By Annette Winters
November 13, 2015
To hear of a professional writer going abroad usually comes with some apprehension because it is an unconventional career move.
However, if done right, this career choice can open doors and bring many benefits. The choice should not be decided on a whim and instead it should be given forethought.
A common reality for many seeking to go abroad is there are virtually no jobs available to English speakers. Getting a job can be difficult as there are no jobs available to foreigners other than teaching English but, there is a solution to this situation. Whether you are wanting to go abroad for a short amount of time to gain more experience or if you are considering staying overseas permanently, this article will give brief insight on what to expect when considering a career abroad.
First and foremost, if you are serious about beginning a career overseas, it is extremely important to start early. Always begin planning your trip (or move) in advance.
I repeat; always start early, no matter if you are trying to find a job or a place to live, start preparing yourself ahead of time and begin the job search months or even a year in advance to see what positions are available. Make preparations especially if you plan on moving overseas permanently. Here are some things to keep in mind as they will be beneficial to know, such as having a hands on approach with technology and being knowledgeable about utilizing the resources you have available to you.
As a professional writer abroad, you will learn how to access the internet in various ways because in some places there might not be the option to have Wi-Fi available at home so you will need to be flexible and setup office oftentimes in an internet café.
Being able to know what you are doing in regards to the technological aspects will help you adapt faster because you will need to know how to access Wi-Fi by using certain supplies like a Wi-Fi card, modem, or USB to access an internet connection. Also, maintain a sharing site or host site where you can showcase your portfolio consisting of articles you have written, blogs, or any other freelance materials since this is a way for employers to see how you write.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when going abroad. The market is highly competitive and there are other people looking to get into the same field, so be able to make yourself stand out amongst the others. An overseas employer can just as easily hire a native from their country who already speaks the language; what skill sets do you have that will set you apart?
Oftentimes all it takes is being a native English speaker. In China, as in other Asian countries, there is a need for English writers especially in the area of technical writing. Careers can be sought out in major tech hubs like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. Getting hired can come down to simply being in the right place at the right time and having good connections. Note your profession of writing might not be widely recognized as a professional career but your skills as an English speaker are beneficial as companies are constantly looking for writers who can edit, write, type, and document English documents for their business.
A really important drawback to be aware of is the pay. Most professional writers who decide to take their careers abroad soon discover the lack of a paycheck for months at a time. It can even take longer to see your work published. To supplement your lack of income, consider earning side income from other jobs by taking up positions like teaching English in the country of choice or working as a guidebook writer.
Being a guidebook writer allows you to have a steady income and still work as a writer and at the same time have your work published in a professional format. Keep in mind, that writing abroad can be a lonely profession despite the popular belief about people sitting on a beach relaxing all day.
The truth is it can be lonely and frustrating having to constantly meet a looming deadline and sit hours typing in front of a computer screen.
This is a daily routine for those who already work overseas. Now consider the upsides to being a professional writer abroad. A benefit of pursuing a career as a travel writer is your office can be anywhere. Also, the connections you will make will be invaluable once you decide to depart, because you can list these experiences to help you get employed elsewhere.
Out of everything to take away from this article is to remember that a career in professional writing abroad is possible, however it is important to remember to be patient. Opportunities do not open up immediately – it might take some time to see progress in your journey.
Ultimately, it comes down to being prepared whenever a future employer sees your work and is ready to hire you.
