Often interpreted as a dream for a better future, but what are the real struggles of overseas workers? Endure all the hardships to fight for yourself.
Real Struggles of Overseas Worker
Cultural And Social
When you start working abroad, you gotta get used to the culture of the country you’re in. Each place has its own way of doing things, and it’s important to pick up on that to fit in.
Why is it so important? Well, picture this: you’re in a Muslim country with a lot of rules, and you accidentally break one because you didn’t know any better. Like, maybe you just wanted to grab a drink after work, but doing that in public could land you in trouble. Knowing and respecting the local customs and values can help you avoid misunderstandings and getting on the wrong side of the law.
Another big challenge for people working abroad is the language. If you can’t communicate well, it’s gonna be tough. Being able to express yourself clearly and understand others is key for both work and social life in a new country.
Legal and Regulatory
Let’s face it, when working abroad, there’s always some risk involved. Many of us rely on a friend, family member, or immigration expert to help us get our visas. It’s super important to make sure we have the right visa to avoid any stress. Even small visa violations can lead to deportation.
In Western countries, you’ve got to sort out your working visa and permit before you make the move. But in Eastern countries, you can find a job even if you’re on a visit visa. That’s why a lot of people take their chances when they only have a short time left on their visa. It’s a big decision, especially if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re lucky enough to land a job, make sure your new employer sorts out the proper working visa and permit for you. If you don’t find a job, keep track of how long you’re allowed to stay to avoid any penalties.
Some folks working overseas also struggle with their employment contracts not matching the job offer in terms of working hours, holidays, pay, and settlement. If your employer has messed up, it’s important to have a chat with them to try and sort things out.
Economic and Financial
Living in a host countries, rent and housing costs can be steep and take up a big chunk of overseas workers’ income. Bills and daily transportation to work also add up to our cost of living. It’s important to have a solid monthly budget plan to balance our income and expenses.
Downloadable Monthly Budget Planner
Feeling the pressure of sending money back home? It’s a major struggle for overseas workers. Wasn’t that the reason you went abroad in the first place? Let’s stop complaining about it. My blog post about sending money back home has some great tips to help you out, so don’t stress.
Some of us work in sectors that can be unstable, leading to unemployment. We need to be flexible and adaptable in finding another job if that happens. There are unexpected costs like losing a job, taxes, health issues, and family emergencies that we need to be prepared for. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to manage your finances wisely.
Health & Safety
Health and safety can be a mixed bag for us overseas workers. Being from a third world country, getting access to health services in the host country is a big perk. If we’ve got the right work permit, we can hit up the doc without burning a hole in our pockets, and sometimes even for free. Free meds are a nice bonus too. But dental stuff can be super pricey compared to back home. Oh, and in the UK, expats under 16 can score free dental care, so that’s a relief.
It’s not just about physical health, though. Working abroad can mess with your head – the isolation, work stress, and getting used to a whole new culture can really get to you. That’s why it’s mega important to take a breather and give yourself some time off to unwind and de-stress. You deserve it, remember that!
Family & Personal Issues
Staying away from home for a long time can be tough. Some of us head to other countries to deal with money problems, but have we thought about the possible consequences? Being away can strain our family life back home, and dealing with isolation can be really stressful. Not everyone can handle it without being close to loved ones, and this can lead to issues, like getting involved with someone else while away. It’s important to think about all the potential outcomes before making any decisions.
For workers who bring their kids overseas, the big question is whether to keep them in the new country or take them back home. Education and childcare costs can be very different depending on where you are. In the Middle East, it can be really pricey to send kids to school for average earners. In the UK, all children can go to state-funded school for free from ages 4 to 16, but it’s crucial to follow the right childcare system to avoid getting into trouble as parents.
Professional & Career Development
Are you an engineer, teacher, doctor, or accountant, but working in a different field abroad? Your foreign credentials may not be recognized, so you may find yourself working in whatever job is available in the market.
Do you regret it? From my experience, I don’t regret anything. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree but I am working as a Healthcare assistant. There is nothing wrong with it as long as it’s legal and you are earning more than you can in your home country. What I want you to realize is that while it may hurt your pride, there is nothing wrong with what you are doing. You have the option to work in your field, but it might require additional certification and training for you to do so.
Overseas workers often face tough challenges like money issues, feeling isolated, and adjusting to different cultures. But they are tough and determined, which helps them get through these hard times. Many people find a job abroad because they hope to find better opportunities, but it’s important for employers, the host country, and other organizations to support them through these challenges. By putting in place fair policies, they can ensure that the hard work and sacrifices of overseas workers actually lead to real improvements in their lives and the lives of their families. This way, we can truly appreciate the important contributions we make to economies all around the world.
