Relocating to another country for work sounds like a huge chore, doesn’t it? From all the documents you need to prepare to the anxiety of looking for a home online, it seems as if the waves of problems won’t stop coming your way.
However, many migrants enjoy and even thrive in their host country. Despite the initial setbacks, relocating to another country has been shown to improve overall happiness. According to the 2018 World Happiness Report, the average migrant experiences a 5% increase in positive emotions such as happiness and laughter and a 7% decrease in negative emotions such as worry and sadness.
In the long term, living in a different country will set you up for experiences you would never have thought of. In this article, we’re taking a look at three things that make your experience working abroad worth it.
Career Opportunity
It’s common for people to migrate for work, just like you. Keep in mind that some countries have serious demands for skilled labour in a way that your home country won’t appreciate as much. This enhances your outlook to climb the career ladder and gain valuable experience quickly. However, it’s crucial to note that each country has its own set of regulations governing foreign labour. For instance, if you’re considering Canada, familiarizing yourself with the requirements for LMIA application in Canada(les exigences pour la demande d’ÉIMT au Canada) is essential. This process provides a smoother transition for skilled workers and greatly facilitates your journey towards a successful career abroad.
Also, depending on the demand for your skillset, your wages will increase for the same hours’ worth of work you would do back home, thus improving your quality of life to an extent. Speaking of quality of life, Scandinavia is one of the best places to work if you desire a great work-life balance.
If you plan on returning home, your experiences overseas will be a welcoming sight to see on your CV. If an employer sees that you’ve lived and worked abroad, it’s a good sign that you’re open-minded and have a different perspective on solving different problems
Immense Opportunity for Self-Development
Moving abroad is like resistance training for your mindset. Sometimes locals would treat you differently as a foreigner, you’ll struggle to figure out the public transport system at first, and you might find it hard to fit in. Eventually, you can still figure things out in a way you would never have done back home. You’ll become self-reliant and more resistant towards adversity.
Once you step out of your comfort zone, you’ll begin to grow as a person. In the process, you’re “callusing” your mind, as David Goggins would say.
Self-development comes in many forms. By making new friends and immersing yourself in different cultures, it gives different angles to look at the world. You’ll be quick to realize that it’s never too late to learn about something new, and most people end up becoming a better person than they were back home.
Learning a New Language
The best way to learn a new language is to live here the locals speak it. The locals will appreciate your effort and you’ll find it easier to make friends.
Being a polyglot is extremely valuable in your CV, especially when you’re able to communicate in one of the most spoken languages in the world. Once you’ve gotten the hang of a different language, it’s pretty much a lifelong skill.
Even if you’re relocating to another country where they speak the same language (eg; Canada to Scotland), it’s fun to expose yourself to the various dialects the locals have to offer. You may end up speaking just like them, too!