Last updated on Jul 24, 2024

Here's how you can use resilience to thrive in a global career.

Adapting to a new country's work culture, managing language barriers, and handling the unpredictability of expatriate life all demand a hefty dose of resilience. This quality, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, is essential for success when you're building a career abroad. It's not just about bouncing back; it's about using each challenge as a stepping stone to greater personal and professional growth. If you're considering or currently navigating an international career, resilience will be your most valuable companion. Here's how you can harness it to flourish globally.

1 Cultivate Flexibility

Embracing flexibility is the first step in building resilience for a global career. When you work abroad, you'll encounter different business practices, work ethics, and social norms. Rather than resisting these differences, learn to adapt by observing and asking questions. By staying open-minded and flexible, you can adjust your expectations and actions to fit new situations, which is crucial for overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities in a diverse workplace.

Add your perspective

Sebastian Wilken

CEO of Connect Marketplace Asia
Report contribution
There is a difference between working abroad and emerging oneself in a new environment. Adjusting oneself to a new setting may it be as an employee or in an executive position is like a poker game. It is not enough to know the rules it is more important to study and understand the other players. Flexibility can only be of use if the basics are available but basics without the ability to improvise and read the next moves will not to sustainable success. Yes, flexibility is important but it should mean to reach an amalgam of one's experience and skill sets with one's ability to adapt, while staying true to oneself. New environments and cultural settings can make one doubt oneself but in the end it comes down to one's determination to succeed

Like

2 Develop Networks

Creating a robust support network is a critical component of resilience when working overseas. Connect with local colleagues, expat communities, and professional networks to share experiences and gain insights. These relationships offer emotional support, practical advice, and can open doors to new career opportunities. A strong network can help you navigate cultural nuances and workplace dynamics, making your global career journey less isolating and more rewarding.

Add your perspective

3 Embrace Challenges

Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth is a hallmark of a resilient mindset. When faced with difficult situations, such as navigating a complex project in a new cultural context, focus on what you can learn from the experience. This approach allows you to develop new skills and competencies that can enhance your career prospects. Embracing challenges also builds confidence and demonstrates to employers your ability to handle adversity.

Add your perspective

4 Learn Continuously

Continuous learning is vital for maintaining resilience in a global career. Stay updated with industry trends, invest in language skills, and seek out cultural training. This proactive approach to personal and professional development not only makes you more adaptable but also more valuable in the international job market. By consistently expanding your knowledge base, you're better equipped to handle the changes and uncertainties that come with working abroad.

Add your perspective

5 Manage Stress

Effective stress management is essential for sustaining resilience while working internationally. Develop strategies to cope with the pressures of adapting to a new environment, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices, or hobbies that connect you to your new community. These activities can provide a sense of stability and well-being, helping you to maintain focus and perform at your best in your global role.

Add your perspective

Barbora Horáková

🏔️ Helping you to create a resilient, high-performing life abroad that drives fulfillment, satisfaction & beyond | Living Abroad Resilience Coach 🏔️
Report contribution
📌 To thrive have a high-achieving career growth abroad, build resilience. ❎ Being resilient doesn’t mean that you won’t experience difficulty or distress. ✅ The goal is to build coping skills, so you can adapt well over time to life-changing & stressful situations ❓HOW❓ 🤗 Identify triggers 🤗 Be kind to yourself 🤗 Take care of your mind 🤗 And take care of your body It takes time and intentionality 💪 But you got this

Like

6 Reflect Regularly

Regular self-reflection is a powerful tool for building resilience. Take time to assess your experiences, celebrate your successes, and learn from setbacks. Reflecting on your journey helps you understand your strengths and areas for improvement, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of a global career. This practice also reinforces your sense of purpose and keeps you aligned with your long-term professional goals.

Add your perspective

James C.

Senior Marketing Professional | CRM Email Marketing | eCommerce | Marketing Strategy | Marketing Analytics | Digital Marketing
Report contribution
Develop a robust self-care regime to balance out the challenges of working in a global environment. Set aside time for spending time with your family or friends, take time to review the highs and lows of the week, and also reach out to a trusted career coach if you have the means to do so. This is a good time to reflect, reduce any sense of doubt coming from the challenges of living and working abroad, as well as refocus your sense of self and purpose.

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can use resilience to thrive in a global career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Cultivate Flexibility

2 Develop Networks

3 Embrace Challenges

4 Learn Continuously

5 Manage Stress

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Working Abroad

More relevant reading

Here's how you can use resilience to thrive in a global career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Cultivate Flexibility

2 Develop Networks

3 Embrace Challenges

4 Learn Continuously

5 Manage Stress

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills