With the U.S. unemployment rate surpassing 10%, many Americans are getting desperate for jobs in their home towns or even within their states. How about within the country?
If you are a highly-skilled and experienced professional, who have been unable to find a suitable job in your area, perhaps you should consider looking elsewhere? Have you ever considered looking for a job overseas? Many don’t realize that there are positions open to Americans abroad: from the U.S. government and military, to U.S. corporations and non-profit organizations operating oversees.
America has always been a land of immigrants. As a country, we were built by immigrants. In fact, the word “immigration” has become an integral part of our culture and a hot topic of many debates. So much so that we have forgotten about “emigration” – the opposite process of people leaving the United States to look for a better life elsewhere. Unfortunately, with the current economic conditions this is turning into a reality.
Naturally, moving abroad for work is a scary thought for most Americans. In truth, it is unusual for the U.S. but there is nothing scary about it. For example, people in Europe move from one country to another all the time. Let me address some of the concerns that Americans might have while looking for jobs overseas
Why would I look for a job oversees? Why not? If you have explored all your options and are open to new ideas, it may at least be worth exploring. What if you could find a job in your field, paying similar or even higher wages, great benefits, unforgettable cultural experience, and doing all this while travelling? If this sounds interesting, read on:
Why would anyone offer me a job in another country? American highly-skilled professionals are in demand around the world. No matter what you do, if you do it well and have experience to show it, chances are there is some place in the world where there is a need for your services. The world is a bigger place, so there may be additional opportunities: financial analysts are needed in Europe, IT specialists in Australia, project managers in Canada, or construction workers in Dubai, to name just a few.
What if I don’t want to move to another country? You don’t have to move permanently. Think about it this way – a good job oversees may be a temporary solution until the economy gets back on track. It may be good means to put food on the table and save some money while acquiring new skills, making new connections and maybe picking up another language. Either way, having an overseas job on your resume is an asset – it shows employers in the U.S. that you are a professional who has been in demand and has an international experience.
What if I like my way of life in the States and don’t want to change it? If you haven’t been outside of the U.S. you’d be surprised to find out that there many places in the world where standards of life are similar or even higher to those of in the United States. Take Western Europe, Canada, some Asian countries, or Australia for an example.
Why would I work for less money? This is another misconception: some wages in many countries are actually higher that in the United States. Did you know, for example, that hourly wages for certain jobs in Denmark are 56% hirer than those in the U.S., 66% higher in Germany and a whopping 80% higher in Norway? Consider also the weak dollar, lower cost of life in many countries and tax befits (in some countries it is accustomed for employers to pay your income tax, for example, that would in some cases not be taxed in the U.S.) and you get the picture.
I don’t speak another language There are many countries where English is the official language so you shouldn’t have any problems communicating: from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, to South Africa and Canada, there are also dozens of other counties where English is the second official language. In those countries where they don’t speak English, your English skills may actually be an asset.
Don’t I need papers to work overseas? Yes, in most cases you do need an employment authorization to work in a foreign country. However, consider this: in many cases it is a lot easier for an American citizen to obtain one (compared to other nationals). As a U.S. citizen, you can also travel freely to many countries that allows you to go and check things out before making a decision. Finally, most companies would provide you will all necessary paperwork and will even file it with the local government on your behalf, if they are really interested.
America is the greatest country in the world and it is beneath me to work abroad! As a proud American, I personally find this statement somewhat demeaning to other countries and not 100% accurate. It sounds even worse when it is coming from someone who has NEVER travelled outside of the United States. Don’t take me wrong, America IS a great country but there many other great places in the world.
Consider this: the United States consistently scores LOWER than many other countries in the world in many reports* published every year. Take 2009 and 2008 for example: the United States has scored #13 in the Human Development index; #24 in Healthy Life Expectancy; #39 in the Environmental Performance Index; #72 in the world for Health Performance Our Health System is ranked LOWER than Costa Rica, Chile and Morocco. In fact, you will struggle to find a report where the U.S. is in the first positions except for #1 in the Prison Population, #1 in Gun Ownership and #4 of the Likelihood of Terrorist Attack. It is a bit of any eye-opener, isn’t it?
Even it this recession, the United States remains a major economic power. However, by 2020 the European Union’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is projected to surpass that one of the United States. China is projected to surpass the U.S. by 2050 and India will be breathing down our neck in several decades.
Saying all this doesn’t make me less of a patriot. In fact, I think that with the United States losing many of its positions in the world, we would be better off as a country if we were to change our attitude towards the rest of the world. We should be looking at building new bridges and partnerships by applying mutual respect and diplomacy. We now live in a multi-polar world with new economic powers emerging and an unprecedented level of globalization that requires a differed approach, a different way of thinking, and a different attitude.
My point is simple: if you are interested in obtaining a job overseas, just keep that in mind: treat other countries and cultures with respect and you will be surprised how welcoming and inviting most of them will be to you.
I actually am interested in working in another country! I would like to work in Western Europe or Australia. I want to be able to earn a decent living. Here in the states, it is getting to the point where, if you know someone - it is the only way you are going to get a job. Nevermind your qualifications. What is the process?
Great article, thanks for writing it sir, especially as an American looking for work overseas. For me it is a personal choice to see the world and experience other cultures. But to me it is not scary but EXCITING! :) I really think this article should be posted everywhere Andrew and thanks again for writing what I have been thinking!
It is nice to know this. Thanks for the time and effort. It is well appreciated. More to come.
William Revellese
I have been working globally (not by design) since 2004. In those years, I have worked for one client in London, UK, Bonn, Germany and Prague Czech Republic. I am currently working in Stockholm, Sweden and interfacing weekly with the head office in London. I see working in Europe as an extremely viable option. My first client, despite being HQ'd in Germany - had American English as their official company language. It is often the case with large multi-nationals - projects and strategic initiatives run across countries, cultures and legal entities.. I have seen no shortage of opportunities for 'top' management consultants to add value in BAU and on programs/projects. On my plane rides I have run into others 'in the business' who are flying throughout Europe serving clients and staying busy / engaged. Including the shards of new languages, working in different cultures and understanding those nuances has really helped me to grow as a consultant. It would be invaluable when back Stateside on some future project to help get Swedes or Germans or Czechs, etc on board and also know how is best to engage with them. You also get to see how you (the American) are seen through their eyes. Highly recommended.
Greg Rodgers
I agree with the article as well. Having spent several years working in The Netherlands, I found the experience most rewarding and met a large group of wonderful people, many of whom are still my friends. Although I don't speak Dutch, I did learn enough there to master the basics, and found that almost everyone spoke some level of English, so communicating was not a problem, and the style, philosoply and pace of life was very refreshing. Everyone U.S. citizen should experience some level of living abroad. I am looking for an opportunity and will gladly do it again.
As Thomas Friedman said "The World is Flat". As technology increases so will the Global Economy. I can send a message, from my cellphone, instantly to China. This was unthinkable 20 years ago. My firm specializes in employee benefits. Our fastest growing division is the International Health Insurance. We have options for Expat and foreign employees. For more information go to www.selectchoicenow.com and click on the International Plans tab.
Bengt Lindblad
As a dual citizen (Swedish-American), I agree overall though. See the world, man! An educated citizen is a better citizen in any country.
However, what is wrong with being "#1 in Gun Ownership?" On the other hand, "#1 in Prison Population" is a disgrace. The two are only loosely connected.
Colombe Smithdeal
As a dual citizen Canada & USA I agree with the article. It's a scary trend!
Wow -- it amazes me I didn't first think to write this for my own website.
Such a good set of Q & A, which from my experience, sounds like the actual first 10 or so questions to come from most Americans' mouths.
Listen up, America --- "Yes, experience life abroad! For your own sake, reputation and well-being. In short, Expat Yourself!!"
Andrew Kucheriavy
Thank you so much for pointing this out! You are absolutely right – I did mean South AFRICA, not South America. I made the correction. Thanks again!
KJPN
Pretty accurate article, specially on how Americans see themselves. It would help a lot American economy if more Americans had the experience of living overseas. They will find that America is not the only nice place to live in.
Additionally, there is a correction to the article: In the section "I don’t speak another language", "South America" is included. The only country in South America that speaks English is Guyana. The rest speaks Spanish and Portuguese.
I believe the author might have intended to say "South Africa" instead.
Well said my friend. I'm not an American, but I do understand and appreciate how US is one of the top countries in the world. I'm sure every American is proud of his country. But let's keep in mind, so is every other person in their respective countries.
US has been the heart of research based innovation and I feel that has strongly helped US sustain its dominance. But in today's globalized economy, countries on dependent on each other. So keeping eyes and ears open to support each other and if needed traveling across borders to work is imperative. I know plenty of my friends (Non-Indian Americans) who travel to keep up with the demands of their jobs and adapt to cultural differences in other economies. No arguments on the fact that it is a change. But it is a vital change and people who do not wish to adapt to it may be left behind.
