Moving Abroad - No One Size Fits All

There are options, choices, and flexibility!

When it comes to moving abroad, there is no one size fits all. There are so many trends in the industry at the moment, and you see them and wonder which one fits you. That is a fair assessment based on who you are and your family’s needs. You need to assess what is happening and the best option for you.

While I could provide a label for each option, I will share that I am choosing a different route. Each option has a definition so that you understand its context in the move abroad realm. Thus, it is not necessarily the label in the current changing cycle of terms in the international circle of our society.

Since no one size fits all, all should be tailored. As a seasoned career expat for the past 12 years, let me share a few different options for you from the lenses that I hold and carry.

Option One: Use your transferable skills, career experience, and expertise from your current career to gain employment in another country.

Option Two: Use what is available to you in your present organization or seek the opportunity to transfer your current position to a similar one in another country.

Option Three: Use your expertise and experience to serve in short-term capacities, such as consulting or expert training, for organizations or governments in another country that need expertise on projects based on your unique skillsets.

Option Four: Use your skills, talents, creativity, and expertise to be a freelancer of services while stationary in one country or traveling.

Option Five: Use your skills, talents, and expertise to build a virtual business of products or services while stationary in one country or traveling.

Option Six: Travel the world, using existing opportunities to support yourself through exchanges such as volunteering for your housing or meals, housesitting for accommodations, and similar options.

Option Seven: Use investment resources to create and develop opportunities in another country that build services or employment within that new country.

While I have shared seven options and avenues, these are not the only ones. You can be creative by combining any of the above or create your own based on your vision and purpose for your international life.

The traveling industry has given us many ways of navigating this planet. As such, it is up to you to use your intellect and creativity in developing a plan that works for you and your family.

Additionally, know that moving abroad offers flexibility. It is not a one-and-done scenario unless you want it that way. You can take the opportunity to move abroad in increments of three months, three years, or a lifetime with no permanent return to your home country.

Know that your choice for yourself (and your family) is just that — a personal decision. You can seek advice, input, and support. You can choose to get guidance and direction during the planning and process, but in the end, it is about your confidence level in making the best choice.

Be empowered to make a decision that fits your needs and change them along the journey.

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As a 12+ year expat, my journey took planning, and I continue to plan to stay internationally. If you need insights, resources, or one-on-one guidance, explore our Strategy Conversation.