3 in 5 employees are said to desire extending holidays abroad to spend some time working in these new surroundings. With the COVID-19 pandemic being a huge catalyst for change, people’s lives in the working world have simultaneously changed too. From more hybrid work opportunities between being in an office and at home, to organisations slowly choosing to create a corporate lifestyle that’s more flexible amid how they run that still allows employees to earn a wage but equally have a greater life quality. As the pandemic halted travel across the globe too, the desire for tourists to make up for lost time is even more apparent.
As the stresses of the corporate world and 9-5 life continue to bring long tiresome days and short nights to workforces, the volume of people relocating abroad is only increasing. If you’re in search of a better work/life balance in incredible settings, allow this guide to take you through all the practicalities of joining in the great escape…
From all the key things to consider, to how you can continue making money in your new home, here is everything you need to know about quitting the 9-5 to work abroad.
The Desire to Escape the 9-5 Lifestyle
From burnout to work stress seeping into weekends, the exhaustion affecting many workers across a range of industries is enough to be causing many to question their career prospects and future plans. Thinking about the working day from the door-to-door commute and back, many office days are far longer than just the 9-5 working day. Often with a miserable commute and the stressed atmosphere in the office, which 6 in 10 people have declared, it’s pretty clear to see where so many people’s desires are coming from.
In addition to the desire from the internal factors of people’s working life, there are also plenty of external factors promoting this lifestyle change. As social media’s power only continues to make a greater impact on the world, people who have swapped the 9-5 for working abroad are able to share their stories online. Head on TikTok and see how fellow ex-colleagues wake up to quaint barista jobs overlooking crystal-clear waters, you’re guaranteed to see the appeal.
The Appeal of Working Abroad
Swap the free time on your phone for free time by the sea. The appeal of working abroad combines the joy of travel with the assurance of still having an income. Whether it’s a 9-5 that becomes remote or a new in-person role aboard, having an income stream reduces any financial stress that travel could bring.
Southeast Asia and lesser-developed European countries are appealing for many workers moving remotely. This brings a lower cost of living, which is naturally less stressful compared to being 9-5 in the Western world. Relocated workers can learn about their new home and neighbouring countries for further opportunity for travel too. In these countries which are popular for backpacking, expect to meet likeminded travellers and newfound friendships to help you settle in.
Job Opportunities Abroad
While leaving a corporate role you’ve potentially spent years trying to get into can be daunting, it doesn’t mean a role abroad will be any less fulfilling or exciting. If you think about it, why would so many people make the jump and stay in a new country of residence, if the job wasn’t fulfilling enough?
From being a barista in a coffee shop, managing local sports or leisure activities to even family office jobs for a slice more similar to corporate life, there are so many opportunities to consider. Be sure to head to a destination with either a role agreement or a plan of places you’d like to get in discussion with.
Equally don’t forget that many companies now offer remote working abroad. Stick with the same salary as you’re on before leaving and agree on new working arrangements with your team. You never know until you just have the conversation with your manager, no matter how awkward it may feel.
Pre-departure Steps
Once a job or plan is established, there are practical steps that need to be taken before taking off. From financial stability to relevant visas, you must understand the border regulations of your new country and ensure you meet them. Once all the legal formalities are in place, you can then get excited about the novelty things you want to take and all that’s to be expected with this next chapter.
It would be beneficial to connect online or in person with people who have already migrated abroad to know you’re going with a strong expectation and nothing hidden should creep up. Make sure you know the timezone you’re heading into, and how you can stay connected with home in this timezone, to avoid feeling homesick.
Settling In
It’s worth remembering that it will take a while to get fully settled in with a lifestyle change like this. Allow yourself this time and see if you can start a job later than arrival to have at least a few weeks of settling in and familiarising yourself with your new home.
Keep researching all the success stories and always go back to your why. A digital nomad, working abroad lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but taking the leap and giving it a go will at least always mean you tried!
Summary
Dreams are made to become reality. Escape the chaos and stress of 9-5 with a move as big as possible. The world awaits… so head out on your great escape now.
Further Reading
