Every now and then we all hit a fork in the road. Although I have been happily employed for almost a year now I’m currently breaking out of my comfort zone to travel for a year.
Making this decision was far from easy. There were a lot of emotional breakdowns before I could calmly proceed. The guilt and anxiety I felt about abandoning my co-workers plagued me for almost a month as I carefully weighed my options. However, this opportunity was just too big for me to pass up. But I also know many of you recent grads and young professionals plan on taking a year to work abroad and gain some international experience. So I went to a few professionals to help me — and you —figure out how to get over the anxiety of working abroad.
“A great way to keep out your emotions is to only assess the facts of the situation and make a list if need be of the pros and cons of your decision,” suggests Muneeza Khimji, business, life and corporate coach.
Kelly-Lee Mansi, president of Courageous Conversations Inc., suggests going back to one’s original vision of the future.
“Reframe your perspective and realign your thoughts and actions back to your original vision of life and career aspirations. You are entitled to have everything you desire — success, happiness, fulfillment — and your decision to accept another opportunity is simply a step towards achieving that. It is important to keep reminding yourself of this.”
Leaving a good situation for the unknown can be hard. Many even have a hard time leaving jobs they hate because they’ve settled into the routine.
“The reality in the world of work is that people leave all the time for all different reasons,” says Mansi. “Companies actually plan and expect you to leave at some point. That is the purpose of turnover rates and succession planning, especially with new graduates.”
Another aspect to prepare for is fielding the questions from your co-workers and boss on why you are leaving and where you are going.
“It is important to remember not to burn your bridges. Leave on good terms,” suggests Khimji.
