Moving to a New Country?

Hey guys, been a bit curious about this. Have any of you managed to get a job in another country and move there to work? Really curious about it from the perspective of a US citizen. My wife and I aren't 30 yet (YET), and we don't have kids (no intentions for 5-10 more years maybe?). We both think it would be an interesting experience to move to a different country for a few years, but I'm not really sure how often it happens. I usually hear about this stuff from people moving smaller distances or between European countries where I just assume it's easier.

Anyone with luck/experience/failures trying to move from the US to UK/Australia/Canada?

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Comments

jibtech

In general, you have to get a working visa in the country you want to move to.

That usually needs to be started by the company who wants to hire you. Also, some countries have specific requirements that the company has to document why they weren't able to fill the job with a local candidate. Different countries have varying levels of strictness. Typically, smaller countries are more open to people with technical skills, but you still have to find the job first.

Transitions Abroad is a good first step, to start getting educated.
TransitionsAbroad.com | Travel, Volunteer, Study, Work and Living Abroad

E Double U

I relocated from California to The Netherlands last year with my wife and kids who all have dual citizenship. I landed a job with a Dutch company based out of Amsterdam. They applied for me to get a highly skilled migrant visa which took a few months for the process to complete.

Just start looking for openings in the locations you are interested in and ask if they sponsor migrants. I found that most companies will explicitly state if they want someone already authorized to work in the country.

EANx

I've worked in several although not the ones you listed. The key is to be sure you're ready for the transition for a few years, no company moves you to Tokyo for six months. What makes you an asset to a company with a site in those countries? They all speak English and largely are modern and have extensive training. Short of a rare skill-set, what makes you worth moving?

NetworkNewb

EANx wrote: »

They all speak English and largely are modern and have extensive training. Short of a rare skill-set, what makes you worth moving?

"I can tell you I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career."

I want to hear someone say this in an interview... In Liam's voice of course too.

globalenjoi

EANx wrote: »

I've worked in several although not the ones you listed. The key is to be sure you're ready for the transition for a few years, no company moves you to Tokyo for six months. What makes you an asset to a company with a site in those countries? They all speak English and largely are modern and have extensive training. Short of a rare skill-set, what makes you worth moving?

That's really why I'm asking. I'm still fairly new to information security as a whole, so I'm focusing a lot on learning, skill development, certifications. What kinds of skills set people apart from anyone local? What skillset or experience level opens a company up to hiring (and potentially moving) a person from another country? My gut tells me the only people that companies would move would be for higher-level management positions, or positions requiring 10+ years of experience.

A couple years ago, I entertained the idea of going somewhere to teach English, but I'm married and that path just seems better suited for single people. But finding an overseas position definitely seemed easier within that profession.

veritas_libertas

NetworkNewb wrote: »

"I can tell you I don't have money, but what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career."

I want to hear someone say this in an interview... In Liam's voice of course too.

That would definitely help you if I was interviewing

LordQarlyn

Well, being able to lead a cross-cultural team and achieve results while managing individuals from all over the world, each country presenting "their own way of doing things" is a rare skill. Try leading a team of Saudis, Indians, and Filipinos while reporting to a British manager. Or leading several teams with a mix of Americans, Africans, Indians, Pakistanis, and Eastern Europeans, while keeping cultural friction down to a minimum to the point there have been no HR complaints under your leadership.