We often worry about what happens when things are going wrong with our career, but even at the other end of the equation, there can still be issues. For example, what happens when you are doing well but don’t feel fulfilled? Is it a matter of you choosing the wrong field, the wrong company in that field, or something more personal? It may surprise you, but traveling may be what you need to break that malaise. This isn’t taking a vacation, but actually taking your skills and career abroad to try them in a whole new culture and setting. There are many different ways that this can help you.
For starters, traveling and working can give you a major boost of confidence, which counts for more than you may think. For example, have you ever heard this story before? A person has career promise but doesn’t manage to make it out because they fear not being able to get a better job. This all boils down to a lack of confidence, and travel is the way to beat this feeling. Think about it. After handling an environment where you are an outsider, with a potential language barrier, those old fears suddenly aren’t so scary.
Granted, this may be a bit esoteric for a lot of people, but rest assured, there are practical ways that it can help your career as well. While you’re honing your confidence through growing your skills, you’re also increasing your earning power In some cases, you may need to consult various areas, learn what social media strategies apply for another setting, as well as many other things that look great on a resume. With some fields, it’s even more obvious. If you create PERM recruitment ads, wouldn’t it be a good idea to see where your customer base is coming from, to get a better idea of what motivates them not just internally, but from successful advertising in their country? All of these activities lead to a more diverse skill-set. When you come back home, that broader skill set lets you negotiate higher salaries in your current job or elsewhere.
Traveling is also great for your networking list. Think of all the professionals you can meet in another country that you would never see otherwise. Education and training put you in the position to make the most out of your opportunities, but it is networking that opens up those opportunities to begin with. When it comes to finding travel opportunities, things can vary by field, but looking at industry groups may be a good way to keep track of your potential next move.
