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Over the last few years, the world of work has changed enormously. Whereas, in decades gone by the only way to succeed in most industries was to knuckle down to the 9-5 grind and do your time in the office, these days there is far more flexibility when it comes to a career path. Technology has opened up the way that so many sectors operate, and made remote or flexible working possible for the vast majority of people. Being tied to a desk and commuting to an office, at least every day of the week, are now things of the past, and this has given people far more professional and personal freedom. Like the possibilities of work overseas and working remotely.
More people than ever are embracing the possibilities of remote work and looking to explore the world a little more. The concept of the โdigital nomadโ might be a little trite, and hopping from destination to destination with nothing but your laptop is really only for those at the beginning of their career, but there is now nothing stopping you from relocating abroad with your family if the mood takes you.
Living abroad and continuing to work remotely opens up huge possibilities. Not least of which it allows you and your family to experience new cultures and countries, and travel to places you might never otherwise have discovered. In the past you might have had to plan a weekend cruise to Honduras to really discover Central America – now you can become a citizen of Panama and explore destinations the tourists donโt know about every weekend!
So if working overseas and traveling with your family is an appealing lifestyle choice, here are a few tips on how to make your dream a reality!
Choose the country or region youโd like to live in wisely
Before making the move, you have to have an idea of where youโd like to move. Obviously, the countries you can live and work in will be determined by your nationality and any visa requirements you might need to fulfill, so research these carefully. It is also important to factor in things like the cost of living, the culture of your chosen destination, the language spoken and whether youโll need to learn a new one, and what the education system will be like for your kids.
Research the local networks
Once youโve chosen your destination, youโll need to research the local business networks. If you are planning to live and work overseas, even if your job is fully remote, you will need to make local contacts who can help you find work and give you insider tips on where to stay and what to do. Joining local networks, social and business, digital and in-person, is a great way to integrate into your new home.
Spend time getting to know the area
Once youโve got your visa, taken care of the practicalities, and settled into your new home, it is important to take a little time to explore the area and get to know your new surroundings. After all, one of the main reasons you relocated was probably to discover somewhere new, so take advantage of the exciting opportunities that living overseas offers. It is also a great moment to get to know your new neighbors and start to make friends and acquaintances who will make it far easier to make the most of your new life.
Be prepared for change
Doing anything new comes with challenges, and work overseas and traveling with your family can bring many unexpected bumps in the road. Itโs important to be prepared for this and have the right attitude to deal with the difficulties that come with change.
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