Questions to Ask Before Getting a Job in a Developing Country
July 24, 2018
The decision to move abroad for work is a big one. And the decision to relocate to a developing country is even bigger. After all, you are likely to be moving to a nation which does things in an entirely different way to what you are used to – not only from a working point of view, but also in day to day life. When you first considering moving abroad, it is likely that you will be filled with both nervousness and excitement. But before you take any actions which are based on your emotions, you should take a step back to approach this issue in a more rational manner. So, here are a few of the main questions which you should ask yourself before getting a job in a developing country.
Are You Ready to Experience Culture Shock?
You are likely to experience culture shock when you move to a developing country in a much bigger way than if you move somewhere else in the developed world. For example, you may have to deal with a slow (or no) internet connection, unreliable electricity access, poor standards of safety etc. You are also going to have to be prepared to leave your comfort zone, and get used to the way that things are done in your new country. This may sound exhilarating or it may sound exhausting!
Have You Done Your Research?
If you have a specific country in mind that you would like to move to, it is important that you do as much research as possible into it. First of all, it is worth looking into the visa and other admin situation – find more info if you are planning a move to India here. You should also check out what the living situation is likely to be, how safe it is, the type of food and drink which is readily available etc.
What is Driving You?
Everyone has a different driving force which is propelling them forward – and you need to identify what has instilled the passion in you to move to a developing country in the first place. It could be that you have always wanted to live in this part of the world. It may be that a specific job opening has arisen which is simply too good to turn down. You are much more likely to succeed if you have a strong driving force.
Does the Job Fit Your Expertise?
Finally, you need to see whether the job matches up with your expertise, experience and passions. Is it a job at a startup where you will be working from the ground up or are you going to an already established company?
These are just four of the questions amongst the many which you need to ask yourself before you get a job in a developing country. Ultimately, you should ensure that you have done plenty of research beforehand and you take the time to think through the decision carefully.