Moving Country - 15 Ways to Leave Your Mother

Are you thinking about moving abroad? We know that planning a move overseas is exciting and here at Think Global Recruitment our team has visited, lived and worked in many countries across the globe - so we know there's a lot to think about! With that in mind here are our top considerations on how to ‘leave your mother’.

Choosing your location

• Planning a move is a great opportunity to work out what your long term career aspirations are, and how your next step can help you reach them. Every overseas location will offer a different type of work experience. Talking to people who have lived and worked abroad can help. They might just suggest somewhere you wouldn't have considered ordinarily!
• Ask yourself if location or career progression is more important to you. While you might be attracted to one location for the career growth opportunities available there, the culture in another location might have a greater value for you.
• Pinpoint what is important to you in a location: Do you want to discover a different culture? What do you want to do outside of work? Are you keen to develop a second language – or is it important that at work your colleagues speak in your native tongue?
• How do you feel about being away from family and friends? There might be a location with direct and cheap flights home that will allow you to relocate without feeling disconnected.
  
  

Getting a job

• 
  Help your CV to stand out in the local job market. It's likely you will need to tailor your CV for the country you are applying to, as well as to specific roles. The information that prospective employers look for in a CV varies from country to country. For example Australian employers look for lots of details of previous jobs and certificates of achievement in a CV whereas the in USA employers tends to like a brief, to the point CV. Doing some research on how your target country (or countries) like a CV is a good start.

• Be mindful - it isn't all about the money, money, money! A prospective salary will always be important but consider everything on offer, the whole package. In this day and age remember that you are unlikely to make vast savings on your cost of living unless you are in a developing location. Keep in mind too that there will always be 'distractions' to spend your money on, wherever you are!

Taking care of the practicalities

• Usually your new employer will arrange your visa for you but you'll have to gather the accompanying paperwork and fill in forms yourself.
• 
  If you have financial ties at home consider how you will continue to meet these. It can be hard to rely on sending money home with exchange rates and other issues. Understanding the implications for your pension is smart too!
• Tell your current bank that you're moving, organise your direct debits and understand how much access you'll have to your accounts when you move. Having accessible savings and a credit card for emergencies will offer you peace of mind. It's a good idea to find out before you go what you will need in order to set up a bank account, including any fees you might have to pay.
• Some locations do offer tax benefits such as tax free salaries or low tax rates. Wherever you are moving to it's important to understand how much tax you will be required to pay and what the implications are back 'home'.
• Your health is vital so find out about healthcare and dentistry. It may be that your new employer offers these as part of your package – however it's organised make sure that you have a contact number and know where it is!

Making your new location Home

• Many of our accountants find that when they get into a role they quickly build relationships with colleagues and making new friends is a big part of building your new life. That said, it can really help to have a friendly face on the ground when you arrive. When Irish CA, Aisling, moved we put her in touch with an English girl who we had also assisted in moving to Hobart, Australia . She told us “she was so helpful, she helped me out with loads of stuff.”
  

• Reach out - if you can find a fellow country man or woman working in a similar field to you on LinkedIn get in touch. Leah, who we have helped to move twice, relocated in 2014 to the Isle of Man. She told us “there is a huge Filipino community so it's really nice knowing that your fellow countrymen are there when you are so far away, it's very comforting.” However independent you are having a link to home can be great.
• 
  Keep in touch – while your new job will keep you busy the folks back home will want to hear how things are going. Set up Skype and make sure you have the contacts for the important people in your life, as well as in your business network.
• Once upon a time getting on a boat and taking to the high seas was the only way to really find out anything about another country. In today's super connected world even if you can't visit there's so much you can find out. When we helped Leroi, CA move from South Africa to Abu Dhabi initially he admitted that the different culture was 'quite difficult'. Since then he's come to see the cultural difference as a highlight of his stay! His advice to anyone considering an international move is 'Do your research so that you have a bit of an idea of what to expect. Whilst seeing your new location on screen is no substitute for the real thing, Instagram, Twitter and Lonely Planet will all help you to find out what's going on at your destination - it's a good way to make some local connections too.

Wherever you choose to move there is a whole team at Think Global Recruitment who can support you every step of the way, and we're only ever a phone call away.

ABIGAIL'S TOP TEN SHOWS FROM EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 2015

Unlike some locals, I absolutely LOVE Edinburgh Festival!  

I have had a great festival so far this year and thought I should share some of the highlights.   These are shows I would definitely recommend attending in the forthcoming last week.

Apologies to the venue for my snaps, not sure you wanted me to use my camera, but its all publicity after all!?

Velvet - The Famous Spiegletent, St Andrews Square
Bought to Edinburgh by the Australian Le Clique group, this show already had a high chance of being excellent.  I always love Le Clique performances and this one did not fail to impress. 

Marcia, the lead singer has an excellent voice.  She and the other two lovely female back up singers deliver many excellent songs, taking you back to Boogie Nights Disco Inferno era.

Costumes are glittery and glamorous, oh and in a couple of the acts risky and sexy.

The acrobatics are excellent and there is another surprise act in the show which I won't give away.

The whole show has heaps of energy and is incredibly entertaining.   You'll be dancing in the aisles by the end of it.  A must do if you haven't already.. or even a must do again if you have.   I have been twice already.

Le Haggis, Assembly, George Square Gardens SpiegleTent.
Wow, wow, wow.   I have also been to this show twice.  It was that good!  

It is like Le Clique turned Scottish and put on speed. 

Although it starts a little slower, once it gets going the show is on fire!  The lead signer, this time Male, gives you the impression he has so much energy, he might even be a little crazy!    He stomps up and down the stage throughout the show with huge enthusiasm and confidence...  and why not, he has a cheeky smile, looks good top less in a kilt and in fact out of one...

The acrobatics are also really good.  It is nice to see one of the female artists dressed in feminine underwear rather than the black briefs and bra tops so many sport in other shows these days.  The male acrobat has a nice sexy number.. followed by a good tie in to Scotland (did you know Scotland is the only country in the world that has a soft drink that outsells Coke?)..

The Female singer has an amazing voice also.  The lovely back up ladies and gents complete a prefect band, delivering excellent music.  

On both nights I went the audience gave a standing ovation, which included everyone getting up to dance the last number.

Thanks to the crew of Le Haggis.

The Church of Malcolm, George Square Main Buildings. 
This was one of those pot luck shows we went to.  A few of us had time to kill, so went onto the app and found this gem in the half price Hut.  A shame to see it there, having now been.  It deserves to be a sell out. 

Malcolm tells his story as he sings excellent songs, with his son and another young man accompanying him, that remind me a little of the Beetles. 

Malcolm also has two guest acts in the performance, which adds a little variety to the hour that flew by.  He also invites the audience to join them on the stage at the end.  At least half the audience took him up on the offer, where the other half stood up and danced where they had been sitting.

The entire show is uplifting, it's great fun and you will come out with a big smile on your face. 

Hendrick's, 91 George Street, by the Famous Grouse pop up bar.
I had no idea what to expect, which I think partly accounts for the fact I loved it so much, not just the generous shares of gin. 

I don't want to give too much away in this review so that I don't spoil it for others.  I can share that you will be taken on a magical tour that will explore all senses.  

The rooms are decorated perfectly to help you explore the senses.  I love them so much that building is for sale and I would love to buy it just as it is to make a very quirky  office block (we are currently based next door). 

Sonics of Toren, Gilded Balloon, Teviot House, Bristo Square
Absolutely fantastic acrobatic show.  Futuristic costumes, dream scape, great imagination, I couldn't put my camera down, every moment was a wow one.

The lovely cast were outside, very humbly taking the compliments everyone leaving gave.

The Coin Operated Girl, Liquid Rooms Annex, enter through the Cowgate
One lovely lady talking about her life, working in the oldest trade in our world,  as a prostitute.  Yes that right. 

Absolutely hilarious.  You can imagine she would have some great stories, which she has and she delivers them in a well timed, funny manor.

She does also get in a couple of important, more serious, messages worth listening to.  Prior to finishing up with the Top Ten Things Men Ask For...

Go see, it's free, but of course she deserves every penny you can donate at the end, for a top show.

Christian Reilly, Songs of Insolence

One man, one guitar and a huge variety of impersonations.   A lot of humour, with some obligatory politics thrown in. 

Get there early for a seat.  It was so popular the room was packed and we sat on the edge of the stage.

Donate for this free show also! 

Tina C - Her Story, Underbelly, opposite the BBC stage.

A friend suggested this one to me, knowing the artist.   I knew nothing about it and had already committed when I discovered it Tina C is a Country singer.. eeek, the only music I hate.   However, I have to say, I was soon turned! 

Tina C is extremely intelligent, she sings very well, using her own lyrics which are witty, humorous and sometimes political.  She also has great dress sense and sparkles on the stage.

After all,  Scotland is being ran by the Fish people.. Sturgeon and Salmon...

The one hour went extremely fast and I love it!

BARBU Electro Trad Cabaret, Underbelly's Circus Hub, Meadows
Another acrobatic show, but with a different slant.  I hope the male part of the cast don't mind my saying, but they proved you can do acrobatics with an average shaped body. 

These bearded Canadians  (French Canadians I believe), did a range of acrobatics with some great graphics and music in the background.  The DJ sat above them seemed to have modelled himself on Jonny Dep in Pirates of the Caribbean,  very well.

In contrast to the men, the two ladies in cast looked exceedingly fit!

From roller skating, to human towers, somersaults and nakedness, this show has it all.

BBC, Gary The Tank Driver
This one, I don't think you can go to, being a one off interview with the main actor and one of the actresses from this TV show.  I don't have a TV so didnt know the programme or what to expect.  However, found the interview very entertaining, interesting and fun.  I would also recommend hanging out in the BBC Gardens if you are looking for somewhere peaceful to chill and the sun comes out again before the end of the Festival.  

Bleeker, Fingers Piano Bar 2am 

Having such a good time and don't want the evening to end?  Then head to Fingers Piano Bar.  Fingers is an Edinburgh Institution.  Its a very down to earth, basic Piano bar.  It is packed to the brim in August, so be prepared to Queue and be squashed a little when in side.  Dont worry though, it is very well ran and you very rarely see any trouble in there.  Most people who go are in a good humour ready for a good sing song and dance.  Much loved local band, Bleeker are playing at 2am, once the Pianist finishes. 

Whatever you do, do go out and enjoy the Festival.  Take in the atmosphere, visit the pop up bars and people watch. 

Maria's Story: Isle of Man - safe, green, clean and the ideal location for me right now!

We recently spoke to Maria who has made two international moves and is now thoroughly enjoying her new life in the Isle of Man! Originally from the Philippines, Maria then moved to Malta before settling in the Isle of Man.

Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

My whole family wanted a better life and had moved to various places overseas. Financially and career wise, it made sense to me.  

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

One of my colleagues from Malta recommended Think Global Recruitment.  So quite soon after calling up you had helped me find a new position and move from Malta to the Isle of Man.

Did you have any concerns about moving overseas?

 

Leaving my family behind in the Philippines was obviously hard and also being further away from members who had moved to the US was difficult too.

However, I settled in quickly.  My firm really helped me with this and a bank account was opened and an apartment was found, everything was good.  

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

I was hoping to work with solid, professional clients within a Big Four Firm, to feel safe and secure in my new home, somewhere green and not too built up.  That is exactly what I got.

Did you feel that the move improved your standard of living?

My standard of living on the Isle of Man is much better than that in Malta.  You can make more money and I have a better apartment.  

What are the highlights of your location?

The Isle of Man is green, safe and clean.

What disappointed you about your location? 

Nothing!  It is the ideal location for me at the moment.

What cultural differences did you notice?

Although Malta is supposed to be quite British, the Isle of Man is much more so.  I love being exposed to that.

What is your current job title?

Audit Executive

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas?

Financial reward, career progression, exposure to bigger and more interesting clients are all advantages.  Promotion is also much faster here than in the Philippines.

What advice would you offer to accountants that are thinking about working overseas?

I would recommend this experience to every professional, particularly those from the Philippines or other locations that are not as economically "sophisticated".  The UK experience has been crucial for my career.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

I am very impressed by how Think Global Recruitment treat candidates.  My consultant guided me through every step and supported me on an individual basis.  She made herself available to answer any questions - even over weekends.  I really felt that she understood my eventual goal and would work with me to get me there.

Do you believe the original move you made with Think Global Recruitment has enhanced your career?

Absolutely.  It has enhanced my CV, my career prospects have improved and I have gained relevant experience.

We wish Maria every success and a long and successful career with PwC!

LONDON TO SYDNEY – NOT JUST A CAREER CHANGE BUT A LIFE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER – Samantha Frost, British CA

In 2005, Samantha moved from London to Sydney. She had a friend who wanted to travel with her originally but sadly had to pull out. This did not stop Samantha though and 10 years, a husband and 2 children later, Samantha is still in Sydney and has never looked back!

We recently caught up with Samantha to find out about her move and how her life is now.

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

I had previously lived for a year in Spain, having moved there knowing no-one and not speaking a word of Spanish so it wasn’t too scary but the thought of leaving my parents as I am an only child was concerning. I knew no one in Australia but I reconciled myself to leaving with the knowledge that I would be able to come home if I was miserable.

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take you to settle in?

I think I settled in fairly quickly. The routine of work and forming friendships via my job made it easier to settle in. The gorgeous weather and outdoor lifestyle really suited me as well. A year after my move, I met my husband through my work and meeting him and having that security quickly made Sydney feel like home. 

Did your move meet your original expectations? How?

Sydney’s lifestyle exceeded my expectations as the people were very welcoming. It also made me realise how unhealthy my lifestyle in London had become. Life in Sydney made me feel immediately healthier and better as I wasn’t spending every evening in the pub with friends. As I didn’t have friends immediately, I had much more time to do recreational sightseeing. I fell in love with the city!

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

The best thing about my move to Sydney was meeting my husband. The biggest benefit to my move now is the childhood and lifestyle my children enjoy, something they would in no way have in London. The weather is far better in Sydney, the city is beautiful and our house here is much better than the one we would have had in the UK.  I also gained enough experience during my first placement, that myself and my husband felt we could open our own management consultancy.

What were the highlights of Sydney?

The weather and city were definite highlights for me. As well as this, the work/life balance I achieved in my second job was great. The people were very welcoming.

What culture differences did you notice?

The Australian and British cultures are very similar.   I found the main difference to be in the lifestyle. Australia’s lifestyle is based on the outdoors and is a lot healthier than the UKs.

If you are in a different location to where we placed you, when and why did you leave?

After my initial role in Sydney with PwC, I moved my career on to work for Macquarie Bank. I then stayed at that job until 2013 when I left to have my second child. After this, I joined my husband at his management consultancy.   

What is your current job title?

I am a Director.

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?

I would not have got my second role if I had not moved to Sydney. Because of my move, I am much more self-reliant and I am not scared to fail. I am also much braver and bolder because of my international move and having to fit in with other cultures.

What advice would you offer accountants thinking about moving overseas?

Do it! If it all goes wrong, you can go home and at least you will have tried. If it goes right however, it will massively improve your life and career.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job?

They were very encouraging my consultant, had already moved from UK to Australia previously. He gave me the confidence to make the move from London and then when I was ready to move on from my first job, he helped me gain my new role, a move which I would never have imagined I could do.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

The firm’s (Think Global Recruitment’s) market knowledge is an advantage definitely. Consultant’s commitments, client contacts and networking abilities were also positives.

We wish Sam and her husband all the best in the running of their consultancy Think Consulting.

Abigail’s Journey

It's our 15th birthday and in celebration we're looking at the journey of the lady who started it all – Abigail Stevens. Here we talk to her about the journey she's been on since Think Global Recruitment started in July, 2000.

How did you get into recruitment and how did you get to the point of setting up Think Global Recruitment?

I lived and worked in Australia for 3 years and when I came back, I visited Edinburgh for a few weeks. I fell in love with the city and haven’t left. After a while the agency I was temping with, while looking for a job in marketing, offered me a job in recruitment, when I asked what was involved they described it as ‘like running your own business’. I was sold.

Celebrating Think Global Recruitment's First Placement, 2000

After a year with that agency, I was headhunted into an international accountancy consultant role where I was quickly promoted upwards. At an assessment for management buy-out, I was identified as a good candidate to work my way up to Director and be involved. However, this highlighted my entrepreneurial strengths and after weighing up my options, I decided to set up by myself instead.

I had the passion for international accountancy, myself and my team were smashing targets and I realised I didn’t have the passion or much input into other business areas in the company. That’s how Think Global Recruitment started.

Have your offices always been on George Street? From the very start we’ve been in this building. We started on the second floor at the back then knocked through and doubled it, then moved upstairs where we had a view of Edinburgh Castle. Now we take up most of the top floor with views of the Castle on one side and down to the Fourth on the other side of the building.

How has the technology used in recruitment changed since you started? Right from the start we have tried to innovate and stay ahead of our competitors. When we set up we bought three computers (many of our competitors were still using card indexes) and created our own database of accountants and prospective employers.

TGR Stars Softball Team 2004

We used to fax CVs out, couldn’t send mail-shots with attachments. Sifting through manual directories was a big part of our job. Now we have video interviewing, Skype and social media making the world smaller for us and the accountants we place.

Which technological advancement has helped you the most? It probably isn’t what most people think! LinkedIn is great but that helps our competitors as much as it does us. We like to be innovative and use sources and methods others do not use.

Email with attachments, the death of faxes and affordable and improved mobile phones and flights have probably helped us most.

Chartered Accountant Ireland Wine Tasting 2007

Picnic on Think Global Recruitment's Balcony 2009

It’s an international business – where do you most enjoy visiting? Australia, New Zealand and the Far East… However, I really do love travelling almost anywhere.  Every location has something special going for it that will improve the accountants we work with lives.

Bollywood Charity Fund Raiser 2008

What’s been your favourite hotel over the years, has that changed? If I’m away for more than three nights I always prefer self-catering. When I was visiting London, Sydney, Wellington and Edinburgh regularly we used to book Ascot Apartments. The apartments were decorated in the same style throughout the world and they let me keep a suitcase of bulky or liquid essentials, in every one, that was good. It felt like home.

Christmas Market Carboot Sale Charity Fund Raiser 2008

Favourite cuisine and most unusual food tried? My favourite food would be Thai. I’ve tried the Aussie meats such as crocodile and kangaroo and emu but I have to admit, I am not keen to eat anything that looks like what it was before it died!

Think Global Recruitment Taxi 2001

How many miles do you cover in a year? I get on a plane more often that I do a car. It varies but by the end of the year it will be over 40 journeys.

What’s your favourite airline? Emirates at the moment. Their staff have been known to frequently approach as I take my seat and say “Hello Miss Stevens you are our most frequent flyer on board today”. Even on an A380.

Worst moments? The attack on 9/11 the human impact of it all and then the impact upon the business that came after that. The recent Worldwide Recession, having opened offices in Sydney, Glasgow and London and the requirement to restructure was very sad at the time, but the one thing that kept the business going and to emerge again and become the largest, longest running specialist international accountancy recruitment consultancy.

'Abigail' Herald Newspaper 2001

Think Global Recruitment famous for its parties over the years!

And best moments? There are many. Our first placement – Edgar went into the Channel Islands. Getting pictures from people in their new destinations; that's when you can really see that you’ve improved their life. Sell out conferences, my number two, Ali returning to the business six months after he left. When clients say that we're the best supplier for both quality and quantity and that they really appreciate your service. This happens very often, but still makes me feel great, it’s all worthwhile!

Recently uncovering people who we helped find jobs as juniors who are now at the most senior level in the same company we placed them in more than ten years ago is really nice.

Over the years there have been so many highs; year ends, watching people develop in their careers, everyone’s first placement, when they’ve improved their first life.

And our staff day in August will probably be one of them too! We are taking the entire company away to a surprise location to celebrate our 15th Birthday. All they know right now is to have their passport up to date!

15th Birthday Cake! 2015

Our Top 10 Things to do in the Channel Islands!

As you may know, our Managing Director has been touring the globe this, so far with stops across the UK, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Germany to name but a few!  The other week, she packed her bags again and headed down to the beautiful islands of Guernsey and Jersey in the Channel Islands and returned with a ton of jobs!  We thought that we would share with you, our top 10 things to do in these less-well-known accountancy hubs!

1. Explore the surrounding islands

There are a number of small islands that make up the Channel Islands.  Full of breathtaking landscapes, a mixture of British and French culture and the best seafood you'll find in the UK, the Channel Islands are the perfect destination for a spot of island hoping!  Ferries are regular between the islands and there is so much to explore.  From Herm - the island with no cars, to Jersey and Guernsey - the two most populated islands, steeped in history and vibrant bars.

2. Soak up the history of WW2 in Jersey's War Tunnels

Learn about the dark history of the German Occupation of Jersey during World War 2.  The deep tunnels have been converted into an underground collection of galleries and information about the truly horrifying events that took place in the 1940s.

http://www.jerseywartunnels.com/

3. Don your wetsuit and take to the sea! 

Test your resilience at Jersey Seasport Centre where you can choose from a range of activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, banana rides and many more!  The Channel Islands are infamous for their range of water sports.  Book your spot here: http://www.jerseyseasport.com/ 

4. Splurge at the shops!

There are many well-known high-street shops in Saint Heilier and a handful of local shops.  There are two main markets in Jersey so there really is something for everyone!  You will find souvenir and gift shops on just about every beach with lots of homemade treasure for you to take away.

5. Relax on one of the Channel Islands' many sandy beaches

Guernsey beaches are said to be the nicest within the British Isles.  Vazon Bay has won the title of 'Britain's Cleanest Beach' so is definitely worth a visit.  With warm temperatures in the summer, these beautiful landscapes are the perfect locations for building sandcastles and enjoying an ice cream! 

6. Indulge in a scrumptious meal in Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a walled city, ideally located in the north western corner of France and has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants in Europe!  Being a seaport city, the food is mostly-as expected- locally sourced seafood!  There are frequent ferries from both Jersey and Guernsey over to this fantastic city in France.

7. Come face to face with Orangutans at Durrell Wildlife Park

This zoological park is a must visit to anyone on the island of Jersey!  The park does tremendous work to protect endangered species and is an excellent day out!  The zoo is home to a gorilla, lemurs, meerkats, frogs, iguanas, snakes and many more!  Find out more here: http://www.durrell.org/wildlife-park/

8. Watch the sunset at Corbiere Lighthouse

Take in the stunning views from Jersey's most south west coast.  At certain times of the year you can experience a guided tour around the inside of the lighthouse which is iconic to Jersey's landscape.  Or, if you're not feeling brave enough to cross the causeway before the tide comes back in, there is a nearby car park which the locals say is the best place to watch the sunset and get a bag of chips!

9. Party the night away in Jersey

For quite a compact island, Jersey has a surprisingly vibrant array of nightlife,  There are plenty of local bars and nightclubs in the island's capital Saint Helier.  Big name DJ's have been known to visit the islands.  One of the most popular hang outs is said to be Chambers Bar which is known for having live music, good food and plenty of wine!  http://www.everyoneschambers.com/

10. Pray at the Little Chapel

Guernsey's Little Chapel is said to be "the smallest functioning chapel in Europe, if not the world".  It was created by Brother Deodat in 1914 and based on the Grotto and Basillica at Lourdes, the Rosary Basillica.  This beautiful chapel is decorated with seashells and small pieces of broken china.  It's so small that there is only room for around eight people, it's perfect for a photo opportunity while exploring the island!  http://www.thelittlechapel.org/

Have you heard about our Workshop?

Want to know what can go wrong in the interview process or even at the beginning when you first apply?  Here is a short video that may explain more.

By request, we already have a workshop organised in Southampton for Monday 15th June.  If you think this is of interest for Southampton or any other location (we like to go on tour), then please contact us.

Filming and editing was carried out by one of our fantastically, multi-talented consultants - Roger Edwardson, see more of his work here: redwardson.tumblr.com 

If you would like to register, please contact Emma Maloy on emaloy@thinkgr.com or 0131 260 5850

We can't wait to see you there!