8 Reasons to Consider Moving Abroad
The decision to move abroad is not one to be taken lightly, but with the correct planning and the right reasons, it could be the best decision you will ever make.
Continue reading as we round-up some of the main reasons as to why people might decide to pack up their life and move abroad.
1. New Career Opportunities
Even if you are planning to live abroad for just a short amount of time, international work experience or volunteering looks fantastic on any CV and is a huge plus for potential employers, showing an exceptional level of resilience, flexibility and cultural awareness that many other candidates will not have acquired.
If you are planning a long-term move and taking your career to the next level is your primary motivation, then you are not alone. According to a recent study by HSBC, 71% of young UK expats learn new skills working abroad and receive an income boost, showing just how great your career prospects can be if you relocate to another country.
2. Healthcare
Although our NHS is exceptional and free at the point of use, we are not the only country with this kind of offering. Countries like Spain and Portugal also have similar national healthcare provisions, and often have shorter appointment waiting times than in the UK.
Both Spanish and foreign nationals living and working in Spain, or indeed those who are retired, can use the state healthcare system, which makes this country particularly attractive to the many Brits who would like to live out their glory years in the gorgeous Spanish sunshine.
3. Quality of life
While better weather may not be the main reason for leaving the UK, a bit of sunshine can make a huge difference to your overall sense of wellbeing.
We are not suggesting that if you move to warmer climes you will find yourself sunbathing at the beach every day, but imagine not having to haul your umbrella with you on your morning commute because of the chance of rain, or being able to plan a picnic at the weekend, safe in the knowledge that the weather will likely be fine.
In addition, many Mediterranean countries offer a much slower pace of life, perfect for expats and retirees looking for an easy-going change. Here, lunch breaks can run to two hours, with more relaxed working cultures, while people dine later on and enjoy longer evenings with their family and friends. Meals are great social occasions, and in many of these hotter countries, work can completely shut down for August as everybody heads for the beach.
4. Cost of living
With the cost of living in the UK ever-increasing and the capital city becoming less and less affordable, Brits making the move abroad will typically find that their income goes a lot further.
The UK is one of the most expensive places to live in Europe. Consumer prices are almost 33% higher than in Portugal, while the cost of living in Spain is 18% lower than in the UK.
Of course, it all depends on which area you choose to live in, your income, and the kind of lifestyle you expect, but on the whole, many UK expats find the cost of living aspect to be one of the greatest draws for them when choosing to leave the UK and move further afield.
5. Learning a new language
It is said that total immersion is the best way to learn another language, so moving abroad gives you the perfect opportunity to become multilingual, developing a highly valued skill that can open yourself up to better career prospects, new friendships and easier opportunities to travel.
Apart from making your day-to-day life a lot simpler, the satisfaction of being able to understand – and make yourself understood – in a foreign language is not to be underestimated.
6. Experiencing different cultures
Like learning a new language, it is a great privilege to be able to fully embrace another culture. There is nothing quite like seeing things from another perspective, trying new foods, embracing different religions, and experiencing new locations and architecture.
Getting out of your comfort zone and moving to a new place enables you to appreciate the world a lot more and the many different ways there are to live within it.
7. Retirement
If you have done your research and looked into how your pension payments work abroad, there can be several benefits to spending your golden years in warmer climes, along with the countless other Brits who choose to do so. Spain, in particular, remains a popular choice for retirees, with over 300,000 UK citizens currently residing there.
Retiring abroad can give you a new lease of life, allowing you to embark on exciting adventures, meet new people and experience different foods and cultures.
8. Broadening your horizons
Perhaps you are bored with your routine and crying out for a drastic change, or maybe you are feeling disheartened by the political situation in your home country. You might look at other countries and prefer the way they do things, or are tempted by lower crime rates, better care and consideration for the elderly, or maybe you just want a change – any change.
Whatever your motivations are for moving, make sure you have thoroughly researched your chosen country and have all the necessary paperwork in order before making the leap. Whether that is legal advice, financial advice, or a specialist removal company, you need to make sure you have covered all bases.
Thinking of moving abroad?
Whichever country you decide to start your new life in, Matthew James has got you covered. Whether you are seeking to retire in the sunshine with many other like-minded Brits and require removals to Spain, or are someone wanting to experience new cuisines and cultures and need removals to Portugal – we can cover your entire door-to-door move from the UK to almost anywhere in the world.
Our dedicated team of removals experts can handle full relocations, shared loads, or even just single items. With a wealth of local knowledge and years of experience, we can help make your move abroad as hassle-free as it can be.