The opportunities abroad are endless. What you’ll gain from one is priceless.
How many times have you heard friends and family say, “I don’t want to go to work”? For most, it’s pretty often. People tend to get themselves stuck in jobs they don’t like and a role that doesn’t seem purposeful. They get roped into routine and convenience and never find a job that doesn’t feel like work. In fact, 70% of people don’t feel satisfied with their career choices.
The good news is that you don’t have to be part of the statistic. When you spend the majority of your day working, it’s worth taking the time to find the right job. For some, that means heading out of town and exploring a new part of the world, while working in a position that’s fun and meaningful.
With so many opportunities to work outside of Canada until you determine what’s next, there’s no reason not to jump on board and actually enjoy the working life (while experiencing an excellent work-life balance).
There are so many reasons to work abroad, but here are the TOP 5 that can really change your life:
1. International work experience
Not many young professionals can say they’ve worked overseas. While some students spend a semester abroad during their time at university, they are still attending school. The experience is completely different when you’ve already graduated and are responsible for earning an income. When future employers see your CV and realize you’ve worked internationally, they’ll immediately be impressed. It tells them that you are an independent go-getter who is willing to step out of the box and try something new. They’ll be interested in your creative side and that you successfully took a calculated risk so early in your professional career. If you’re ready to be a standout candidate when you return home and start applying for new jobs, living and working abroad will help you do just that.
2. Lifelong friendships
There’s something to be said about traveling abroad and meeting new people. When you live and work in a new place for an extended period of time, acquaintances turn into real friendships. You have the opportunity to make friends with other Canadians living abroad as well as those native to the country you’re currently living in. Not only will you be able to explore together and experience a new way of living, but you’ll also have multiple places to travel down the road. When you get back to Canada and start missing your life overseas, take comfort in knowing you have friends around the world to visit. And with so many ways to communicate digitally, you can “meet up” with them whenever you want.
3. Cultural awareness
Living in a new place automatically opens your mind. You get to see how people live outside of your bubble and learn to appreciate their day to day. Actually, you may even adopt some of their habits. Working abroad gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture different than your own and absorb everything about it. Feel free to take home what you’ve learned and share it with friends, family, and new colleagues. After all, you’ve had an experience most can only dream of.
4. Confidence
There’s nothing like packing up and heading off to a new country all on your own. Sure, you’ll have the support of an organization like GO International, but once you arrive and start work, your independent self will start to shine. As the days and weeks go by, you’ll quickly begin to realize you have the ability to soar. The confidence that comes from heading abroad allows you to be independent, courageous, and adventurous. And that confidence doesn’t leave you. Knowing you can do things on your own will boost your spirits in ways you never imagined. When you return home, while everyone else has been working those mundane desk jobs, you’ll be able to remember the days of working in a foreign land and be proud of all the takeaways you gained in the process.
5. Create connections
As you grow in your career, you’ll quickly realize the saying is true: It’s not what you know, but who you know. When you’ve worked halfway around the world you’re able to make connections with professionals you would have never had the opportunity to meet in Canada. As you build your book of professional contacts, having people you can turn to for mentorship, training, and other work opportunities is important. Knowing that you have those connections around the world is priceless. The professionals you meet while working in another country may have a different perspective or way of doing things that is very useful as you move forward in your career. While you’re working overseas, be sure to put on your “outgoing” hat and make as many authentic connections as you can.
Take the First Step!
Interested in changing your life by working overseas? There are so many opportunities around the world to fulfill your dream. Work in a restaurant in the UK, became a surf instructor in Australia or teach English in Japan. You’ll be so glad you did! To learn more about how easy it is to get the ball rolling on working abroad, visit our Work & Travel Programs.
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