Living & Working Abroad. How?
It’s been a little more than a year of living and working in Sweden. It’s been a life dream for me and I’m lucky to be here. Many have asked how I managed to get myself here. If you’ve never lived and worked elsewhere before, want to take that plunge and feel lost, this is for you. I started actively working on this goal in June 2018. Fast forward June 2019, I was signing the contract of my life to work in ‘Sweden’s silicon valley’.
A typical approach is to work for a MNC or a company that might require you to be seconded to another country. However, this exceeds my timeline and there’s too much uncertainty for my liking. It’s still a great way to live and work around the world — I know many who do this successfully. What I’ll focus on here is what else you can do. (Lengthy article ahead. I get naggy and I want to be specific.)
#1. Be clear and set your career objectives
What is it that you’re looking for? What do you have to offer? It took me a few reiterations before I landed on this specific match: a global B2B communications role in tech/telecoms, as an individual contributor or in a small team. Other factors also included the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture that’s non-Asian. These ‘wants’ matched well with what I believe I had to offer.
Once I could articulate what I was looking for and what I can bring, it was easier to look for those opportunities.
#2: Start hunting and socializing it. Network x3.
Research and applications aside, an important step for me was to start socializing that I’m looking for an opportunity in tech outside of Asia as a communications specialist. I also started working hard to build my network — talk to someone, ask if they know someone or if there’s anyone they think you should speak to. Keep searching and learning from the people you talk you. Also, once you start verbalizing it, it becomes real. It was my way of committing to making this happen.
As I was having coffee with Joe Escobedo, he asked me, “Gerry, how can I help you?” That’s when I realized how important it is to ask for help — there’s no shame in that. Joe and many others gave me the hope I needed, especially when they expressed their willingness to help, be it an introduction or just simple advice and sharing their relocation story.
#3: Know how far you will go to make it happen
I gave myself a deadline — in 1 year, if I don’t find an opportunity, I will move regardless, whether I’ve a job or not. This deadline extended itself to 2 years for personal reasons. When speaking to others about seeking such an opportunity, I made clear that I’m willing to do what it takes to make that move. Be it hopping on a plane for a day for an in person interview or sorting out my relocation myself, I was prepared to find a way to make it happen somehow.
Knowing how far I’m willing to go made conversations a lot easier — it’s similar to any kind of negotiation or opportunity conversation. Being aware of the thresholds you’re able to work with helps aplenty. Also helps those willing to lend a hand in seeking out opportunities.
#4: Work multiple angles
While I was working on this goal, I felt it was only right (and smart) to also give my current employer the opportunity to make it happen together. I was open about my career goal of relocating. My CEO and manager were aware of my aspirations and during our catch ups, we’d align my learning, exposure and tasks to help me get to that goal. In return, I worked hard to shape the brand’s global presence too.
Meanwhile, I found it helpful to also look out for similar opportunities in my industry (tech/telecoms). Set alerts on LinkedIn and other platforms. Go for networking events and continue socializing this opportunity you seek.
I was also going to go on vacation to my ideal cities to move to, and set up coffee chats with people in my ‘target companies’ prior. My opportunity came through before this so it turned out I didn’t need those meetings. Fun coffee happened anyway :)
Also, myth: Most told me to avoid revealing that I’m in Singapore as much as possible as companies might be more hesistant to hire from another country. I feel differently; I believe in being as upfront and honest as possible, and simply articulate the value you will be able to bring to the table. If it’s a great match, we will work together to make the partnership happen. Just like in a relationship :)
#5: Keep working and believe
I was confident, after laying out the above plans, that I would definitely make this happen. And it is true — when you believe it will happen, doors open magically. As long as you’re clear about your objectives and give your best, it will all happen eventually.
#6: Appreciate the angels sent your way
I am so lucky that Ericsson was open to even chat with me. My first call with the recruiter, Rebecka Gustafsson, was a very pleasant and human one. I remember her asking me if I’ve even been to Sweden before — I said no. Immediately she said, “Gerry, you’ve no idea what you’re in for huh?” Admittedly, I said yes. Even if you’ve been somewhere as a tourist, it’s nothing like living and working there. I was open and really excited. I felt invincible and I appreciated how she was able to sense that in our call and eventually faciliated what was the best candidate experience I ever had. If not for her giving my resume a chance, and for Jana and Cecilia being open to make it happen together, I wouldn’t be here today.
Also, lucky (again!) — I had a very supportive team and mentors (Geok Chwee and Ken) in Bridge Alliance, who empowered me to do what I feel best for the company and at the same time, to work on myself so I can bring more to the team. Their support and candour in our relationship made the entire journey special and a lot smoother.
So in this holiday season where we reflect and set the tone for the next year, I encourage you to keep this inspirational feeling of hope and believe in yourself. You never know the magic you can make happen.
Got any questions? A similar experience to sure? I’m always up for virtual coffee!
