"I would L.O.V.E to work in Sydney" say most people when you mention the opportunity of working abroad. Sound familiar? In fact Australia, New Zealand, USA, Brazil, Singapore and China are all destinations that appeal to a wide range of people.
Some locations are enterprising, some exotic and others pioneering. But after the initial excitement and dreams of sandy beaches, different cultures and warmer climates, most people get cold feet or can't force themselves out of their comfort zones.
There are an increasingly large number of opportunities to move abroad and test your skills in a new country and many global companies are looking for people who have the experience of operating in new cultures. All sorts of companies are opening offices in all sorts of locations and their growth and development is held back by one factor - lack of available talent. Today it is a media agency in New Zealand asking for help, last week it was a digital company in Singapore and there is an ongoing need for Market Research professionals, Agency Planners & Buyers, and anything Digital in practically every continent but in particular Australia and Asia.
So what about making the move?
For some there are obvious hurdles to overcome. If you're married with children then you'll both need jobs and you have the children's education to think about - let alone leaving behind parents and family pets! For those with partners, it may well test the strength of the relationship and again, both of you may need jobs. It's fairly common for couples to plan a move, but one person doesn't meet the visa requirements.
But if you're single with a few years experience under your belt, there's probably never been a better time to export your skills and try something new for a few years. So if this is something that appeals to you, be brave and take the first step - check the visa requirements, make sure you'll qualify in the first place, and make the move!
