Excited about that job offer in a distant country? Well, it is certainly a life changing event! Leaving behind your familiar surroundings, friends and family is definitely not going to be easy, but at the same time it presents a new challenge and a chance to advance your career. Follow these steps to ensure that you have the smoothest possible transition to living and working overseas.
Your job has to be worth it
Moving abroad does not come easy under any circumstances. So make sure that you are really looking forward to the job as you do not want to be relocating just for a change of scenery! Your new job has to fit in with your future goals and aspirations. Will taking this job give your career a boost? Do you have job security? Ask yourself if your new job offers opportunities for professional and personal growth. Study the employment scenario and market conditions of the country thoroughly.
Draw up a plan
Having a fair idea of how you are going to manage the whole process of relocation is probably the most crucial aspect of taking up a job abroad. Come up with a detailed relocation plan. You need to take into account moving expenses, managing your finances, finding housing, schooling for your kids, ways to meet new people and look at leisure and entertainment options at your destination. Always have a plan ‘B' if things do not work out the way you imagined.
Keep moving costs down
Ideally, your employer should cover your relocation expenses. If not, now is the time to have a long hard look at the things that have accumulated in your basement, attic, garage or even your closet. Keep the things that have sentimental value. Sell the stuff that you do not need any more. You will be surprised at how much money you can raise by selling your old and unused belongings on eBay. If you are moving abroad for a job, get a minimum of three international movers to give you an all inclusive quote.
Manage your finances
Study the tax code of the state or country you are moving to and then calculate your net income. Websites like Numbeo.com let you compare cost of living in your current city to the city you are moving to. If you are moving to a big city, the increase in salary should be able to offset the higher living costs. Create a contingency fund to cover unforeseen expenses or as a safety net till you get settled in.
Look at housing options
Unless you are familiar with your country of destination, you might be better off looking for short term accommodation like a sublet initially. This will give you the opportunity to explore the city and find a suitable place in a neighborhood of your liking. You are also more likely to find a better deal if you give it time and get acquainted with the housing market in your city.
Get used to your locality
If possible, get your employer to arrange a site visit to the host city before you move for good. If not, arrive well before you are due to start work and try to get acclimatized to your new environment. Visit your office a couple of times to get accustomed to the daily commute. Look up friends or acquaintances that live nearby, join a hobby group or an expat club like Internations.org to meet people with similar interests. Walk around the city and check out the options available for shopping, eating out and entertainment.
Tishana is a relocations expert at FeedbacQ, a free-to-use online platform that connects expats and overseas job seekers to quality-verified international movers. She enjoys yoga, tennis, cooking and learning new languages.
