For most of us, choosing to work abroad is because we believe traveling will enrich our lives. Our desire for adventure is insatiable and we are in search of paradise. But paradise conjures up different images for different people.
For some, it means the countryside in Georgia; for others, it would be the small city of Valencia, Italy. And for most, it would be in a warm climate close to the ocean. If you want to work and live abroad, you’re probably thinking of a place you’d consider paradise. Your dream destination may be an excellent destination for a vacation but may not necessarily be the best place to work.
What’s your idea of paradise? On a piece of paper, list everything important to you. The weather, culture, beach, nature, theatre? Consider all aspects of your life.
What do you enjoy most? And what would you miss if it was no longer in your life? What annoys you? Inefficiency? Noise? What would you like never to have to deal with again? Crowds, traffic jams, or snow? Write it all down on your piece of paper.
Now that you have some ideas, here is a list of things to consider.
1. Reliable internet services
Connecting online has become indispensable. From banking to communicating with family, booking airline tickets, etc. Digital nomads running online businesses require fast, reliable internet service. And even if you're considering retirement, you probably want to be able to connect online with family at home, etc. A reliable internet connection is a MUST!
2. Residency requirements
Are you planning to live there full-time or for part of the year? If you are considering a long-term move, you must know the rules for establishing legal residency. More and more countries are providing special visas for long-term residency.
3. Your free time
How would you spend your free time? Do you like the outdoors- sailing, hiking, or sailing? Or are you more interested in the arts? Gallery openings, live theatre, fine dining, or salsa dancing.
4. Infrastructure
How important is it for you to access reliable infrastructures such as roads, public transportation, the internet, banks, and cable TV?
5. The weather
Sunshine and sandy beaches do not appeal to everyone. Some skin types react to heat. What would you prefer? Sunny all year round or a place with all four seasons? What about humidity?
6. Health care
Access to good and affordable health care is possibly one of the most important considerations when considering moving to a new country. No one thinks a medical emergency will ever happen to them, but it can.
Do you have an existing health condition that may require medical attention? In that case, is it essential that you’re within a, say, 20-minute drive of a hospital? Do you have good health insurance coverage?
7. What’s the business climate like?
Suppose you’re thinking of launching something more than an online business. In that case, launching something more than an online business, you may need to research the country’s general business climate, such as local regulations governing the industry and the quality and cost of labor.
8. Community
Would you prefer a place with a significant expatriate population, or are you comfortable building a community with the locals? Maybe the reason for living abroad in the first place is to experience a different culture.
9. Language
Would you prefer to move to a place where locals speak your language fluently? Or does the idea of learning another language excite you?
10. Costs
If you’re self-employed, living costs would be a concern for you, especially if you’re launching a business and have little savings. Bringing it all together Living and working abroad can be exciting.
Five years ago, I decided to live, write, and consult abroad part-time. I knew that besides a good internet connection, heat, community, and the beach were my top priorities. After traveling to various countries, I fell in love with the Mediterranean, particularly Greece. Besides the incredible lifestyle, it allows me to travel through Europe easily.
Where would you like to live and work?
