After 4 years working in the Netherlands and reflecting on my experiences and challenges, today I bring 10 Key questions to consider before moving to another country. For instance, when I first moved to the Netherlands, I was surprised by the flat hierarchy in companies, which was a stark contrast to the more hierarchical structure I was used to in my home country.
1. What are my skills and qualifications?
If you want to find a job where you can continue to develop your career, it is essential to ask yourself if your education level is sufficient. What education level do you have? Are your hard skills in demand in the country of destination? Are you willing to take a job that is different from your education?
If, for example, you only want a short-term work/life experience, then this point is less important. For instance, when I worked at Disney, I was still in university, and it was only a summer job. All the hard skills I needed were to speak English at least
2. What is life like in my target destination?
It is very important to ensure that the country of destination is well reviewed—do they offer the career development that you seek? What languages do you need to work and live there? Is the lifestyle something you would be able to handle? What about the weather and culture overall?
3. What is the job market like in my desired location?
It’s crucial to thoroughly research the job market in your desired location. Understand the demand for your profession, review the salary expectations, and consider the employment rates. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your career abroad.
4. Do I need a work visa?
Understand the visa requirements and the process for obtaining the necessary work authorization. For example, in the Netherlands, there is a highly skilled immigrant work permit for those who get hired from abroad. Not all companies offer this kind of sponsorship. There is a public list of visa sponsors worth reviewing before starting your job applications. Reviewing this in other countries is highly relevant.
5. What language skills do I have?
Consider your language skills. Will you need to learn a new language or improve your proficiency in the local language of your target country to advance your career? This is a key factor to consider when planning to work abroad.
6. What are the work cultural differences?
Understanding the work culture of your destination country is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the country’s work ethics, business practices, and overall culture. This will help you adapt more quickly and effectively to your new work environment.
For example, in the Netherlands, companies operate with a flat hierarchy; feedback is expected to be given and received up and down the corporate ladder. This means that even as a junior employee, your opinion is valued and you’re expected to voice your thoughts. How would you feel about that? This is also an important question to ask yourself.
7. What are the living costs?
Assess living expenses such as housing, transportation, and healthcare to determine if your potential salary will suffice. This multiplies if you have a family.
For example, in the Netherlands, housing is limited and expensive; a new bike can be between 500 and 800 euros, and healthcare is paid monthly. These are three fundamental aspects to revise in all destination countries and assess if your potential salary would suffice to cover them comfortably.
8. Do I have a support network abroad?
Reflect on whether you know anyone in the country who can offer support or guidance during your transition. It is ideal to have someone at least for guidance.
9. What are my long-term career goals?
Consider how working abroad fits your overall career trajectory and if it will help you achieve your aspirations. Working abroad can provide unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as a chance to experience a new culture. Do you want to go to another country and build an entire life abroad, or are you more inclined to collect experience abroad that you can then bring back to your home country? Be sure to have clarity on this before you move, even if it can change over time.
10. Am I ready for the challenges of moving?
Assess your readiness for the emotional, social, and logistical challenges of relocating to a new country. This is a very important point and quite underestimated. I dare say that even if you prepare a lot, life will still always manage to surprise you. Therefore, make sure to reflect on some points: Have you been to this country before? Have you ever been far away from home? Have you been away for an extended period of time? How did you feel, and how did you manage the cultural shocks? Are you able and willing to do it again?
There you have it, all of my invitations to reflect before deciding to work abroad. If it would be the case that you do not have the answers to all of them, being aware of these questions brings you closer to the different realities, experiences and challenges that will come your way once you move to that new country.
Wishing you the best always!
Sofia
