Are you a foreign worker looking to change jobs? Please read this first.
At one point or another, every foreign worker comes to the point when they consider changing jobs. It doesn’t have to mean that they are unhappy with the current position. At first, they were pretty enthusiastic about it. But somewhere along the way, the burnout kicked in. They started feeling like the job wasn’t allowing them to reach their full potential. They got tired and bored. It’s time for a change.
The good news is that the job market can always offer some new opportunities. But if we’re talking about foreign workers, things are not that easy. In the U.S., foreign labor is governed by specific rules and regulations. In addition, the social circumstances impose several things for you to consider.
Let’s talk about this, shall we?
There are 6 major things that every foreign worker must consider before changing jobs:
- The way this job shift might impact your immigration status
- The costs of relocation
- The lifestyle changes you’ll have to make
- The difference in corporate policies and culture
- Your personal motivation for moving to another job
- Your plans for the future
We’ll discuss these issues one by one.
6 Important Things for Foreign Workers to Consider Before Changing Jobs
The Impact on Your Immigration Status
Let’s start with the laws and regulations that concern you. In this particular case, you should read the regulations of the Labor Certification Process for Permanent Employment of Aliens in the United States.
When you came to work in the U.S., you obtained certification that allowed you to do your job under the legal framework. In most cases, your new employer will have to prove that they need to hire a foreign worker because the U.S. workforce lacks workers with the qualifications and skills that you have. You obtained your certificate because your current employer contributed towards the process. If you lose the job, you might lose the status and have to start the process all over again.
It’s a complex scenario that might require a consultation with a lawyer. Talk to the lawyer to see how this change would affect the visa status of your family, too. As for your new potential employer, you have to inform them about your status.
The Costs of Relocation
If you got the legal things covered, you can take a deep breath. That’s the hardest part of the process. But you know what? You’ll face a few other issues along the way. If the new job requires relocation, it will impose additional costs. You will need a specific relocation budget, which will cover the expenses for travel, shipping furniture, storing your belongings in the meantime, and buying new things when you get to your destination.
Your new employer might be able to help with temporary accommodation when you move. If they can’t do that, they will refer you to a local agency that will find you adequate accommodation as quickly as possible.
You have to make a plan. Get information about the average rent and all relocation costs that you’ll have to cover.
The Lifestyle Changes That Come with the New Job
When you came to the USA, you made fundamental lifestyle changes. The new country includes a whole other level of living standards to get used to. But you probably noticed that every state, city, town, and even neighborhood has a different vibe here. When you move to a new place because you got a new job, you’ll have to be prepared for new lifestyle changes.
If you’re moving to another state, in particular, you should consider the climate, crime rates, cost of living, quality of schools, and every other aspect that would affect you and your family. Do your homework, so you won’t get unpleasantly surprised by the change.
The Difference in Corporate Policies and Culture
The job itself will impose lifestyle changes, too! Each office has its unique culture. If you got used to the corporate climate in your current job, you might not like the shift to a more serious office with colder relations between the employees.
You need to get a good sense of what this new working place will feel like. You’ll be there every working day for a long period ahead. Search for information online. Join Reddit and ask around. You might encounter people who’ve worked there and are willing to share their experience.
Your Motivation for a Change
What exactly motivates you to make this change? Are you looking for a greater job satisfaction, better pay, or better career opportunities? When you’re considering a new job, it has to meet the specific goals you have.
So make those goals very clear before you even start the job hunting process.
Your Plans for the Future
How does this new job fit into your plans for the future? If you’re planning another move or you want to go back to your home country soon, maybe changing your current job is not the best decision? But if you have specific career plans and this new job is a stepping stone, then you should absolutely go for it.
The Take Away
Jobs don’t last forever. Changes are good and lead you to a brighter future. But each change is associated to risks, so you have to consider your overall career journey before making this decision.
Foreign workers are not as familiar with this job market, so they often overlook important things before changing jobs. You don’t want to make an uninformed decision. Go through the six considerations we listed above and ask yourself: are you ready for this?
Happy Career Hunting! We are here for you!
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Alexandra Reay is an editor and regular contributor to AssignmentGeek and UK Assignment projects. She is also an assignment helper who prefers to do research on the following topics – self-improvement, technology innovations, and global education development.
