If you are looking to move abroad to Asia, there are certain things that you need to do to prepare for such a relocation. For instance, you’ll want to find where you will be living. Another basic need to be met is income to pay for your living expenses. For this, you will need a job.
Finding a job – whether you are looking in your hometown or in a foreign city – can be a little intimidating. A big question becomes where to start. However, there are things you should consider and keep in mind before you start your search.
Be Open-Minded
First and foremost, be open-minded when you are looking for a job. After all, you might find jobs where you least expect it.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t narrow your search at all. Without narrowing your search, you are likely to get overwhelmed by all your options. Even before you start your search, you probably have an idea of the field you want to be in especially if you are looking to extend a career you are already working on.
What you should be open-minded about, though, is what jobs you can get. It’s easy to get yourself down about jobs that have higher requirements or a stricter hiring process. Don’t be afraid to apply for these jobs. Just like a high school student applies for “reach schools” when applying to college, you should apply for some good jobs that you might not think you will get. At the end of the day, you might surprise yourself by earning your dream job.
Consider the Hours
Just like getting a job anywhere else, there are things you should consider about a job overseas other than just whether you like the position. One of these aspects to consider is the hours a job offers.
At first look, you will want to consider the number of hours a week you will work. However, there is more you should look into when you are discussing the hours of a job. For instance, you will want to know when those hours are. Working 9 am to 5 pm is much different than working from 9 pm to 5 am.
You will also want to discuss with your potential employer how often overtime occurs in the workplace.
Alongside hours, you will want to look into and inquire to your potential employer about additional aspects of their employment. For example, do they offer any benefits?
Consider How Much You Need to Earn
For many people, a job is a pathway to a paycheck. This isn’t always the best way to think because it can lead you to only considering money while job hunting, instead of leading you to a job that you will enjoy and be happy with. That doesn’t mean, though, that you shouldn’t consider money when you are looking for a job.
To find a job that fits your needs, you will want to consider the hourly rate alongside how many hours a week that you will be working.
You should consider what you need to cover your basics such as groceries and rent. This is only the basic consideration, though. Ideally, you should look for a job that pays at least a little more than what covers your basic needs. This way, you have a little extra money to help you out if an emergency were to crop up or if you want to treat yourself to a day out or a restaurant meal.
What Environment Do You Want to Work In?
One thing that not everyone considers before and during their job search is what kind of environment that they would want to work in. After all, most of us don’t want to work in a tense environment or one where co-workers are constantly sniping and squabbling.
Rather, most people want an open, welcoming environment. An environment where co-workers get along and you aren’t afraid to ask your boss a question when it comes up.
The unfortunate truth is that you might not know everything about the work environment when you are looking or interviewing for a job. You can, however, glean an idea of the type of work environment you will be in from the nature of the company. For instance, a standard office job for a corporation would be much different from working for a small non-profit.
It’s important to consider the location when you are weighing environment. Specifically, consider the commute you will have every day.
Know That You Deserve Potential
There is a reason that most people don’t search out jobs that won’t get them anywhere. This is because while a job with no potential for growth might be okay when you are simply in college with a part-time job, this isn’t a move made when most people are looking for careers.
Take this scenario for instance. You’ve accepted a job that has you in a cubicle for most of your workday. This is fine for most people early on, but few people want this to be their place until they retire. You will want the chance to grow and thrive in your career as you go along.
Know Your Passion
The final tip you should keep in mind when you are looking for a job in Asia is to know what you are passionate about and what you want to do. This will help you to find a job that you aren’t only doing because you need a paycheck. Rather, this will help you to find a job that you are excited to get out of the bed in the morning for.
Finally, just jump in! Your job search isn’t going to start itself, so at the end of the day, it’s up to you to get your job search started. Don’t be nervous, because you’ve done your research and you know your skills – now it’s time to get out there and find the perfect job for you.
Moving and finding a job in Asia will require you to learn a new language I am assuming. You must contact my good friend Olly Richards at ICanTeachYouALanguage. He will be able to help you learn that most important part of the puzzle, learning a new language.
