Thinking about working abroad?

We live in such a globalised society where you can work anywhere in the world but what does that entail and are you ready?

The pros of working abroad are plentiful but it’s a big change – you’d be living away from friends and family and would need to build up a new support network somewhere else. Sometimes, you may need to make a lateral or even a small backward move to prove yourself in a new market.

If this doesn’t faze you and you’re thinking about moving to a new country talk it through with friends and family and even a recruiter to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

Do your research and make this decision before you apply to roles. Some processes can move very quickly and if you are not committed to the move it can feel overwhelming. If visas are involved it can also take a longer time which you also need to be prepared for.

When is a good time to go personally and professionally?

• We recently helped a family move from the UK to Australia and it worked well for them but perhaps the best time to move would be independently with few commitments such as mortgages etc

• From a professional perspective there are a lot more opportunities for newly qualified CAs than Directors so opportunities will naturally diminish as time progresses.

• We also tend to become more risk averse as time goes on.

Where?

• Research possible markets that you would like to work in and are able to? Does your firm do international transfers/secondments?

• Are you restricted by visas? If so can you seek sponsorship?

• Think about time zones, can you skype family and friends outside of working hours?

The opportunity to work abroad should never be taken for granted – it’s opening a door to a whole new set of experiences you might otherwise not get the opportunity to explore. You only get one life. Live it. Love it.