Working abroad can be a dream for many or a necessary means of day-to-day management when needed. It can be fun to head overseas to work for a season in hospitality or to travel and work here and there where you can do so to fund your travels.
But it’s also important to note that working from place to place isn’t always seamless. If heading from company to company in your home country isn’t without its small friction elements, heading abroad is unlikely to offer that outcome either.
Thankfully, adapting to working within a brand new culture and country is more than possible provided you follow a few simple techniques and insights. In this post, we hope to give you a few of these measures, to truly help you achieve a better result.
With that in mind, please consider:
Differing Cultural Norms
One of the most underrated aspects of working abroad is adjusting to your new workplace's different cultural norms and expectations. You may encounter different communication styles, work ethics, dress codes, and social customs that may differ from what you are used to. For example, it might be that respecting a fine dining table during your waiting job will require directly addressing Dubai escorts or managing clientele you’re not used to. It is important to be respectful and open-minded and learn as much as possible about the local culture before you start working too. You can also ask your colleagues or supervisors for guidance and feedback on how to fit in, they won’t mind.
Be Mindful Of Tourist Exploitation
Another thing to be aware of when working abroad is the risk of tourist exploitation. Unfortunately, this does happen and is most notorious in places like the Australian fruit-picking industry. This is when employers or agencies take advantage of foreign workers by offering them low wages, poor working conditions, or false promises ahead of time. You may also face discrimination, harassment, or abuse from your employers or customers if you’re not careful, so check the certifications of every place you work and have a contract in place. Report any issues you come across, and look online to gather or share essential advice.
Understand Your Working Rights & Permits
Don’t forget that you should understand your working rights and permits when working abroad. Not only does this keep you above board, but it also helps with any sticky difficulties at customs. Depending on the country and the type of work you do, you may need a visa, a work permit, or special authorization to work legally. You should also be aware of the taxes, social security, and health insurance policies that apply to you where necessary - sometimes they can, occasionally they won’t. You should consult the official websites or offices of the country you are working in or seek professional advice from a lawyer or an accountant to ensure you comply with the laws and regulations of your host country. It might even be a necessary part of gaining your visa.
With this advice, you can adapt to working in a foreign environment.