Commentary: Relocating for work is tough — but the gains are well worth the discomfort and hassle

A new generation of Singaporeans are making a mark on the global business stage: TikTok’s Shou Zi Chew, Lucence’s Dr Min-Han Tan, and Workstream’s Desmond Lim immediately come to mind. As more and more Singaporeans seek to broaden their prospects both locally and abroad, we can expect the list to keep growing.
But moving overseas for work is a choice full of trepidation. The thought of leaving our comfort zone and stepping into an unfamiliar environment can be daunting, even despite the professional gains such a choice may offer. 
One wonders: Is it truly worth it to leave our little red dot and venture abroad? 
According to a new study by Cigna Healthcare, globally mobile individuals experience higher stress levels (86 per cent compared to the global average of 80 per cent). However, they also report better mental well-being — 58 per cent of globally mobile respondents report “excellent” or “very good” levels of mental well-being, compared to the global average of 46 per cent. 
This suggests that while international assignments can be challenging, the resilience and adaptability developed through these experiences can also contribute significantly to overall well-being, and by extension, fulfilment in one’s career and life.
However, while overseas assignments can be immensely valuable for personal and professional development, we first have to be clear-headed about the benefits and priorities we are seeking before making that leap. 
Having spent a significant chunk of my career based outside of Singapore, here’s my two cents on the matter. 
After completing my studies at the National University of Singapore in 2010, I had the privilege to pursue further education at Imperial College London and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 
My career began with roles across government, local and international firms like the Singapore National Healthcare Group and DocDoc. I was with CXA Group, an employee benefits startup, when I relocated to Hong Kong in 2016. 
This move was driven by personal and professional motivations. I was hungry for the unique learning and growing opportunities I would get from being part of the founding team in a new market. At the same time, my partner was based in Hong Kong and the opportunity to bridge our distance was too good to pass up. 
I later joined Cigna Healthcare’s global strategy team, eventually becoming a medical director.
In 2023, I moved to Dubai to take on a larger portfolio, leading the Middle East & Africa team in addition to Asia Pacific. 
The abundance of career opportunities overseas, especially in dynamic markets like Hong Kong and Dubai, has been instrumental in accelerating my professional development. 
For example, I was given the opportunity to cover the Middle East portfolio, even though I had no experience working in the region. This was a direct result of having spent a large part of my career overseas — I’d built up a track record of being able to successfully adapt to new geographies. 
It wasn’t always easy, though. Building a professional network quickly from scratch while adapting to a new environment was challenging, especially as an introvert. 
Support from associations like AmCham and BritCham was invaluable in helping me understand the local business landscape better. They connected me to business partners and helped me navigate the complexities of operating in a new market. 
Having local contacts in overseas markets was also vital for acquiring on-the-ground intelligence about industry trends, regulatory changes and emerging opportunities. 
In an unfamiliar market, participating in networking sessions and coffee chats is critical to building a professional support system and accessing new opportunities. I had to continually push myself out of my comfort zone to engage with new people, often in unfamiliar environments. 
It’s also important to keep in mind that socialising professionally abroad will often require one to navigate cultural differences. 
In the Middle East, for example, understanding and respecting religious holidays and cultural practices is crucial. In certain countries, such as Saudi Arabia, gender segregation in the workplace and minimising physical contact during business meetings are norms that require careful review and getting used to.
In dealing with all these new challenges, it’s also really helpful to have some added emotional support in a foreign environment. 
In Hong Kong, I had a close-knit group of friends who became like family, creating a sense of community that was incredibly important in helping me adjust to life abroad. I hope to develop similar relationships during my time in Dubai.
Reflecting on my journey, I realise how much I have benefited from working and living abroad. 
Overseas experience is attractive to employers, especially as certain skill sets like adaptability, open-mindedness, and people skills are becoming increasingly highly valued in today’s business landscape. I can certainly see how much it has positively impacted my own career trajectory, and made me more adventurous in seeking new opportunities.
However, being away from home has its trade-offs. I’ve missed family gatherings and major milestones in the lives of my loved ones. 
My children also spend less time with their grandparents than I would like. These sacrifices become more significant as I move into a different phase of life.
Although leaving behind close friendships may be bittersweet, in my view, the long-term benefits of expanding one’s horizons and diversifying one’s experiences far outweigh the short-term disruption.
To those considering an international adventure, I encourage you to be clear about your goals. 
What are you seeking? Short-term secondment, or a full-fledged relocation? 
If it’s global perspective and cross-cultural competence, how will the opportunities before you offer that to you?
If it’s to set yourself apart in your career, how will certain postings do that for you?
Understanding what you hope to achieve will ensure that the time spent abroad adds value to your career and that the sacrifices along the way are worth it. 
At the same time, stay open-minded to new people, new experiences, and unexpected quests that materialise along the way. 
At the end of the day, it’s up to each of us to seize whatever opportunities we can to find success and happiness, wherever in the world that may take you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Soo is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she is currently a medical director for Asia, Middle East & Africa at global health services company Cigna Healthcare.