Fancy a change: 12-18 months working abroad. So where do I start?

[randal]

I know there are a couple of guys on here who have lived and worked abroad in the time I've been a member on these forums (Rich_L, Dampcat etc..) and was wondering if I could lean on y'all for a bit of advice.

I'm now in a position where I could see myself abroad for 12-18 months working, for a new experience. I split from my ex coming on a year, and in that time I've all but paid my debt off and worked myself into a position where I can be flexible enough to explore avenues further afield. I'm 30, and I feel like I should have done more with my time on this Earth - certainly before I meet someone else and settle down to start knocking out little randal24's that's for sure.

Currently I'm in permanent employment in a management role, which carries a 3 month notice period. I'm woefully unhappy in my job, so a change is on the horizon whether it's UK or international based. Currently working in IT, with a good HPUX/Solaris background and 11 years experience in the oil/gas and telecoms industries.

Ideally I'd like to try working in Canada, NZ, or the US (in that order of preference). If the US then West coast definitely (hence mentioning Rich_L!). Obviously application for work permits/living visas etc.. varies from country to country with points systems and applicable laws.

Really what I'm after is experiences, caveats, advice, tips, good sites to start looking for roles, order in which to do things that sort of stuff. Well, not just for me - for anyone thinking of doing similar as I'm sure they'd benefit too.

Cheers in advance.

 

[[FnG]magnolia]

The likelihood of your visa acceptance ties in with your preference so that's a start

We moved over from the UK to NZ permanently in 2009 so my knowledge of shorter term stays is limited but let me know if I can be of help.

 

[randal]

Ah Auckland, a city I could quite happily settle into. Spent a couple of weeks there back in 2008, and adored every moment there. Spent far too much time in Danny Doolans mind.

I think I need to pick a country first and foremost, at the moment the idea is very much in it's early stages. Was going to start narrowing things down based on advice and research, which I'm going to do a lot more of over the weekend all being well and good.

How did you find yourself living in Auckland then? Time for a change, family ties etc..?

 

[[FnG]magnolia]

You're right, the country is your first decision IMO. Having visited but not lived in all, they're very, very different beasts.

As for me, my wife is a Kiwi and I'm a Scot but we met in London. We'd always intended to move over here for a number of reasons, most of which were to do with the options which NZ can offer you. Before our daughter was born in Jan 2009, we'd already put the plans for relocation in place and in August we moved over here.

A huge benefit we had was coming into an established family/friends infrastructure due to my wife's background. It made a massive difference as we'd both given up very well paid jobs to come out here with a 9 month old baby and no jobs to go to. We quickly sorted that out though and now earn even more than we did in the UK (although I'm not sure this is that common; it certainly wasn't back then).

I won't give you the whole story because (1) it's probably a bit boring and (2) it's probably not completely relevant to your situation but I'm happy to chime in if you have any questions.

 

[Hamish]

Yes definitely move away, it's a great thing to do. However US is usually unrealistic as it is very hard to get a visa, however Aus, NZ, Canada, UAE etc can be a lot easier and they are crying out for good people.

 

[randal]

You're right, the country is your first decision IMO. Having visited but not lived in all, they're very, very different beasts.

As for me, my wife is a Kiwi and I'm a Scot but we met in London. We'd always intended to move over here for a number of reasons, most of which were to do with the options which NZ can offer you. Before our daughter was born in Jan 2009, we'd already put the plans for relocation in place and in August we moved over here.

A huge benefit we had was coming into an established family/friends infrastructure due to my wife's background. It made a massive difference as we'd both given up very well paid jobs to come out here with a 9 month old baby and no jobs to go to. We quickly sorted that out though and now earn even more than we did in the UK (although I'm not sure this is that common; it certainly wasn't back then).

I won't give you the whole story because (1) it's probably a bit boring and (2) it's probably not completely relevant to your situation but I'm happy to chime in if you have any questions.

That is one reservation I do have, and that's going in with nobody there on the "other side". Still, I'd expect that's easily remedied with work mates and expat communities - and also part of the adventure of going it alone for a bit. Thanks for your insights.

Yes definitely move away, it's a great thing to do. However US is usually unrealistic as it is very hard to get a visa, however Aus, NZ, Canada, UAE etc can be a lot easier and they are crying out for good people.

Hmm, interesting comments about how difficult it is to get a visa in the US. If I'm honest I'm leaning more towards Canada, specifically somewhere in Alberta so that's good to hear it's easier to get a visa there.

I've applied for a couple of roles on a Canadian site, with appropriate covering letters explaining my circumstance. Might have a look later for dedicated international placement specialists, as I think that'll yield better results than going for local sites.

 

[Hamish]

What are you looking for in a country, why Canada?
I'm in the UAE and love it here, it has almost everything I could want in a country and it's easier than you'd think to get a job.

 

[randal]

What are you looking for in a country, why Canada?
I'm in the UAE and love it here, it has almost everything I could want in a country and it's easier than you'd think to get a job.

Canada, like NZ is one of the countries I've been to that I felt comfortable in and could see myself living there. I've been out to Dubai, and whilst I enjoyed my time there it just wasn't for me. Too hot for one!

Canada works for me, as I'd like to devote some time to snowboarding in the winter and the thought of riding some of that awesome scenery off road during the summer appeals to me greatly. There's the other (albeit minor) perks of same language and similar culture which I feel I would be able to assimilate myself into easier.

Not to mention good maple syrup.