Adventure Awaits: Moving to a New Country for Work
Moving for work to a new country can be an exciting adventure. You'll make new friends and unforgettable memories and learn about a new culture. And it's much smoother when you make an international move through your place of employment because it guarantees you a job and a steady paycheck when you arrive. However, before enjoying all these benefits, you must plan and successfully undertake an international relocation. A local move is challenging enough; imagine how difficult it becomes when dealing with international shipping and customs.
But there's no need to worry. Many people undertake and successfully complete small international moves every year, and you can be one of them, too. The sense of accomplishment that comes with a successful international move is truly empowering.
This guide will empower you so you're fully prepared for the logistics of moving abroad for work. Knowledge is power, and doing your research beforehand gives you the best shot of having a successful move. By the end of this post, you'll know what to do to prepare for your international move, what logistics you should consider when packing and shipping, and what to do once you've landed in that exciting new country.
Preparing for Your Move
Preparing for your international move is crucial to making it smooth. Here are four areas you should focus on.
Research
When moving to another country, do your research on the destination country. The move will require you to fully integrate into the culture and interact with locals. Studying and understanding your new home's norms is a common courtesy when living in another country.
Legal Requirements
Moving for a job comes with some extra preparation steps. Ensure your employer helps you secure everything you need to legally work in the new country, such as a visa sponsorship and work permit.
Financial Planning
Get financially prepared for the move. Ensure you consider:
- The cost of living difference in the new country
- If your salary will change with this move, understand how this will impact your budget
- The expenses associated with an international move, such as shipping
Health Insurance
You'll need health insurance in your new home. Before you move, research the health care insurance options, what each option covers, and how much coverage will cost.
Logistics of Moving for Work Internationally
An international move is a significant endeavor, so working with an experienced moving company is a smart decision. Specifically, you'll want to choose a business that knows how to handle international moves.
Of course, the more you bring abroad, the more expensive your move will be. Aim to pack as lightly as possible. When deciding what to bring and what to leave, ask yourself: will it be more expensive to ship this there versus buying it in the new country?
As you begin to plan your packing list, research your new country's customs regulations and import restrictions. The last thing you'd want is to pack something up, pay for shipping furniture, and have it blocked at customs because it's not allowed in the country. For example, a lot of countries have banned the importation of tobacco products. If you're someone who vapes or smokes, you might not be able to bring these items over with you.
Lastly, when you arrive in the new country, ensure you have a checklist for setting up your new home. You'll need to find accommodations, set up your utilities, open a bank account, and fill out local registrations (such as postal service).
Adapting to a New Culture
You'll have the best chance of a smooth transition if you take the time to understand local customs and etiquette. Not only is this a respectful thing to do, but it'll also help your new coworkers, friends, and neighbors bond with you faster. Even minor misunderstandings can be disrespectful if you aren't careful. For example, littering is forbidden in Japan (and many other countries).
Preparing yourself for culture shock and homesickness is also a good idea. The new food, people, and customs can be overwhelming. It's perfectly natural to go through waves of yearning for the familiar. When this happens, call someone from home and catch up. Sometimes, that's all you need.
Homesickness will be less frequent if you build a social network in your new country. Some ways you can do this are:
- Asking your colleagues to hang out after work
- Joining local groups
- Joining expat groups
- Attending events
Remember to take the initiative to learn the local language. Comprehending the local language will help make your life easier with coworkers, friends, and people you interact with as you go about your day. If you have the time, start learning the language before you move.
Success Stories and Tips
Often, people feel conflicting emotions about the idea of working in another country. It can sound like an exciting opportunity, but it's a giant leap to take and a considerable risk. You're leaving comfort, friends, family, and what you know behind. Is it worth it?
One woman who moved abroad to Spain to work from Australia shares how much she loved her relocation. She has called it a "positive and life-changing experience" for herself and her husband. Notably, she says this big transition comes with some bumps along the way, but if you brace yourself for the unexpected, embrace new opportunities as they arise, and put a genuine effort into adapting to a new culture, you'll have a great time.
Moving abroad for work is what you make of it. There can be huge professional and personal growth opportunities with such a move. Maintain an open mindset and make the most of this experience.
Give yourself at least a year to make it work. You don't want to give up on this new experience too quickly.
Navigating Work-Life Balance in a New Country
Keep work-life balance in mind as you adapt to new work cultures and environments. If you move to a country with a more relaxed approach to work-life balance, embrace this new norm. You don't have to work yourself to the bone in a country where that's not appreciated. In fact, if you overwork, your coworkers might not be able to connect with you as easily.
Alternatively, if you're in a country with an overworking culture, find ways to enforce your work-life balance. Your mental health is a priority; you shouldn't overwork to impress others or fit in.
Lastly, remember to keep in touch with friends and family from home. Try scheduling a weekly call with those you're closest to so you're always up-to-date with them.
You're Ready to Take on This International Move
Moving to a new country for work is an exciting adventure. If you prepare, embrace the new culture, and force yourself to make friends, you'll have the best chance for a smooth experience. Start planning and preparing now; your future self will thank you!
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