Does an international career require living abroad forever?

What an international career is

An international career entails working within diverse multicultural environments and navigating various organizational cultures. It challenges individuals to adapt continuously and learn from each new experience. This career path keeps one directly connected to the socio-economic markets of other countries and is particularly valued in sectors that engage in international dealings. It offers a vastly broader scope of work than one might find in their local area. With borders becoming increasingly fluid, recruiters are on the lookout for "international" profiles—individuals with one or several foreign experiences, multilingual skills, and a proven ability to adapt swiftly to new settings. Working internationally also cultivates soft skills that are highly prized by employers, such as teamwork, active listening, understanding, independence, and creativity.

Misconceptions about international careers

Contrary to popular belief, expatriates pursuing international careers are not perpetual travelers, continually hopping from one airplane to another—a practice that contributes to pollution. As awareness of environmental impact grows, expats are increasingly mindful of their carbon footprint as well as their personal well-being. An international career does not equate to being a perpetual nomad. Even digital nomads, often limited by visa restrictions, eventually return home. Moreover, a digital nomad differs significantly from the traditional sense of a "nomad." Furthermore, it is not necessary to change countries annually to maintain an international career, nor is there a requirement to always live abroad, whether in one or multiple countries. An international career can also involve alternating professional stints between foreign locations and one's home country, offering a balanced approach.

Redefining ambition

The term "ambition" is often perceived as a flaw, yet an ambitious person is not necessarily the "terrible villain" depicted in movies. While commonly associated with climbing the socio-professional ladder, ambition extends far beyond, permeating various aspects of life. It represents the expression of one's desires and lends meaning to existence.

Measured ambition drives individuals to achieve their goals—such as pursuing a career abroad. Companies value motivation highly, recognizing it as a key trait in successful candidates. Those with an international career can attest that ambition is crucial to persevere. Securing the first job abroad, while a daunting initial hurdle, is not the most challenging aspect. The true challenge lies in advancing within foreign companies and societies. An international career is appreciated not only for the work tasks completed but also, and perhaps more importantly, for the broader scope of "self-fulfillment" abroad. This includes building and developing professional and personal networks, creating a life overseas, purchasing property, and investing.

Balancing ambition to avoid pitfalls

While ambition can propel individuals to strive for "ever higher" achievements, it should not lead to self-destruction. Many international workers find that an unbridled ambition has led them to lose sight of themselves amidst their career pursuits. Continuously climbing the ranks without ever feeling satisfied, they always aim higher. However, psychoanalysts suggest that ambition should not be solely understood in a "vertical" sense—as continually moving upward—but rather through a "three-dimensional" vision.

Ambition, when balanced, might lead someone to accept a less-paid position abroad if it offers a better quality of life. Though it may appear as a professional "step down," it simultaneously enriches their living environment. This broader interpretation of ambition—as "the expression of one's desires"—encourages international employees to redefine their career paths abroad, aligning their professional choices more closely with their personal values and overall life satisfaction.

Envisioning a broader 'international' career

What if travel was not a requisite for an international career? Some interpret the concept broadly, encompassing all professional activities linked to foreign nations. Workers in this arena might choose to immigrate to their dream country or remain in their homeland, yet stay connected through their work to various countries across the globe. They could be interpreters, community managers, work in import/export, journalism, or finance, managing clients from different countries, navigating various time zones, and adapting to the unique cultures of each nation.

This type of career, though not always involving extensive travel, offers the same benefits as a more traditional international career: building a vast professional network, enhancing adaptability, fostering autonomy, improving self-control, and boosting creativity. For these professionals, an international career is defined not by constant mobility but by their work environment, organizational context, and the professional networks they develop. When travel is necessary, they prefer short-term assignments and avoid extended stays abroad, focusing instead on the international dimensions of their daily work.

Navigating the return home

The transition back from a stay overseas is often underestimated. Much attention is devoted to preparing for the move itself, often overlooking the complexities of returning home. However, both the individual and their home country undergo significant changes during their stay in a foreign country. The person who returns is not the same as the one who left, and the country they left behind has evolved as well.

While returning home may offer certain comforts, such as familiarity with the language, it also presents unique challenges. Expatriates often feel like foreigners in their own country and may experience a sense of alienation within their own company. This disorientation requires its own set of preparations and adjustments as the expatriate reacclimates to their homeland's familiar yet changed environment.

Reintegrating into the home country's labor market

When repatriates return from an assignment abroad, their transition back into the labor market of their home country requires careful planning. For those with an expatriation contract that includes a return clause, re-entry into their original company must be well-prepared by both the employer and colleagues to facilitate the employee's readjustment. However, even with international experience potentially enhancing their career, returning expatriates often feel confined within their company, perceiving that their overseas experiences are undervalued.

For expatriates without a guaranteed position, seeking employment post-expatriation also demands strategic preparation. Despite the career boost that working abroad provides, effectively articulating one's international experiences is crucial. Many expats struggle to concisely summarize their assignments, resulting in lengthy and disorganized resumes, which can overwhelm recruiters and obscure the candidate's potential.

Consulting with an expatriation coach or agencies specializing in international careers can be invaluable. These professionals can assist expatriates in repositioning themselves within their home country's labor market, helping them present their skills and experiences clearly and positively.