I have been an expatriate for nearly fifteen years. Initially, it was a project for two or three year’s maximum… Time flies so fast! I lived abroad as a couple and then as a family with one, then two children. I have lived in five different countries, in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
In the light of these experiences, I wanted to take stock of the advantages and disadvantages of expatriation. Why work and settle abroad? What are the good and bad sides of expatriation? Because we are not going to lie to each other, even if I love this way of life and even if it has big advantages, there are also disadvantages. Nothing is ever perfect! My analysis is of course based on my own experience, which may differ depending on the person and the destination.
THE BENEFITS OF EXPATRIATION
When you decide to move abroad, the trigger is often a professional opportunity. Anyway, that was my case. I therefore see two kinds of advantages: those for the career of the expatriate, and those for his family. The International mobility is a great way to boost your career. We have access to positions that we would often not have been able to claim in the country of origin. For my first expatriation in Vietnam, I jumped on a professional opportunity that could not be refused: marketing and sales manager, I had a team of sales people to manage, when I was a young graduate.
This video speak these facts :
Upon returning from expatriation or during assignments abroad, these experiences are taken into account and one thus accesses management and leadership positions more quickly. Career progressions are more important.
THE ADVANTAGES OF EXPATRIATION
As you can imagine, all is not always rosy. There is also the flip side. But I consider that the advantages of expatriation far outweigh its disadvantages.
Obviously, it all depends on the distance from your home country. If you only have to cross the border by car, it is a surmountable difficulty. On the other hand, if to return you have to travel by plane for more than 24 hours, it is different. You can feel homesick.
Being away from loved ones can be complicated. We have the impression of losing this regular relationship that WhatsApp or Skype hardly compensate for. We only see each other once a year and everything is planned months in advance, without spontaneity or surprise.