Top 4 Misconceptions About Working Overseas

So you want to find a job overseas where it doesn't involve just teaching English. Is it possible? Yes it is! There isn't a lot of information about it though, simply due to the fact that not a lot of people are grabbing job opportunities in, say, the Middle East or in Asia. This is because of a few misconceptions about being an expat. And the most common misconception is this: it's not worth it.

It's Better Here

The life you have will always be better. It cannot be replaced. But if there's really nothing left for you in terms of career, you'll need to do something about it. And moving to a foreign country may just be the solution. You never know how successful you can be if you take a job at an offshore location.

The Pay Is Low

This is both true and false. When the salary is measured in dollars or euro, a job overseas may seem like it's a waste of time. But think about it. Why do people from developing countries try to get a job in the U.S. or in Europe despite them receiving lower rates? This is because when they send those dollars or euros back home, it's more than enough due to the lower cost of living. Simply put, a three-grand monthly income in the western countries is considered low whereas a thousand dollars a month is more than sufficient for lower-income countries. You can have a salary that translates to two grand a month and live like a king in a foreign land.

It'll Be a Paid Vacation

If you're excited because you'll be in a country that's famous for its serene beaches and whatnot, hold your horses. Granted that some assignments put you in great locations, most of the time you'll be in a more urban setting. In fact, the beaches that you probably hear so much about are hours from where your workplace is going to be. And the only time you can go there will be during long vacations.

Transition Will Be Easy

Not really. As a foreigner, some locals will look down on you especially if you have this "I'm better than you locals" aura. Also, while you're still getting a grasp of the local prices of goods and services, you may find yourself falling victim to overpricing by various people such as by taxis, for instance. It's going to be a rough few first weeks, and you will go through a phase where you just want to go home. Wait it out and you'll be fine.

It's also good to just mingle with the locals, either your coworkers or the people near the place you're staying in. You may want to start learning the local tongue as soon as possible, so you can make a few friends as soon as possible. In fact, learning the local language will help you in a lot of ways. For one, the locals become a lot friendlier as they appreciate that you're trying to learn their ways. Once the language barrier is gone, go soak on their culture and it will be smooth sailing from there. Once you've set the right expectations, you can work virtually anywhere. If you're interested in relocating to the land down under, try looking for IT contract jobs Sydney here at greythorn.com.au.

Howard Smith used to be a head-hunter for a recruitment company in his city. After more than a decade, he decided to work as a freelance consultant where he incorporates his knowledge about the human resources industry.