Start by exploring your neighborhood
You don't need to don your trekking shoes and hoist a 70-liter hiking bag on your back. We're not discussing being an "expat traveler" in the typical sense of a "globetrotter." Nor are you being asked to abandon your job for a life of full-time travel as a digital nomad. Instead, this is about expats leveraging their new life to discover their new country of residence.
Exploration often starts with the more mundane aspects of the foreign country—although you may find a newfound passion for navigating administrative tasks. Transform your trips to city hall and visits to the local supermarket into opportunities to discover your neighborhood. Your regular job may not allow you to take extensive time off for travel. Your initial weekends will likely be spent catching up on much-needed rest or tackling chores left over from the busy week. Think housekeeping, shopping, and other activities that enhance your living space. These moments provide the perfect chance to explore your surroundings.
During the weekdays, turn into an urban explorer by varying your commute. Of course, consider your energy levels before opting to walk an hour home at night. If you're a morning person, consider leaving your car or public transport pass behind and bike or walk to work instead. If your workplace is far, combine public transport with walking. This approach allows you to experience your city from a fresh perspective.
Optimize your schedule
Working around the clock is a task best left to machines. As a human, you have the advantage of days off. Begin by understanding how your foreign company structures workdays. What are your work hours, and how much flexibility do you have?
Your scheduling might differ if you're working in shifts (three shifts a day, each lasting 8 hours), enjoying a four-day workweek, adhering to the legal full-time work hours of your host country, or if you're working partially or entirely remotely. Remember: it's crucial not to misuse your work hours. The stereotype of the "lazy" remote worker damages the reputation of diligent remote workers and prompts some companies to reconsider their remote work policies.
Make the most of the weekend with mini road trips
Now that you're an expert in your local area and have switched up your commute enough to seem like a secret agent, you've optimized your work schedule abroad to carve out some weekend time. This is your chance to delve into the cities or regions nearby. These mini road trips don't have to break the bank. To travel wisely, seek out websites with top tips from experienced travelers.
Want to tailor your excursions to your interests? Consider planning a themed weekend. If you're a café enthusiast, dedicate time to exploring local cafés. Check out websites highlighting unique cafés in your area, or venture into neighboring towns if your budget allows. If gardens are more your scene, base your weekends around visiting beautiful parks and gardens, many of which can be enjoyed for free.
Get social with local clubs and groups
Balancing your career abroad with travel is an achievement, but if you find yourself with lingering downtime, being an expat doesn't have to mean embracing solitude. While work keeps you occupied, evenings spent alone might make you rethink your solo travel plans. If you're eager to continue exploring but prefer company, consider joining local clubs or outing groups like those found on Meetup. This approach suits those who prefer more structured plans over spontaneity.
Joining a group not only provides companionship but also offers a structured schedule of activities for your weekends. Look into associations that assist foreigners—they often support administrative needs and facilitate social events to foster connections between expats and locals. Additionally, exploring social media groups can be another great way to find like-minded individuals and community events.
Blending work and exploration
If your job permits, why not merge productivity with pleasure? Shift seamlessly between your professional and explorer roles. For example, if you're involved in the visual arts—whether as a photographer, graphic designer, concept artist, illustrator, designer, or stylist—traveling can be a powerful source of inspiration. This applies similarly to those in construction, architecture, or interior design; consider visiting local workshops or factories. An increasing number of artisans and manufacturers are opening their doors to the public, offering a glimpse into how your profession is practiced locally.
Museums can also be a goldmine for professional inspiration, whether they focus on medicine, natural sciences, or local culture. These visits not only broaden your horizons but also provide networking opportunities within your field. However, it's important to maintain a balance: the primary aim is to relax and explore, not to add professional pressure. Remember, these outings are valuable for anyone, not just professionals in the field. You don't need to be a doctor to enjoy a museum of medicine or a confectioner to appreciate a candy factory tour. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to step away from work-related activities and immerse yourself in something entirely different.
Finding the right balance
Embarking on a career abroad involves more than just professional commitments. While the primary motive for your expatriation might be career advancement, it's essential to remember that your life isn't confined to the workplace. Although work was the catalyst for your move, it shouldn't consume all your time or become an excuse to fund personal travels—this latter scenario is typically suited for those on a Working Holiday Visa, whose employment is intentionally limited to facilitate exploration.
Unlike them, your situation demands a careful balancing act. You cannot afford to neglect your full-time job for travel unless you intend to shift careers entirely, perhaps to something like professional travel blogging. Remember, even in such careers, the role is not solely about travel; it involves significant responsibilities and commitments.
You don't have to overhaul your professional aspirations to satisfy your adventurous spirit. With some strategic planning and practical adjustments, you can enrich your expatriate life by equally engaging in both your career and your exploratory desires, allowing you to make the most of your time abroad truly.
