Living abroad without going broke
If you are planning to live abroad, you’ll definitely need to look for a reliable income source, especially since your earnings determine your lifestyle standard.
Even so, your chances of landing the ideal job relies on effort, talent, and, of course, a bit of luck.
Possessing a high level of education is crucial if you want to qualify for a well-paid job. Good communication skills, participation in extracurricular activities and additional experience in various fields also enhance your appeal.
If your skills are just the same-old-same-old, or bare minimal, spend some time developing your skills set whenever possible.
A charming, amiable personality is the most significant asset that will help you succeed. Socialising and networking are crucial as well. You can also use social media platforms, but be wary of whom you choose to trust.
People on the web can be pretentious, so be conscious of safety issues. The ability to network can also open up countless opportunities. However, it is your conviction and personal appeal that ultimately lands you a good job.
Find a job that suits your needs
It’s always helpful to determine your own job preference before applying or agreeing to take a job offer. This strategy helps cut down on costs.
Try applying for jobs that don’t require much travel. If you do live far away from the workplace, will the company compensate you for your transportation? What other employee benefits does the company offer? Does it offer healthcare benefits or insurance?
If you are a native English speaker who has moved to a country where English is not the national language, you should try seeking an additional part-time job teaching English as a second language.
In terms of remuneration, the most strategic occupations might be those of writer, designer or online publisher. These types of jobs allow you to earn more in well-developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
Manage your living expenses
Getting a grip on finances when living overseas takes a lot of time. So, it’s best to start off with a cheap, temporary accommodation which can be found on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Use this period to find properties that are up for rent and pay attention to nearby facilities such as shopping malls and gyms.
Keep track of your fixed costs such as rent, groceries and phone bills. If you don’t have good employee benefits, you will need to manage the additional expenses of insurance, healthcare and transportation too.
In terms of saving, learn to cook and dine at home. Yes, experiencing local cuisine and culture is a must, but putting it off until you’ve secured a steady income, can go a long way.
If you choose to live in a big city, your expenses will be very high. Conversely, living costs are much lower in more remote towns.
In fact, the rental and real estate markets in these less-populated towns may be cheaper as well. However, there may be fewer convenient services in small places compared to those in a metropolis.
Socialising is key
The best advice to take seriously in order to survive any potential catastrophe in a foreign country is this: develop the power to communicate and socialise with everyone.
As the famous Japanese athlete Hidetoshi Nakata once said, “The biggest lesson I’ve learned by living abroad for the last four years is the importance of communication”.
Likewise, getting acquainted with people might appear to be difficult at first since many do not seem to always be welcoming.
Some people might even try to take advantage of you. However, the more you interact with those in your new world, the more you’ll learn and the better you’ll be able to watch out for yourself.
This article first appeared in The New Savvy.
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