How to handle a job promotion in a foreign country

How do you ask for a promotion abroad?

You've been working for your employer for a while, you've been doing a good job and getting positive feedback. You may feel that it's time for a promotion. So, how do you ask for one?

The thing is, asking for a promotion is rarely easy—even in a familiar setting and with an employer you know well. Asking for a promotion in a foreign country can be even more complicated.

First, you will need more information about the company you are employed by and their promotion practices. Second, you will need to look into the cultural aspects of asking for a raise. For example, in a lot of European countries, the path to a promotion at work is rather straightforward, and you can typically talk to your employer directly and ask about the conditions of receiving a promotion. Then again, in a lot of Asian countries, asking for or about a promotion directly may come across as too straightforward. Therefore, you will need to be more subtle about your ambition and find a more roundabout way to talk to the management.

Here's a quick checklist of the information it's best to have before asking for a promotion abroad:

• Check your company's promotion policies – they may also be listed in your work contract.
• See if you can learn more about the cultural aspects of asking for a promotion in your current destination. Consider asking the colleagues you are close to about their experience.
• Try to get the support of your local colleagues or mentors, ask their opinion about you asking for a promotion and whether they think you would be a good fit for the new role.
• Take the time to collect relevant performance reviews, client feedback, and letters from managers and supervisors.

How do you accept or refuse a promotion abroad?

Now, what if you've been offered a promotion while working abroad? What would be the best way to handle the situation? If you are leaning towards accepting the promotion, check out the next section of this article, where we go over some of the things you should consider.

But what if you want to refuse the promotion?

There may be a number of reasons why you might want to do that. So, how do you refuse a promotion without seeming uninterested in your future at the company?

First things first, take the time to reflect on your decision and make a list of reasons why you want to refuse the promotion. You will need to clearly explain the reasons behind your refusal and make sure they are not taken as a lack of commitment to the company.

Think about the questions your employer may ask you and how you will answer them. Anticipating what information you will need to provide can be of great help.

Consider the cultural aspects of saying no. In some countries, it may be more complicated and should be approached less directly. You may need to structure the conversation in a more roundabout way to avoid a direct refusal.

In some cases, you may be able to counter the offer with an alternative. For example, you may offer to keep your current position but take on a few extra responsibilities. You can also offer assistance in searching for the right candidate for the position. Or, maybe, you have conditions for accepting the promotion. For instance, you may want more relocation-related expenses covered.

What should you consider before accepting a promotion abroad?

Does the promotion align with your long-term goals?

Promotions abroad can be tricky because they may take you in the wrong or unexpected direction. This is why the first question you should ask yourself when you are being offered a new position is whether it aligns with your long-term professional goals.

For example, if you are taking a gap year and have taken on a relatively undemanding job to support your travels, being promoted in the said job may not actually be in your best interest. Sure, it may be tempting to make more money and you will probably be flattered by the offer itself – but accepting the promotion would mean that your gap year has now evolved into something else and you may be taking your career in an entirely new direction, letting go of the opportunities that you were working towards before. The most dangerous thing here is making a quick decision without aligning it with your long-term plan.

Of course, in some cases, a sudden career shift may work just right.

Sergey first moved to China to study Chinese. Quickly, through new connections in the country, he was offered a part-time job as an English teacher. "I found myself really enjoying teaching. It was new – but I was honestly impressed with myself, how quickly I could adapt, and how responsive my students were. I got a lot of pleasure from teaching them something I myself spent years mastering. So, when the school I was working for offered me a full-time contract and a head teacher position, I listened to my heart and agreed. So far, I think it was one of my best decisions."

Will the new position match the additional responsibility in terms of salary and benefits?

Sometimes, a new position comes with a shiny new title – but not much else to back it up. Or, what you get in return for putting in more hours and having more responsibility may simply not match up. This is when you need to clearly ask about the demands of the new title and how you will be compensated. The "traditions" around what a promotion entails may be different from what you are used to in your new destination. This is why it's very important to have a conversation with your employer about what you can expect. On the other hand, make sure to keep cultural nuances in mind – in some countries, asking such questions directly may come across as rude or impolite. Emphasize your passion for what you are doing and frame your query around wanting to be in the most suitable place professionally.

Will it affect your work-life balance?

Work cultures are different. While some countries highlight the importance of a fulfilling life outside of work, others may have the opposite tradition. For instance, countries like China and Japan are known for normalizing unpaid overtime, after-work calls, working weekends, and more. Being offered a promotion in such cultures may mean longer hours at the office, irregular working weeks, tighter deadlines, and higher pressure. If you are used to such practices and committed to a career in a particular country, you may have no choice but to play by the rules. But if you are struggling keeping up a comfortable lifestyle as it is, accepting a promotion could make your situation more complicated.

Will the promotion help you fit in?

Consider how "adapted" you are to your environment. If you accept the promotion or ask for one, will it make continuous adaptation easier or more complicated? Will you run into a language barrier? Will you be able to navigate new social norms at a higher level? If you run into misunderstandings, is there a reliable support network to help you get through it? Having local friends, professional mentors, like-minded colleagues or supportive management can be invaluable here.

Jenny moved to Japan for a language course – but eventually found herself considering a career as a yoga instructor. "I was working for a few studios part-time at first, and then I was offered a full-time contract at one of the biggest studios in Tokyo. My first year teaching yoga went great, and I couldn't believe my luck with an opportunity like this. I kept expanding my skill base and graduated from several teacher training programs. Then, the studio offered me a management role. It was higher pay and better hours – but I said no. I just couldn't see myself dealing with people on a daily basis. Teaching is one thing, but people in Japan are very different from me. I know I wouldn't be able to handle a conflict, for example. So, I chose to just keep doing what I know I can do best".

How will your promotion affect others in your life?

If you have a family, the promotion you are about to receive will not only affect you but others in your life as well. Your spouse may need to adjust their career goals, and your children may need to alter their education plans. You may have less time to dedicate to your loved ones – which can be complicated further by the fact that you are living in a foreign country. Review the new package offered by the company, including moving expenses (if any), housing assistance, and settling-in services – these can make your situation much easier. Talk to your family and hear their opinions on how your promotion will affect their lives. By getting input from everyone involved, you will be able to make a more informed decision that will be sustainable in the long term. Once you've heard your family's concerns, you may also discuss them directly with your employer and see if any of them can be addressed.

What if you decide to go back?

No matter how committed you are to life in a foreign country, it's never a bad idea to have a comprehensive exit strategy in mind. How will the promotion affect your ability to move back home (if needed)? Is your new title, skills and responsibilities transferable? If you accept the new promotion and things don't work out as expected, how easy will it be to stop the contact? Make sure to carefully study the employment contract and immediately bring up any questions or concerns you may have.

Finally, how will accepting the promotion affect your quality of life?

Consider factors like healthcare, education, safety, the overall quality of life and the potential for happiness in your new destination. Committing to a promotion often means committing to a longer stay. Will you be able to stay in the country long enough for the promotion to pay off? Would you be interested in moving further up the career ladder with your current employer? Do you see yourself holding an executive position within the company? Do you have any fears of hitting a glass ceiling? Overall, how happy would you be if you had to fully commit to a life in your new destination?

This may look like a pretty extensive list of questions. But taking the time to answer them can save you lots of future misunderstandings, delays, and regret. Being offered a promotion should be a happy occasion – and you absolutely should pat yourself on the back for doing a great job and being recognized for it. But a promotion is an offer – just like any other. Make sure to carefully consider all the pros and cons before signing on the dotted line.