For many, getting an offer with relocation abroad is considered a stellar moment in their career. The obvious advantages include gaining international experience, interacting with representatives of different cultures and nationalities, and income growth. It is very inspiring.
At the same time, changing the geographical location can become a subject of frustration, stress, and everyday difficulties, which significantly spoil the quality of life. Let’s figure out – what is important to think about before moving, so that this decision does not become a fatal mistake.
So, what are the key points worth paying attention to if you are seriously thinking about relocation?
1. Clearly state your expectations from the move
Do you want to change your country for what reason? Is it a step up the career ladder, new opportunities, and significant income growth? Or do you just want something new? Then, with a high probability, the move may disappoint. Also, check how realistic your expectations are – this can be done by asking those who have recently moved. Think about renting an apartment and hiring a car. In case you move for at least several months it is better to rent a car for long term or take Mercedes Benz G-Class for hire. However, rental companies provide multiple options, thus you can hire a vehicle for 3 months or change them every two days.
2. Find out the level of income and the general standard of living in the country where you plan to leave
Many Internet services allow you to compare prices at least approximately – score the desired query in the search engine.
3. Study tax and labor legislation in detail
These two branches of law will greatly affect you and your standard of living if you decide to move. You may have to forget about the 28-day vacation or overwork will become your norm, and they will be able to fire you by mail without any bureaucracy and protection.
4. Try to start with an investigation in advance
If you are relocating within the framework of your former employer, you can ask about the possibility of a long, at least a month, business trip or remote work from the location where you plan to leave. Such a stay will allow you to look at the city and the country as a potential place to live without holiday euphoria.
Why a short business trip is bad – because of the limited amount of time, you simply will not have time to consider various aspects of life, such as transport accessibility, shops, restaurants and cafes, gyms, places for walking, the presence of schools and kindergartens in the area of possible rental housing, and so on. Also, a more or less long stay will at least partially answer the question of whether the climatic conditions are comfortable for you.
5. Take care of the family
Ideally, if you have experience living in the chosen country for at least a few months – this will help you better assess the upcoming move. Another country – another culture, way of life, habits, norms. You should be fine with that.
It is especially advised to look closely at those who transport children. What training options are there and will your family budget be enough? Find out all the subtleties of admission to kindergartens and schools, if you move with children, the availability of medicine, the cost of insurance, etc. In addition, think about what your spouse will do, and how much the profession and skills that he or she is in demand.
6. Learn from someone else’s experience
Interview those who moved 3-5 years ago. He has already passed the stage of euphoria from a new place of residence, and you will receive detailed lists of advantages and disadvantages of the chosen location.
Even if, after weighing all the pros and cons, you resolutely buy a one-way ticket, leave yourself at least a hypothetical opportunity to return. For several reasons, a situation may arise where a return may be the only possible scenario. Do not drive yourself into a psychological trap. If you do not initially do the strict installation “either I adapt there, or I return – but it will be a fiasco”, as a rule, getting used to it is easier.
