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Should I Move Abroad for Work?

Should I Move Abroad for Work?

Have you ever considered moving abroad for work? Given the sense of unease surrounding careers in the United Kingdom due to current political events, many people have found themselves in the same boat.

However, this is not a decision to take lightly. There are several factors that should play into your decision to move abroad for work, and it’s important to think carefully before making this big life choice.

Here are some things to consider before deciding to uproot and continue your career in another country. 

 

Job Market

United Kingdom:

Despite Brexit fears, it seems as if the science industry in the UK is still growing. A study by the Science Industry Partnership found these encouraging statistics concerning the UK science industry:

“The forecast scenarios illustrate that overall the science industry's cumulative demand for staff between 2015 and 2025 will be in the range of 180,000 to 260,000 staff. […]

>"The majority of demand will be replacement demand for people leaving the industry, largely due to retirement; accounting for between 177,000 to 185,000 jobs across the science industries by 2025. New jobs created due to growth will account for up to 77,000 jobs.”

So staying in the UK is not only plausible, it is potentially quite a lucrative move. With the UK’s high demand for scientific minds, the job opportunities here should continue to increase over the coming years.

Working Abroad:

Of course, moving abroad is appealing for many reasons, including a change of climate and the chance to explore a different culture. Another important factor is the increase in salary that is offered by some countries. Some of the best-paying countries for scientists are Switzerland, the USA, Japan, Australia and Germany. With Switzerland offering an average annual salary of $95,000, you can see why some people are tempted to move abroad.

Depending on what field you are in, there is also further opportunity for funding in the science industry abroad. This depends on the country and the specific type of scientific research you are looking at. If you’re currently looking for funding, you may want to read this article on some of the countries who are putting the most money into research.

 

Personal Preference

Everyone is different, and whether you like the idea of travelling or have family commitments that make you less inclined to move abroad for work, the choice is ultimately yours. If you are unhappy with your current situation, moving abroad offers the chance for a new start. However, it is also more than possible to have a fulfilling career here in the UK, and you shouldn't feel pressured to move abroad.

 

Will I be happy if I move abroad for work?

Again, as mentioned before, this will depend on yourself and your circumstances. However, studies have shown that different countries do have varying levels of happiness and life satisfaction. You can find the full study here. This may affect your decision concerning what country you want to move to for work.

We at HRS offer a range of jobs in the science industry, both in the UK and abroad. To find one that suits you, be sure to keep an eye on our job listings. We update them frequently and you can find them here.

For any questions about our job listings or advice about our recruitment service, feel free to contact us today.