How I Made the Decision to Work Abroad

I remember the feeling when I first learnt of my job offer to go to Bermuda – it was a heady mix of exhilaration and excitement about what this could mean for my future, combined with a quiver of fear of the unknown.

I’d passed my ACA finals a few months previously and a colleague in another office had told me about the opportunity to move offshore that September.

Undoubtedly, one of the reasons I’d chosen accountancy is that you can work pretty much anywhere in the world – it was always at the back of my mind as a possibility. But here was a chance to put theory into practice. I’d applied to go to Bermuda and was now holding the job offer in my hand. This was it.

What should I do?

I thought about it long and hard and listened to the advice of family and friends. Having researched it and spoken to more senior colleagues in the profession, I never had any doubt what the experience could do for my career.

But foremost in my mind was that it would mean going somewhere where I didn’t know anyone and starting afresh. It would mean saying goodbye to my regular social circle and seeing how easy it would be to settle in abroad.

I was at one of those crossroads that come up ever so often in life and I knew it.

What clinched it was when a close friend told me over the decision weekend that, if I didn’t grab this opportunity, he’d never talk to me again. After all, he asked, what was I really risking?

I’d be going somewhere desirable with a decent job and guaranteed salary, flight paid for, and where if I want I can go to the beach every day. Besides which, it’s only for 18-24 months and the worst-case scenario is that I give it a try and, if it really doesn’t work out, come back early.

Sometimes it takes the right word from the right person to make the penny drop. The next day, I accepted.

As it turned out, I needn’t have worried. I never looked back. You’ll probably have read testimonials from other professionals who’ve made the same move so I won’t repeat them here. Apart from to say they’re all true.

The friendliness of everyone is genuine and exceptional (as expats you’re all in the same boat), the money gets better and better, and you learn a huge amount that you likely won’t pick up staying in your current job.

And this is without factoring in the colossal personal growth and confidence the whole experience gives you (which are possibly even greater benefits). The upsides are huge, the downside is temporary and manageable.

It’s normal to think over such a career move very carefully (we accountants can be a conservative lot!) but if you do a cost-benefit analysis you’ll realise what’s on offer… and how such an opportunity can materially improve your long-term career prospects.

I hope you get the chance to experience this for yourself.

If you are a lawyer or chartered accountant and interested in working in the Bermuda/Caribbean region, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies. Our site also includes a downloadable All You Need to Know guide which will tell you all you need to know about living and working offshore.