Transitions = risks

What no-one tells you about ‘career transitions’ is that it involves high levels of transition risk. Have you ever met someone who’s *keen* to make a career change by moving country, yet they never mention the risks that they are taking. Transitioning roles needs to be a calculated move as you will have to be accepted by your peers and convince people that you know what you are doing (sometimes without a track record). In my private coaching and corporate training programs, I’m working with several executives who are considering leaving the UK to take on new roles in the New York, Dubai and Sydney.

Taking on a new challenge job outside your country comes with both pros and cons. It can provide you with new experiences, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the chance to immerse yourself in a different culture. However, it also comes with challenges such as adjusting to a new environment, potential language barriers, and being away from your support network. It's important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, consider your personal circumstances, and make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals and values.

The questions that came up this week in my coaching sessions were:
-     How many changes does this move entail, are you changing country, company and role? If you are making “the triple change” you are taking on significantly greater transition risk.
-     How does this job move fit into your longer term career plan? Will it help you achieve your goals?
-     How well do you know your new boss and stakeholders? Is the organisational culture a match for your working style?
-     What’s the market value for your skills? Financial packages can vary from country to country, it is vital to understand the value of your current total compensation (base + bonus + benefits) and how that translates into an attractive financial offer for your next role. Have you factored in ‘cost of living’ and taxation differences? The PayIndex.com can be useful when answering these questions.
-     Legal and visa issues?
-     What’s the opportunity cost? Where are you in your career currently? If you move country now, can you keep your current network warm?
-     Outside of work, who do you need to consider if you move countries? It’s sometimes surprising how often people haven’t considered the impact on family and friends of accepting a role in a different country.

It takes some serious guts to put yourself out there to embrace the road not yet taken, especially if you have “safer” options that are close at hand. But by exploring the practical constraints and unpacking the career transition risks, you might just give yourself the insights you need to embrace that new opportunity. Personally, I’m a fan of working in different markets and interacting globally.

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