International Jobs and Working Abroad Advise Before You Pack Your Bags
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So You want to Work Abroad? International jobs Up until a few years ago, many would not have even given much consideration. However, many are now starting to realize the stark reality of expanding the job interview search to include neighboring countries. No doubt you have thought or are thinking the same thing, as you seriously contemplate decision making in international employment beyond your backyard. It's good to look and examine all viable options before you, but you've got to weigh both the pros and the cons of packing up the wife and kids for your dream fantasy island in the context of the big picture.
Having lived and worked overseas for three years in India and Bangladesh (about me) , and consulting for three years in international health. I do have some real world practical experience in how to go about looking for international employment and working abroad opportunities. But remember too, that living and working abroad in international employment can carry its own physical and public health risks which may be almost nil and non-existent in your part of the world.
International Jobs and work Abroad Advise With any decision making that you are about to undertake, it goes without saying, that you should seriously think and pray about any decision for which you are about to make. I believe firmly in the power of prayer in all things. How to meditate is important as you are putting your trust and faith in God Himself. By trusting in God, your faith will grow. Understand too, why you are seeking international employment in working abroad. Are you running away from something or someone? If you are, the problems you are running away from, will only increase in intensity and become that much more magnified and problemmtic in your new cultural environment. Make sure you are not setting yourself up for many failures along the way, by first addressing this issue before you even begin packing your bags and your boarding pass. I think it is also important to understand why you are seeking international jobs and work abroad opportunities. Are you seeking travel planning and adventure? Or are you taking a different option in your business goals pursuits? Is the next logical step an overseas move a part of your career goals? Understanding and clarifying why you are pursuing international employment is the first step in your working abroad pursuits. Discuss, Communicate and Reach Consensus with your Spouse and your Family...
If you are already in a happy marriage or in one of many successful relationships that may lead to marriage…you need to consider your spouse or potential spouses consideration as well. If you are married, what about your children and their emotional/social needs? There is a lot you need to put on the table for open discussion. Just as you would use proper business communication ton the job, any decision involving uprooting your entire family in the pursuits of international employment requires open communication to ensure there is mutual agreement and acceptance for your pursing international jobs. If your spouse is working-then it means for him or her to give up their job and career for your work abroad pursuits. Are they willing to do this? What about your children’s friends and social networks? Have you calculated the total financial costs involved? Unless your current employer is transferring you abroad with same pay scale and grade is one thing, but many times overseas pay scales and salaries are lower to US and western countries salary levels. You need to ensure the lowest pay scale you may be offered will still be doable to meet all of your financial needs. You will need to find housing abroad and many times these are not provided. Sure the cost of living may be much lower, but if you already own a home or two, then what about your properties if you relocate overseas? You will either need to find a management company to manage the properties for you if you decide to rent them out, or you will be forced to sell in a very unfavorable housing market at the moment. What Language and Cross-Cultural Skills do you Have?... I think it is very important to also look at and examine what language learning skills and cross-cultural experience you have as well. Especially in an ever shrinking global economy, it is not enough these days having the specific skill sets-employers are also looking at language skills and cross-cultural experience when deciding upon suitable candidates. If there is a region of the world you are particularly keen in working in and you do not have language skills nor the cross-cultural experience, take the time now in learning the language either on-line, at a local community college in your area, or you can hire a private tutor. Consider vacation planning to this region of the world as a volunteer, to gain real work practical experience that strengthens your selection process in the eyes of any potential employer. This way you will know if you even like the culture you will be working. US Federal Government, International Development and UN Bodies... Once you’ve applied appropriate decision making , and have agreed that you want to go overseas to pursue international employment, you then need to choose which geographical location of the world you would like to live in, in pursuing international jobs databases to start looking at working abroad opportunities that best match your skill sets, interests and experiences. Several excellent databases are: usajobs.gov. This is the US Federal government’s employment vacancy database which includes both domestic US jobs as well as international jobs. There is also devex.com , which is an excellent database of development jobs such as public health, and socio-economic working overseas vacancies by developmental, muliti-lateral and bi-lateral non-governmental agencies. There is also unjobs.org, which advertises international employment opportunities at various global locations. Another excellent source is idealist.org, this lists international employment vacancies from non-profit organizations around the world, where you can search by job title and country. As with any job search requires time , self motivation and self discipline.
Remember: ”The only Unfulfilled Goals in Your Life are the Ones you Never Attempt”
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and working abroad are ideals that many people around the world are starting to think of-especially with a dismal global economic outlook.
