Welcome to the expat life!

I'm going on my second international relocation as a wife. We moved to Sao Paulo, Brazil, about 3 years ago and now we're moving to Mexico City, Mexico.
As I know very well relocating is not easy but it is a choice. So, even with all the issues we have I'll try to make the best out of it!

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Life after Expat

As I mentioned on my previous post, one thing that people often don't see is that you won't have a job to go back to when you decide to relocate. Once you accept the relocation offer, your current job will offered to someone else. As soon as the other person accepts it, your job is gone! So what if things in the new country don't work out? And what happens when your term is done?

Going back will be a hard thing to do in both cases. And to me, the first case is not an option. And the second case is very complex. There are a few things we should consider:

1)   Do you have a career plan?
2)   How many other people are keeping an eye on the job you want?
3)   Is there a real chance for you to get this job in 2 or 3 years?
4)   Would you consider another position abroad?
5)   Would you consider switching company?

The answer to all this questions is not easy and it is very personal. You are taking a chance to get more experience, make yourself more valuable to the company and get a promotion when your job is done. So everybody, family included, hope that the sacrifice will be worth it.

There is the obvious funnel effect when we start thinking about a promotion. The higher you are within your company the less spots will be open for promotions. So you will have to prove to the company that you indeed did a good job and that your experience on the current job is preparing you to take on new challenges and responsibilities. Seems like I am stating the obvious, right? But you will be surprised with how many people don’t see things this way.
And now that you prove to your company that you can get the job done under difficult circumstances – different language, culture and environment – they may decide that you are the right guy to take on a new challenge elsewhere.

Once you have international experience you became more marketable to headhunters. Other companies may need you and your expertise. But you will have to prove yourself all over again.

And there is always the possibility of getting an extension and staying where you are.

So a year before your term is done is time to start thinking about where you want to be once the relocation is over. The choice is up to you.

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