Welcome to Ask a Girlboss! It's our advice column where real experts answer your burning career questions. Have a dilemma that needs solving? DM us on Instagram and we'll get right on it.

The dilemma: "We’ve talked about pivoting careers, but what if I want to move to another country (and therefore, need to find a new job)? What are the next steps a person should take to make sure not to start from the beginning when moving to a new country?"

The expert: Laura Sheehan, associate director of graduate coaching at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service (learn more about Pivot Coaching with Laura).

In late 2003, my husband and I set out on our first international move to Tunis, Tunisia, for his first posting abroad as a U.S. diplomat. After wrapping my mind around the generalities of location and culture, the process of packing up our lives and preparing for the physical transition occupied most of my thoughts. I didn’t even consider asking the great question you posed. 

As a newly licensed attorney, I was especially naive; arrogantly certain my skill set would be easily transferable and that I would be in high demand as a U.S. lawyer. 

Surely, I could find work anywhere…

Enchanted by the idea of exploring new lands, meeting new people, and having incredible adventures every day, I underestimated the harsh realities of an international move. 

After arriving in Tunis, I quickly learned that while starting anew is thrilling, it also launches a rollercoaster of emotions and can have a direct (and lasting) impact on one’s career trajectory. 

Tunis was just our first overseas post. Over the span of nearly 20 years, we went on to serve in six more countries across the Middle East and in Asia. Eventually, in every location, I found my place—as a person and a professional. 

Looking back, I could not have dreamed of a better way to explore the world and raise our children. If asked, I would do it all over again. That said, I acknowledge that the years were not without some anger, resentment, and a feeling of loss over the life I “could have lived” and the hypothetical linear career I “should have had.” 

In the hopes that my lessons learned can make your journey more joyful, I offer the following pointers (with a few extras in my TEDx Talk on Career Change: The Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Now).

7 Strategies for Pivoting Your Career When Moving Abroad

Twenty years ago, moving abroad seemed an almost outlandish and certainly daunting undertaking. Today, if you are considering moving abroad, you are far from alone. According to The Wall Street Journal, “[In 2025], the U.S. experienced something that hasn’t definitively occurred since the Great Depression: More people moved out than moved in.” 

Here are seven key considerations to help you transition more smoothly.

1. Acknowledge What You’ll Be Leaving Behind

A move abroad affects every aspect of your life—from relationships and career to daily routines and identity. It can also bring a surprising range of emotions. One helpful framework for understanding this adjustment is the Kübler-Ross Change Curve, which illustrates the emotional stages people often experience during periods of significant change. Recognizing that both excitement and uncertainty are part of the process can make the transition feel more manageable.

2. Choose Your Destination Thoughtfully

No place is perfect, so clarity around your priorities is essential. Consider the factors that matter most to you, including: cost of living, climate, language, career opportunities, healthcare systems, and culture. If you are evaluating multiple destinations, try creating a list of key criteria and comparing how each location measures up. Some factors may carry more weight than others depending on your goals. Are you seeking a short-term adventure, an extended sabbatical, or a place where you might eventually settle long term? Expatsi has some great resources, including an online “test” to help you identify the country that will be the best fit for your personal and professional needs. SheHitRefresh is another fantastic site that offers support to women over 30 looking to move abroad.

3. Think About Who Is Coming With You

Relocating internationally can look very different depending on whether you are traveling alone or with family members. If a partner or children will be part of the move, their needs will influence many of your decisions. Partners may require employment opportunities in the destination country, while children will need access to schools, activities, and social networks. Considering these factors early can help ensure the move is positive for everyone involved.

4. Understand the Nitty-Gritty Logistics

International relocation requires more preparation and a greater financial investment than a domestic move. Before committing to a destination, research the practical requirements for living and working there, such as work and residency visas, tax obligations (both in the U.S. and in your destination country), healthcare access, housing availability, and banking systems. It is also critical to investigate whether your professional credentials or licenses will transfer to your new country. If possible, visiting your destination in advance can provide valuable insight into neighborhoods, transportation systems, and everyday life.

5. Start Building Your Community Early

One of the most rewarding—and challenging—parts of moving abroad is building a new social network. When I relocated internationally, I adopted a simple rule: accept every social invitation. Expat networks can be an excellent starting point. Platforms such as InterNations and Families in Global Transition bring together internationally mobile professionals and families who understand the unique experience of living abroad. Community centers, volunteer opportunities, language classes, and hobby groups can also help create meaningful local connections.

6. Planning Your Career Abroad: Choose the Fork-in-the-Road that Fits You Best

And now for the career considerations! In broad terms, you can initiate the job search in one of two main ways: taking your current job with you, or finding something new. Is there an opportunity with your current employer either for you to transfer to an overseas office or telework from a new location? This is a great way to maintain your professional identity, your income stream, and a sense of stability during a time of big transition. Remote.com and FlexJobs.com both have great articles on how to ask your manager to let you work remotely.

If starting from scratch, you can either look for opportunities in the local economy or secure new remote work. Remote work has expanded dramatically, opening new pathways for professionals who want to build location-independent careers. For a comprehensive list of remote work job boards sorted by industry, check out CareerValet’s Top Remote Work Job Sites. Students and recent graduates can explore international job boards and country insights through Interstride. Mid-career professionals may find opportunities through networks such as Expat.com or MoveForWork, which connect candidates with employers offering relocation packages and visa sponsorship. 

7. Embrace the Adventure!

Relocating abroad is exciting and complex. It requires planning, resilience, and adaptability. The rewards—new perspectives, deeper cultural understanding, and unexpected friendships—are what make the journey worthwhile. As the 13th-century theologian Meister Eckhart said, “And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”

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