Relocation, relocation, relocation: is it right for you?

Taking on a new role can be a daunting prospect at the best of times, so the idea of relocating to a different country or continent to take on a new career opportunity is enough to take anyone out of their comfort zone.

But if you’re ready for a new challenge, relocating can offer a rare opportunity to start an exciting new chapter in your life, experience enriching new cultures, and advance your career in ways that may not be possible at home.

If you’re considering a move abroad, you’re not alone. In 2022, an estimated 90,000 people left UK shores to work overseas. The most popular destinations for UK workers are Australia, USA, Spain and Canada, although the popularity of countries such as UAE is also growing, with around 55,000 British citizens currently living and working there.

Relocating to a different country for a new consulting role is a huge decision, and one that requires careful consideration. In this article, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of relocating, to give you some food for thought before you decide whether or not an overseas move is right for you.

So, what are the advantages of relocating?

Career advancement

Whether you’re looking for a role in an exciting new startup, boutique firm or Big 4, there are many opportunities to advance your consulting career in a different country. 

If you are looking to focus on a specific industry, certain countries tend to have sector hubs. For example, France, Germany and the US have lots of life-sciences work and London and New York are big in Financial Services.

Higher salary

Along with better career opportunities, remuneration packages are often cited as key drivers for moving abroad. Salaries can be significantly higher in some countries, and packages can often include accommodation, travel, education for your children if applicable and attractive tax perks. All of which can give you a much higher standard of living and allow you to save for the future.

Exposure to a new culture and language

Living in a different country can help you to develop new skills and boost your personal growth. It offers you a valuable opportunity to broaden your travel horizons and see more of the world. You’ll experience a new culture and language, which can be challenging, yet also incredibly enriching and rewarding.

You’ll also benefit from the opportunity to widen your personal and professional networks, leading to new friendships and even potential career opportunities further down the line.

What are the downsides?

Adjusting to a new culture

If the local culture is very different to the environment you’re familiar with at home, it may take you a while to adjust, and you’re likely to find that period of change difficult. If you move abroad with your family, these factors will likely apply to them, a new environment along with missing out on milestones and occasions of loved ones at home can be extremely challenging. The combination of these difficulties can lead to feelings of homesickness and isolation, particularly if you’ve made the move on your own.

Language barriers

If you don’t speak the language of the country you’re moving to, you may find it difficult to communicate with people on an everyday basis. Even simple things like organising accommodation, shopping for essentials, and registering with a new healthcare provider can feel very difficult when you don’t speak the local language.

Visas and permits

On a practical level, you could run into difficulties when it comes to obtaining the necessary visas and work permits. If you secure a role prior to moving, your new employer will help you to secure your visa, but that may not cover your partner or family, and they may have trouble applying for the permissions they need to stay long-term. 

Many companies are not in a situation to sponsor a visa, often the biggest challenge is finding a company who can.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in search of the perfect role or you’re craving a new challenge, relocating to a new country can be hugely rewarding in many different ways. However, moving overseas isn’t without its challenges, and things may not always run as smoothly as you’d like.

If you’re considering a move abroad, the key is to do plenty of research and take your time before you commit. And remember – relocating doesn’t have to be forever. If you do take the plunge and find it’s not right for you, you can always move back home again!

At Ascent Professional Services, our team is on hand to give you an honest picture of life overseas, and help you decide whether relocation could be right for you. If you do decide to go ahead, we’ll support you every step of the way to help make sure your move is a success. We’ve helped hundreds of candidates to secure fantastic consulting roles in leading firms, right across the globe.

So if you’re thinking about relocating, but you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, or you want to find out what opportunities are out there, just get in touch for an initial chat. Our experienced team will be happy to help.