Overseas job - boon or bane
WHEN Smrithi was transferred to the Norwegian Division of her software company, she thought it was a godsend. She jumped at the chance. Once on her job, however, she found it an uphill task to adjust to the completely different set of people, work culture and ethics. At times she felt alienated. Although her colleagues were warm and friendly, she always had the feeling she was an outsider and yearned to be back home, money or no money.
There is a great deal of hype surrounding working abroad. Apart from the money it brings, working in a foreign country can undoubtedly be enlightening. Living and working in a completely different culture with unfamiliar people, languages, customs and perhaps a vastly different style of working can make it a once in lifetime experience. Such experiences boost your career graph and broaden your horizons. At the same time one has to cope with the problems of adjusting to a different work culture, gruelling schedules, prejudices, perceptions, social alienation and homesickness. It is important to weigh the ups and the downs carefully before making the big decision.
The upsides...
A foreign assignment can serve as a career catapult, increasing your chances of promotion by as much as 100%. Many companies that do a significant amount of foreign business insist that their top executives have at least a year or two of international experience.
Sure, the work is tough and the schedules are gruelling. But on the upside, companies often provide excellent pay and perks. Many companies provide special allowances to take care of housing, transportation and other essentials - with a little frugal living; you could save a major part of your salary. You work hard, but you also get to live well, which is another compelling reason for taking up a foreign assignment.
Working with people from a different culture and with different attitude to work can enrich you on a personal level and broaden your horizons. You could pick up a new language, perception and a fresh attitude to your job and career. It makes you more self reliant and confident.
A foreign assignment looks good on your resume and helps you win brownie points with prospective employers. Expats have an air of sophistication and worldliness about them that most companies want.
The downsides ...
Coping with loneliness and social alienation, especially if you are away from your family in a country where you have little social contact
Problems adjusting to living in a foreign country, apart from the basic food, language and cultural disorientation, can leave you dizzy and depressed
There is a very real threat of falling sick in a foreign country. Extreme temperatures, unsuitable food, drink and torturous schedules can cause both psychological and physical illnesses
Technology in foreign countries could turn out to be centuries behind your country or light years ahead. It may take several months to digest all the changes and adapt
Returning to your old job could be difficult, especially if you have spent years abroad with little touch on what's going on the home front. It may call for some re-orientation and re-adjustment on your part On the whole, the advantages of an overseas assignment, at least for a couple of years, far outweigh the disadvantages. Unless you have indisputable reasons for turning down, international experience could well be your passport to a dream career!
BINDU SRIDHAR
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