Starting a new job in a new city abroad is exciting and daunting!
As thrilling as the prospect of new opportunities is for career professionals, preparing to adapt to an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming.
The key to making this transition as smooth as possible is to understand the potential hiccups and make the most of this transformative experience!
Follow these five tips below for thriving abroad in your new job:
Research Goes A Long Way
When relocating abroad, knowing what you are getting yourself into is half of the battle.
The first thing to do is research the new country.
Look up each city before choosing one to move to. Look for other people’s experiences and perspectives, but take everything with a pinch of salt.
Elements to consider include personal safety, crime statistics, medical care available, and cost of living.
Everyone has their comfort level and threshold of patience. Once you know what to expect, working in that city will be much more enjoyable.
Culture Shock Lowdown
Culture shock refers to feelings of confusion or anxiety typically experienced when moving to a new country and experiencing a new culture.
The trick to navigating culture shock is to have an open mind. Learning to speak the local language and understanding the cultural norms of your new country will do a world of good when learning to become an effective leader.
Before you go, familiarize yourself with the culture, cuisine, and etiquette of your new country. Approach the new culture with a willingness and excitement to learn and embrace differences.
Accommodation Tips
When starting a new job, the last thing you want is to ask for time off.
Look for rentals for short-term stays in Mississauga so you have somewhere to land. Once you have explored the city more later on, you can look for a house to buy.
Short-term rentals should come equipped with everything you need when you arrive, including furniture and kitchen appliances.
Staying in a hotel can get expensive quickly, and the lack of personal touch will make settling into your new city more challenging.
Workplace Etiquette
To thrive in your new workplace, research local business customs and etiquette and use formal titles until you are told to do otherwise.
If you are unsure of your new office dress code, dress appropriately until you know what is expected.
Be punctual and be aware of non-verbal cues. For example, if someone looks visibly uncomfortable, stop doing whatever you are doing immediately.
Being mindful and avoiding sensitive topics—such as politics, religion, or even the disadvantages of working in oil and gas industry—can help you fit in and win over your new colleagues.
Make Friends
With some effort, your colleagues can become your friends.
To make friends with colleagues in a new country, be approachable and sign up for work events.
By seeking out opportunities for social interaction beyond work duties, you can open yourself up to making new friends.
Start small by smiling, making eye contact (but not too much), and initiating conversations. Finding things in common is easier when someone is willing to open up and be vulnerable.
In Conclusion
Follow these five tips above to make this an enjoyable experience and not something you try hard to forget when you are older.
