Amy & Adam's Story: A couple's new life abroad

 

Hearing about couples making their dream move abroad to start an exciting new life together is always fantastic for us to hear about. We helped Amy and Adam, two accountants, move from Leeds to Darwin a year ago. Our Managing Director recently caught up with them to find out how they’ve been settling in.

Trying new things

Both have fully embraced their new home soaking up the sporty culture by joining the local ‘soccer’ (as they call it!) team.  Amy only starting to play after moving there having been instantly attracted to the chilled out Australian way of life spending time playing a few games of soccer and having a few beers. They’ve both taken full advantage of the great sporting scene by learning to play basketball too. 

What about social circles?

Arriving together to a new country as a couple means you’re not going to be alone, but it’s easier to get by with a little help from friends so how did Amy and Adam find it? “It was really easy due to the huge numbers of expats, you’re all in the same boat, settling in to a new culture”. As well as meeting people through work and making use of the wide range of activities and extracurriculars on offer, they have also been indulging in the world renowned social Ozzy BBQ.

On the path to success

"Australia’s transient society, allows more opportunities for career progression which is great and being given TOIL (time off in lieu) means you have time to explore the country. The firm is very generous especially when you hit your targets and that extra cash comes in handy for planning visits home". 

How does the future look?

Both are happily based in their company and in the next two years will be able to get permanent residency. Before too long they can become fully integrated into their new found home. 

Surely there must there must be some downsides...

“Accommodation might cost a bit more but people in general are less materialistic so you can adjust to make those changes”. They miss the traditional English pubs and log fires. Christmas being warm doesn’t go down too well either, but they can always take full use of the time off in lieu and bonuses to jet back home for a white Christmas. 

Amy and Adam seem to have found their feet in Darwin. It definitely sounds like they have made a great decision by moving. 

If this story has inspired you then share it and help those who may be considering making the move abroad. To hear more case studies and find out about job opportunities please email pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com

What is a move, to live and work in Vienna like?

Think Global Recruitment does Videos!

We don't know if you've heard but we are very excited to be launching a brand new website in the summer!  While the designers are working hard on pulling ideas together and doing all of the technical stuff, we have opened our first video competition!  Video is the next big thing and we'd love to share your overseas stories through this medium on our new site.  By doing this short video, you will be inspiring other accountants to improve their lives by making a move too!  So if you want to scream and shout about what a fantastic time that you've had, living and working overseas, please do enter our competition (did we mention that you'll also be in with a chance of winning £1,000?)!

Maybe you're a bit shy or don't know what to say?  We've listed questions and guidelines below and asked one of our very own international experts to record a video about his time overseas.  Here's Daniel, telling us about his time in Vienna:

How do I enter? 

Simple, just set aside ten minutes to answer the following questions (in 3 minutes or less please - we know that there is so much to say!):

1. Where did you move to and from, and what made you make this international move?
2. What are the best things about your new location?
3. How has the move assisted your career?

Then what?

• We will be using the best videos to inspire other accountants who are thinking of making an overseas move
• Once you have recorded your video (can be done on a webcam, tablet, smartphone) use Dropbox to send the compressed video to emaloy@thinkgr.com and we will send a receipt once we have received it!
• The winning video will be judged on how innovative, inspiring and informative it is

We can't wait to see your videos!

If you have any questions, feel free to email, Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com 

*By entering this competition you are consenting to the use of your video on our soon to launch website and social media.  Normal competition rules apply.

Things to Consider When Making an International Move

As I’m sure everyone will be telling you, an international move is something everyone must do in their lifetime. This is echoed throughout the office here in Edinburgh and by many of the professionals who have been placed by us. What are you waiting for? The Think Global Recruitment team are experienced and dedicated to helping you secure a new job in an international location. The experience, and achievement, is like no other. Embrace the challenges facing you, celebrate the differences and most of all enjoy the opportunity!

Understandably, you may find an international move to be a slightly nerve-wracking experience. I certainly did but I am so glad I overcame my worries and had the time of my life. Here at Think Global Recruitment, we not only find you a job, but offer support and guidance to make the move as easy and worry-free for you as possible.

What do you find most daunting about making an international move? A question which will fill some with sky-scraping levels of anxiety, and a question which others will never really consider seriously because they’re nothing if not adaptable to any situation.

Is it leaving home, your family and friends and the security which familiarity brings? Is it the new culture, the new people, and not knowing anyone in the country, let alone the city? Or is it the more practical considerations – how much will your accommodation cost, how do you get a mobile phone SIM card, what sort of taxes are you expected to pay and how do you pay? Or perhaps it’s the little things that you’ll never know until you make the move and warning letters, for TV licenses and various other things, drop down through your letter box and you wonder why no one has ever told you. Or what if there is an emergency, what is the telephone number you call? What’s the dialling code for friends and family members who want to call you and catch up whilst you are living it large in new and foreign cultures?

Panic not!! Whilst I can’t provide you with all the answers, I do try to supply you with as much relevant information about living in a new country as I can. What makes me able to do this? By putting myself in your shoes, hypothetically, and calling upon my own experience of making an international move, to Australia, myself a couple of years ago, and travelling extensively to and from.

When choosing which course to study at university, it was a no brainer for me between business studies, and international business studies. Purely because it was compulsory for all international business students to study abroad for at least one semester. However, as the time drew closer to choosing which continent I wanted to spend at least 6 months of my life in, I quickly transitioned from being one of those people who gave the practicalities very little thought, itching to get away to see and experience the world, to a little apprehensive of the unknown, mostly.

As it turned out, I was one of the lucky ones who was awarded my first choice – Australia! Although not too culturally dissimilar to the one I was accustomed to, I was still moving to the other side of the world, never having been there before, not knowing anyone, and having to organise everything myself – flights, visa, application to university, accommodation, health and travel insurance, bank accounts, the list continues!  

Now having returned back to the UK, and graduated from university, I have joined the Think Global Recruitment team as a Marketing Intern. My first project here is to research various cities to make that international move a little bit less daunting for all those lucky professionals who are being placed by the team here at Think Global Recruitment. I aim to put those people making, or thinking of making, an international move’s minds more at ease by providing information on: how to set up a bank account, how much tax one is required to pay, the most common mobile phone networks, information about healthcare and dental treatments, the most common airlines which operate in that country to a few suggestions of tourist attractions, events, bars and restaurants to help one settle in and get familiarised with the new surroundings, all specific to each location.

I hope you find this information useful and you do decide to make an international move. I am already thinking about going again – if only I had an accountancy and finance background, I would 100% leave my fate in the hands of the Think Global Recruitment team. 

By Hazel, Think Global Recruitment's Marketing Intern

Irish CA, Aisling, on Life Down Under in Hobart...

In 2013 Aisling moved from Dublin to Tasmania in Australia, where she now lives in a central apartment in the convivial city of Hobart with her partner. We caught up with her for a quick chat and thought it would be nice to share her story…

 I ended up getting a job in a Big 4 Firm where I have worked for 8 months and been promoted to Assistant Manager, I feel like I’ve taken a big step forward

I never really had a work life balance in Dublin and I had always wanted to move to Australia and travel around the country. I went for a two year contract which has given me so much flexibility – I’ve already seen loads of Australia!

I was trained in a small practice and then went straight into a top 5 firm in Dublin, when I was looking to move overseas I ended up getting a job in a Big 4 firm where I have worked for 8 months and been promoted to Assistant Manager, I feel like taken a big step forward.

All I had to do was pack my bags and that was it!

Think Global Recruitment have a really good reputation in Hobart. All I really had to do was pack my bags and that was it! My consultant was so good at getting back to me, my visa was running late so he was chasing it up and making sure I was kept in the loop. He also put me in touch with an English girl who he assisted in moving to Hobart previously, she was so helpful, she helped me out with loads of stuff.

It was such a big move just for a job.

Obviously moving a few thousand miles away from home was a little bit of a concern! I guess I was worried about settling, it was such a big move just for a job, it was a huge jump so I was really just worrying that it would work out. My partner came with me so we were both hoping that he would be able to get work. We wondered what it would be like; would it be that much different from home?

 

I don’t regret moving, it’s been a massive improvement

My move met my expectations, definitely, I don’t regret moving, it’s been a massive improvement, I didn't know what to expect in my move to be honest, I guess you never do. I’m not really sure; I was just hoping that it would work out. I didn't know so I just hoped. It was quite a rush as well, we both kind of decided we wanted to leave in October, I got offered the job in November and then we moved at the end of January. It was so quick. But it was just too good an offer to turn down.

We call each other the ‘internationals’

 

It’s good in the office because there is a Scottish and English girl and when I first started there were two American girls so there was a good group of people who were in the same boat. We call each other the ‘internationals’. It’s quite easy to settle in when they have the same culture.

It probably took about three months to settle in, we spent a lot of time going on trips and doing fun things, we kind of felt like we were on holiday for a while.

We've only been here for eight months but I would say we’re pretty comfortable.

I’m getting massive exposure to larger clients over here.

The work life balance is amazing; they love Irish and British people because we work so hard. Their busy season here is just like normal busy back home. If you work until 7 you are generally the last person to leave, they all go home at 5.15pm. It’s appreciated if you stay late, not expected.

My firm is heavily into investing in people. Training is really important to them, I’m doing a coaching course at the moment where I look at everyone and see how I can help them do better. I think it’ll look great on my CV. They are really into training and getting everyone involved. The partners really make an effort to know everyone, they even know my boyfriends name! They sit down with you and talk about everything, even family etc. It is amazing.

I am getting massive exposure to larger clients over here. There are loads of different offices with a lot of different clients.

Cultural differences… Everything is quite similar though, sometimes they don’t understand me or know how to say my name but that’s about it!

My partner and I have done so much here, every weekend we do something, we go on day trips or away for the day, the kind of stuff you wouldn't do at home. We’re only 50 minutes away from Melbourne.

The relationship that Think Global Recruitment have with my firm, they have a massive trust in the company

They have assisted accountants getting jobs there before so the firm knows that they can be trusted to bring in good candidates. I think this made my application a bit smoother. It was great having someone there to help you out with everything through the process. There is always someone there to hold your hand!

Just do it! You won’t regret it!

If I had to give advice to another accountant it would be to just do it! And I guess, my mum always said to me that you can be home to visit in two days, you’re only a flight away!

Making an International Move - What our Team Think

Are you considering an overseas move but a little uncertain? Do you want to make a move but you’re not sure where to go?

To celebrate the return of our Accountancy Worldwide Forum in South Africa, October 2014, I have started digging through our files and tracing down candidates that we have assisted in their international move to find out their thoughts on the process, the locations and what they are up to now.

While I’m doing this, I thought it would be interesting to look at the people that sit next to me every day – what are their thoughts on moving overseas? Where have they lived? What makes them interesting? And finally, what advice would they give to someone who is considering an international move?

From Austria to India, New York to Bermuda, Thailand to Australia, Germany to South Africa, our team have all lived overseas and that’s what makes us experts! Before I begin, I will give you a brief overview of the team members that I have spoken to, where they went and how long for.

Abigail Stevens, Managing Director, Sydney

While backpacking through Australia, Abigail fell in love with Sydney so she got sponsorship and decided to live and work there for three years. 

Alistair Mills, Recruitment Manager, Melbourne

Alistair was made redundant during the recession and wanted to try something new. He had a friend who traveled to Australia and loved it so it seemed like a good place to go. Alistair worked in Melbourne for 1 year.

Calum Smith, Recruitment Consultant, New York

Calum had always wanted to work in New York and got the opportunity straight after university, he had no plans at the time and thought that there was no better time than then to experience the city! Calum lived in New York for 4 months.

Daniel Scott, Recruitment Consultant, Austria & Spain

Daniel lived in Austria and Spain for 7 months each. Though it was compulsory for his university course, he fell in love with both and stayed a little bit longer. He really didn't want to return home after his time was up!

Kevin Dillon, Recruitment Consultant, Thailand & South Carolina

Kevin lived in South Carolina for 6 months due to his university course, he had always wanted to experience life in the USA and enjoyed living and working on the beach while he was there! After finishing university he said that he always wanted to travel and so he moved to Thailand to teach English and stayed there for 1 year before returning to the UK to begin his career with Think Global Recruitment.

Lara Caswell, Administrator and PA to Directors, Mozambique & South Africa

Lara decided that she was fed up of living in the UK, she wanted to encounter something new and begin an adventure. So, she moved to southern Africa where she ended up living and working in various locations for seven years!

Michael Black, Recruitment Consultant, Colorado

Michael lived in Colorado for 6 months during the skiing season, his cousin lived in Denver and so he had a connection there. He had always wanted to work and live abroad so this was his opportunity.

Roger Edwardson, Recruitment Consultant, Belgium & Austria

Roger lived in both Belgium and Austria for six months each as part of his university course. Because he was studying languages, he was really keen to get involved with this aspect of his degree, it was a chance to live in his target area and immerse himself in a different culture. 

Emma Maloy, Marketing Assistant, Germany

I lived in Germany for nearly five years in two different locations. The reason I moved was due to family commitments. I feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to experience a similar, yet very different, way of life and given the chance to go back - I would take it in a heartbeat! 

The general consensus when I asked why everyone moved over seas came down to:

‘I wanted to try something new’

And why shouldn't you? One of our newest recruiters, Kevin Dillon, commented on his time in Thailand stating,

‘I wanted to travel before starting my career and especially somewhere that I didn't speak the language, I wanted to challenge myself.’

Referring back to my last blog, I stated the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and this is exactly what he did. I guess this is what we all did...

Of course if you’re moving away from home, no matter how long your stay, you will always have concerns niggling at the back of your mind. I know that my biggest concern when I moved to Germany was the fact that I was leaving all of my friends behind, not knowing if I would get the chance to see them again and knowing that I would have to make new friends and adapt to a new, very strange environment. It was truly terrifying but incredibly exciting. Here’s what some of our team members had to say about their concerns:

Alistair Mills, Melbourne –‘I went on my own so I was nervous about meeting new people and settling in. I arrived in Melbourne with just a back pack so it was a little overwhelming however I had a new place to live and a group of friends in no time. It forces you out of your comfort zone and really gets the best out of you. It’s a big decision and of course it’s a little daunting but ultimately really rewarding.’

Abigail Stevens, Sydney –‘Before going I knew nothing about Australia at all, except for what I learnt from Home and Away! I didn't realise there would be big modern cities and it would be a great place to take my career forward. I therefore only had Australia on my itinerary for a three month stop over – I ended up staying three years!’

Michael Black, Colorado –‘I was worried about the altitude (9,000 feet) and being away from the folks, but I fell in with a great group of guys and settled in very quickly.'

Calum Smith, New York –‘No concerns whatsoever – just a lot of excitement at the thought of it!’

We all have our concerns when making such a dramatic, life changing decision, we are only human after all (except maybe Calum – who didn't seem to be nervous at all). At Think Global Recruitment we go out of our way to help anyone who is worried or concerned about their move, we want them to feel safe in the fact that they are making one of the best decisions they will ever make.

Moving on to my next question for the group, did their move meet their expectations? Every single person said no. It exceeded them. It’s hard to envision what it will be like when you are literally stepping into the unknown, you know it’s going to be scary, you know it’s going to be exciting and you know that if it all goes wrong – you can come home but when it comes down to the nitty gritty, you have no idea. 

When I asked the team what disappointed them about their move, Kevin mentioned that the size of beer cans in America are considerably smaller than the UK and Alistair noted that Australian TV is rubbish. Both huge deciding factors when moving overseas! On a serious note, nothing was really disappointing. It's such a fantastic experience that the highs most definitely exceed the lows.

So what advice would our experts offer to those considering a move…

Alistair Mills, Melbourne -‘Go for it! It’s an amazing experience and something that you will look back on with great memories for years to come! From a practical sense, make sure you research the location and find a role that you will be able to do comfortably! Use a recruiter to make sure you have some help with each stage of the way and to secure you the best deal!’

Abigail Stevens, Sydney -‘Do it! It will give you amazing life experiences and friends for life. You will become a more rounded individual with increased knowledge and confidence.’

prolonged her visit) –

Calum Smith, New York – ‘Embrace it – go with a completely open mind and just take every experience in, good or bad! I would also recommend immersing yourself in the local culture wherever you go!’

Daniel Scott, Austria & Spain – ‘My one piece of advice is if you get the opportunity to travel and experience a new culture or new environment, DO IT!’

Kevin Dillon, Thailand & South Carolina – 'Buy the ticket and take the ride! Go head first into each and every situation and do things out with your comfort zone on a regular basis. Try and integrate into the local community and culture as much as you can, you’re not going to like everything but at least you can say that you tried. If there’s anything that you couldn't or wouldn't do at home that you've wanted to do then this is your opportunity!’

Lara Caswell, Mozambique & South Africa - ‘Throw yourself into it wholeheartedly, to this date it is the most exciting, rewarding thing I have ever done!’

Michael Black, Colorado – ‘Do it! It’s a great thing to do, build your confidence and experience; I wish I had made the move sooner as I did so much growing up when I was there.’

Roger Edwardson, Austria & Belgium – ‘Make sure you do research on the location and try and visit there beforehand to get a taste of the culture. Also make sure you talk to locals and don’t be afraid to ask for help.’

Everyone was so enthusiastic about living overseas that when I asked if they could open a Think Global Recruitment office in another country, would they? Everyone said yes.

Obviously our moves have given us the experience needed to be able to advise others on living overseas but how else has it enhanced our careers? I believe that it gives you edge, makes you stand out from the crowd, people are instantly interested in you because you have done something different.

Daniel Scott, Austria & Spain - 'You learn a lot about yourself and also a lot about how to handle situations and interact with people on a different level to what you would at home'

Roger Edwardson, Belgium & Austria - 'My time overseas improved my language skills and gave me a great sense of independence'.

Abigail Stevens, Sydney - 'I know about living and working overseas first hand and now help others to Improve their Lives by doing the same. I believe I gained the confidence to run my own business through the overseas move. I am used to being out with my comfort zone and meeting new people and this really helped.'

I must admit, when I initially typed the questions into an email, I expected that everyone would have vastly different answers, how could they be the same when we all traveled to opposite ends of the globe? We all returned home, not one of us wanted to come back and every single person has had the best time that they could have imagined. I would personally advise every single person to take the plunge and live in another country, experience the culture, the beauty and the excitement. Whether it’s for three months or three years, you will not regret it.

So, there’s a little bit more about our team, if you have been placed by us (or would like to be) and would love to share your story, get in touch!

By Emma Maloy, Marketing Assistant

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

OPEN FOR ADVICE - ASK ABIGAIL

It's the New Year and for many of you that means making resolutions of changes you wish to make in your life, whether it is starting the gym or changing jobs.

In my career I am proud to say that I have helped improve people's lives from every Continent in the World and understand the obstacles that are in the way of progressing your career Internationally. I have updated my blog to provide an 'Ask Abigail' section to allow anyone that has questions to ask. Just click on the tab or here to find the list of topics that I am happy to provide comment and advice on.

Above is a cut-out of a feature in the December issue of the CA magazine where I was asked to provide comment for accountants who are considering 'Finding work in Canada'. I was approached by ICAS to supply comment on the topic because of the experience I have in not only the Accountancy recruitment sector but also in regards to moving overseas and relocation. I take pride in providing honest and free advice and have in the past discussed provided comment in multiple international accountancy journals.