lived & worked in Hong Kong for over 5 years, it was a big chunk of my life. Sorry!

I learnt so much, experienced new cultures, ways of working, met interesting people and much more.

Just the simple supermarket shop and navigating the city was all completely new and exciting.

I owe so much of my career to that experience.

I have some of the very best friends you could ever wish for, all from that experience.

Today though, I want to talk about opportunities abroad. Why you should consider it, what you could gain from it and how to stop that little voice in your head from holding you back.

This could be the biggest and best decision you ever make!

When I left the UK, I was 23 and had never experienced living abroad longer than a week in Lanzarote with my mates.

I distinctly remember the plane leaving the tarmac at Manchester and I had a wobble 'S*￡T what am I doing, I don't know anyone, is this actually a good idea...

I could still here the final message my Dad gave me ' whatever happens, you do a year, I don't want you coming back until you have at least done 12 months'.

I had agreed, whatever happened, even if I hated every moment, I was going to do 1 year and then come home if it wasn't for me.

Well, 1 year turned into 5.5 years. And, if I am honest I could have stayed another 5.

Here’s why you might want to consider taking the leap and how to make the most of the experience.

1. Expanding Your Professional Network

Working abroad opens doors to a diverse network of professionals across different industries and cultures. Building relationships with international colleagues, clients, and industry leaders can lead to new opportunities, insights, and collaborations that you wouldn’t encounter in your home country.

2. New Cultures

Immersing yourself in a new culture can enhance your global business acumen, making you more valuable in a multicultural workforce.

3. Gaining Unique Skills and Perspectives

An international work experience often involves tackling unfamiliar challenges, which can develop your problem-solving skills and flexibility. Exposure to different business practices and market dynamics can also broaden your understanding and approach to your field.

4. Boosting Your Career Trajectory

An international stint on your resume can set you apart from the competition. It demonstrates adaptability, initiative, and the ability to thrive in diverse environments—qualities that are highly valued by employers. Plus, you may gain access to new career paths and advancement opportunities that are not available in your home country.

5. Enhancing Personal Growth

Living and working in a different country is a transformative experience that can boost your confidence and independence. It challenges you to step outside your comfort zone!

6. Improving Language Skills

If you work in a country where a different language is spoken, you’ll have the opportunity to become proficient in a new language. This skill can be a significant asset in both your professional and personal life. Not everywhere requires this either!

7. Exploring New Work-Life Balance Models

Different countries often have varying approaches to work-life balance. Experiencing these differences can give you new perspectives on how to manage your own work-life balance and potentially implement beneficial practices in your home country.

8. Finance

We all feel the squeeze in the UK, Taxes, taxes, taxes plus the general cost of living. Often a move abroad brings better financial gains, a couple of years abroad could give you the money you need to settle into a better life back in the UK down the road.

How many times have you said, “I would love to do that” or “I wish I had done that”?

The truth is, many of us let our dreams of working abroad remain just that—dreams—because the idea seems overwhelming. But what if you broke down the process into manageable steps? By tackling each step one at a time, what once seemed like a daunting task can become a series of achievable goals.

The world is brimming with incredible opportunities just waiting beyond your doorstep. And remember, a move doesn’t have to be permanent. Even a one-year stint or a two-year assignment can be transformative, offering new perspectives and experiences. You might find yourself deciding to stay longer or embark on a new adventure in another country.

I can speak from personal experience—my own life has been profoundly enriched by moving abroad. As a parent now, my curiosity about global opportunities has only deepened. I want my kids to experience diverse cultures, face new challenges, and embrace opportunities that broaden their horizons. I am certainly open to another move at some point.

So, wherever you are in your career or life, don’t dismiss the idea of moving abroad. Apply for that role, talk to a recruiter, or have a conversation with your current employer if they have a global presence. There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain.

Why not take that first step?

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Best,

Richard