Nobody wants to be stuck in a dead-end job, right?
Making a career change or hopping to another company is indeed a difficult decision, but workers do it all the time.
That said, job-hopping is a bit of a different story if you’re living abroad.
After all, your ability to stay in your host country is often tied to your employment. Furthermore, comparing the culture and job markets of one nation to the next is apples and oranges in terms of wages, job security and the ability to move upward.
That doesn’t mean you should stay stuck in a rut, though.
If your job is totally soul-sucking or you want to make the most of your remittance payments, exploring new options isn’t out of the question.
To help you get out of your current slump, we’ve highlighted some smart tips and inspiration to help you get back on your feet.
Understand That the Immigrant Economy is Booming
It’s understandable that you might feel frozen out of potential job opportunities because of your immigrant status, but consider that this isn’t the case statistically. It might take moving to another city or going outside of your comfort zone to find a gig that’s more worthwhile.
In fact, some immigrants are making hundreds of thousands of dollars taking up careers in specialized fields with healthy economics. You’re by no means obligated to settle on something that’s below your pay grade, especially if you’re in the United States.
Spend Your Free Time More Productively
The time you spend away from the office is crucial to finding success in the professional world. For example, consider some ways that you can spend your free time productively that don’t involve just sitting in front of the couch or sulking:
- Read, whether it be related to your career or self-help
- Spruce up your resume or online presence to explore new opportunities
- Network with other expats to see if they can help you out
Get Moving
Also bear in mind the well-documented link between your physical health and mental well-being. A regular exercise routine can not only help you de-stress, but also help you maintain a positive mindset when you otherwise might be prone to sluggishness or depression.
Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
In the United States, nearly half of all workers have a fear of speaking to managers and higher-ups.
Yikes.
Expats may have difficulty speaking up due to language or cultural barriers; however, you have a responsibility to try to better your situation if it means sticking things out for the long haul. Talking out issues with like-minded employees or managers could help you escape your slump.
Remember: Everything is Temporary
On a final note, remind yourself that you’re not going to be stuck in your current situation forever. Feelings of doubt come and go, as do new career opportunities. Keeping your ear to the ground and maintaining a positive attitude can help lead you on a better path sooner rather than later.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway here is that you aren’t totally powerless regardless of what your current job situation might be. Through being proactive and understanding what you need to do to better your situation, taking action becomes much less daunting.