When it comes to growing our careers, we often think that staying within a familiar place could make us more comfortable while working. However, you can gain a new perspective in life and expand your professional network beyond the boundaries of your hometown or even your country.
You might wonder what countries are the best places for modern professionals and what makes them job hotspots. In this article, we will narrow down your choices of which places to seek employment and how you can survive in a foreign working environment.
Many would opt for a job abroad mainly because of better compensation. The top cities are those that provide opportunities for employment and personal growth, and have affordable rent (source). However, the benefits could go beyond all these.
Learn about the advantages of working abroad and see if it aligns with your professional goals.
Working in a place with a different language would push you to become resourceful in connecting with people.
The next thing you know, you have expanded your social and professional network as you try your best to master a new foreign language. What's more, learning a new language means adding new skills to your resume, making you stand out from a pool of monolingual workers.
Once you transfer to a different place, you will likely encounter unfamiliar culture which you will later embrace as your own.
With a deeper understanding of a country's beliefs, customs, and traditions, you can grow meaningful connections with the locals and build empathy and respect toward people around you.
Adjustments come with a new work environment. As you take on roles in a new setting, you will likely push your limits and go outside your comfort zone to adapt. Nothing will be easy, but gaining independence in an unfamiliar place is a rewarding experience.
Many countries are open to foreign job seekers and provide them with work permit or employment pass, but the ones listed are the job hotspots that offer the best opportunities for many types of workers.
Japan is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, with a crime index of 24.23 and a 75.77 safety index. Moreover, Japan has high cleanliness standards because cleanliness is ingrained in their culture. This means that in whatever industry you choose to work in, you will find comfort in a tidy and safe environment.
While the automobile manufacturing sector is the biggest industry in Japan, foreign workers can apply as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in public or private academic institutions. Moreover, there are also many job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industries where you can apply as service staff in countless resorts and restaurants.
With the portrayals of corporate life in Korean dramas, many dream of working in South Korea and enjoying the perks of getting hired for white-collar jobs.
It's true that Korean companies have favorable environments for foreign and local workers. For instance, the companies offer staff hobby groups and teams where workers can foster a family-like bond with fellow workers through group sports and activities like hiking.
Additionally, small and big companies offer free lunches to employees. Consequently, you don't have to struggle with weekly meal plans or dining-out expenses. Korean companies also enjoy large corporate events, often held once or twice a year. There will also be workshops and small retreats where employees will be treated to overnight stays at top-notch hotels and concerts of top-rated K-pop groups.
With a thriving tourism industry, France has become one of the most attractive job hotspots for foreign job seekers.
France's unemployment rate is 8.38%, suggesting that many jobs await you when you get there. If you're an IT professional, a data analyst, a web developer, or a language expert, you should consider scanning job roles in France.
The working culture in France also boasts a 35-hour working week which means you can enjoy enough leisure time to play your favorite sport or plan a staycation with your family. You can also find enough seats in buses and trains extending to rural areas, so commuting for work is easy.
Australia is known for its exceptional education system and mandatory employee benefits. As an ex-pat, you will be entitled to pension benefits if you meet the age and residency requirements. The healthcare and social support system in Australia is also commendable.
The best jobs for ex-pats in Australia are roles in the agriculture, healthcare, and technology sectors. You can apply for temporary or permanent visas and even avail of an employment visa provided by your employer.
Canada is one of the countries with the highest standard of living worldwide. It also has affordable healthcare systems that ex-pats can enjoy. They also have employment insurance which is contributed by both the employee and the employer. If you get unemployed, you could receive temporary income support, which you could use to seek a new job.
Plus, if you have a valid work permit and have stayed in the country for 1,095 days for the past five years, you will be qualified for citizenship as long as you have enough proof to show. This means you get to enjoy all the benefits awarded to Canadian citizens.
Deciding to pursue a career in a different country can be challenging. Learning a new language, adapting to unfamiliar customs, and functioning in strange work conditions are never easy. However, with a better salary and new life skills to learn, crossing boundaries can be fulfilling and life-changing.
