Stop Being Comfortable

The other day I was having coffee with one of my closest friends. We talked about how we met when he first moved to Scotland a few years previous and how little English he spoke.

As ignorant as it sounds, I've never really taken into consideration how difficult that must have been for him. He was in a strange country, miles away from home, knowing no one and unable to speak the language. It sounds like a nightmare. There must have been many times he considered returning home to his safety net – where he speaks the language, knows the people and is familiar with his surroundings. He was literally miles out of his comfort zone.

As humans we are naturally trepidatious of the unknown. We are content living in our metaphorical bubbles of what we know, whether that is staying in the job we hate because we’re good at it, living in a location we’re bored of because it’s easier than moving, or eating the same dish off the menu from the same restaurant we go to every Friday because we’re worried that if we choose something else it might not measure up. Why?

Because we’re comfortable.

Going back to my friend, words probably can’t describe how uncomfortable he was when he moved to the UK. However, he persevered and I would like to add that he has now been here for five years, he’s fluent in English, he has a lovely Scottish girlfriend who he has been with for coming up to three years and he is working in his dream job.

How did he get to this point? He stepped out of his comfort zone, he made himself interesting, valuable and overall he gained confidence.

In honour of my friend, I think everyone should do something they wouldn't normally do. Ask a stranger how their day is. Take a different route home from work. Move to the other side of the world. The chances are great that you will feel better within yourself for doing so, even if the initial step is testing.

At Think Global Recruitment we specialise in placing Chartered Accountants in jobs all over the globe – maybe it’s time to look at your possibilities. Check out our vast list of locations and pack your bags, our incredibly experienced consultants work closely with candidates to ensure they have the best possible chance of getting the job offer they desire.

Working overseas is hugely beneficial to your career, it gives you confidence and experience, it makes you interesting. It will change your life.

By Emma Maloy, Marketing Assistant