Getting a job opportunity abroad is a dream for many expats. It means a new adventure, international experience and exciting opportunities. However, as the world was struck by the pandemic, the working dynamic worldwide has been shattered, leaving many expats wondering about their future.
However, not all is that bad. As a matter of fact, some people thrive in times of crisis and turn their luck in their own way.
Adapting to the new world order means understanding the consequences that companies and people have endured due to the latest happenings. While higher-skilled workers managed to rebound fast from the lockdowns, there's no doubt that the pandemic made things worse for the low-skilled, who either lost their jobs, didn't search for one (therefore didn't participate in the labour market), or had to put their health at risk earning minimum wage. No matter the situation that you are in, you will have to carefully evaluate the conditions of your potential work to make sure that it is the right choice for you in this period. Some of the most important questions that you should ask your employer are the following.
The working conditions are very important. While it is mandatory that all companies follow standard safety procedures, it is always important to ask. How is your day going to be like, what are the conditions for a sick leave, in what kind of environment are you going to work (your office, group meetings, online work etc.)? Check what the company offers (testing, vaccines) and what are their requirements following the standards in the country. Though somewhat controversial, these issues have to be considered individually, so you should choose what environment suits you best. To understand the way of working, it is best to visit the company before you sign a contract with them to know if they are the right fit for you.
The compensation that you will get and if that is enough for living in that place. Keep in mind that in some cases, you will need to have a certain salary to be eligible for a visa. Check the minimum net wage for a person with your skills and background in the city that you want to move to. Evaluate your personal situation -- are you moving with a family, do you need to pay for accommodation or travel expenses? In addition, check if your employer will cover (a part of) your medical insurance or it is up to you to pay for it. Do not rush just because the salary seems good enough for the standard in the country you come from, as living in a larger place brings a lot of expenses. Do not go soft if your employer says he cannot pay you properly because of the crisis. Remember, you need money for your existence as well.
How your social will life be affected by the move depends on many factors. Some countries are friendlier than others. Transport, how time and energy-consuming is your work, the opportunities to go out -- all are indicators of your potential social life. Another factor is whether during the pandemic you can bring your spouse or children with you, and how long is the wait for that. Some companies offer visa help both for you and your family and check how complicated the procedure will be due to working embassies and entry requirements.
The conditions of your contract are another important element. Your visa or residence status, the possibility to get a loan, and the planning of finances might depend on the length of your contract. So it's crucial to know for how long the employer is ready to invest in you and whether there are possibilities to renew the contract, to get a bonus, a raise or a promotion. Discuss these with your potential employer as moving to a new country is a big step. You might want to make sure that you have a stable future, especially as many things have become unpredictable after the pandemic.
The distance from your place seems like a banal thing to consider, but it is not. Consider how would you commute from your home to work. If you really want to avoid crowds, hour(s) of commuting might not be a good idea for you. Check if you are able to get accommodation in close vicinity to your work and if there are opportunities to reach it by car or bike. Moving to a new place should be a pleasant adventure, and commuting can ruin all of that if you don't think about it on time.
Digital transformation is what happened to many companies to adapt to the lockdowns. Some learned the lesson that workers can be as efficient working from home as they would be in the office. Some workers prefer the opportunity to have at least some days of remote working. Check if your company is open to such suggestions. This will allow you to organise better your schedule, but also to understand the level of flexibility that the company allows.
How international is your company? While a company willing to hire you as an expat might already be international, you may prefer to work in an environment that requires more contact with the locals as that it will allow you to practice the language. On the other hand, a company that works with foreigners will be easier to reach and discuss international issues regarding visas, integration to the country and the expat community.
The crisis made everyone feel like finding a job is going to be a difficult task. Nevertheless, it is up to you to value your competencies and not to accept conditions that you don't like. Search and choose wisely. Just because it is a crisis does not mean your needs should not be met and that it is impossible to be awarded a great international opportunity.
