For many people, the 9-5 doesn’t work. When you’re doing a job that you don’t enjoy, the negatives can be substantial: depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness. If you feel suffocated by your office job, you might want to think about a work abroad program – they’re a great way to travel and get out of that office job that’s making you feel trapped.
America
Okay, this one isn’t working abroad if you’re already from the states, but there are still programs that will take you sort-of abroad – to more exotic US locations like Hawaii. Some companies can help support you moving to America and build up your career by getting valuable experience in a different location to home. One of the best things about working in America is the safety and security – many countries don’t have particularly rigorous employment law, which means that you can end up getting short-changed, not paid at all, or even at risk of injury. For example, in Turkey, you have no worker rights at all, and injuries from attacks are increasingly common. America is one of the best places in the world for workers compensation, and you can feel secure that everything will be above board with some of the best employee rights in the world.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are highly developed countries that welcome those working abroad for three months, six months, or one year. They are very interesting countries to work in, as getting a job in Oceana allows you to explore alien landscapes, diverse ecological systems, and beautiful natural wonders, all with the comfort of a familiar culture and strong workers’ rights. Organizations like InterExchange and BUNAC can help you to find work in these beautiful countries.
East Asia
Countries like Japan, China, and Korea have many teaching jobs available to foreigners. These offer fair salaries, especially in China, where the cost of living is lower. You need some teaching experience to get a job teaching in East Asia, as well as a degree in something (typically but not always if you have other credentials). Alternatively, you can get credentials by working as a teacher in China. Also popular in East Asia is simply working remotely, but this can pose some time difference issues. One of the benefits of a teaching job in East Asia is your opportunities to travel during school holidays – you’re in a perfect location to sample many different cultures and geographies – from the jungles of southeast Asia to the peaceful simplicity of a Tibetan mountain top.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is a very popular place with digital nomads because the country and culture is beautiful, and there is a very low cost of living, as well as some world-class food. There are lots of different jobs to experience; if you want something exciting, hospitality opportunities can include working for hotels as their scuba instructor, hiking guide, and more. There are some difficulties getting Visas for Thailand specifically, as there are strict rules about work permits, but when you get to the country and actually nail down a job, these aren’t too difficult to sort out. Thailand, in particular, is a specifically exciting place right now due to the possibility of governmental reform and mass protests – if you have ever wished you could have lived through the 60’s in America and London, you might find a similar cultural revolution bubbling in Thailand.
