Those looking to improve life satisfaction should consider moving abroad it seems, with over half of expatriates (56 per cent) saying they have no intention of going home. Just two per cent of expats are there for the short term and actually have a date set to return home. On average, 60 per cent said the move lived up to all of their expectations, with 38 per cent saying it had lived up to some of their expectations.
Typically, the drivers for moving abroad for expats included the search of a new adventure (56 per cent), a better work/life balance (40 per cent) and better weather (37 per cent). Other motivations referenced included better career opportunities (17 per cent), better healthcare (16 per cent) or having always wanting to live in that area of the world (32 per cent).
However, despite the high life satisfaction, adjusting to life in a new country was not easy for all. While 76 per cent found settling in an easy or enjoyable process, 22 per cent admitted they found it difficult to settle, build a social life or get to grips with local laws. Of those that found it easy or enjoyable, 13 per cent had attributed it to the preparations made beforehand.
Tom Wilkinson, Managing Director at AXA PPP International, commented: “As the search for talent becomes more competitive and new markets are emerging, individuals have more choice than ever when it comes to their careers, with many deciding that they’re after a new adventure and deciding to leave the UK to find this. It’s no surprise they’re after better weather but employers keen to retain talent should also take note that a large proportion of employees are moving abroad to achieve a better work/life balance – an attractive option in this 24/7 world.”
Wilkinson continued: “Those choosing to move abroad, however, need to go in with their eyes open, taking into account that there will be an accustomisation process where they may encounter issues and struggle with the language, housing, their finances or perhaps even loneliness. However, as our results have revealed, the majority of expats have found the process enjoyable and are there to stay – something UK workers may wish to contemplate while scraping the ice off their cars this winter!”
*December 2015 online survey of 463 expats by market research agency, Atomik.
New adventures, better work/life balance and career opportunities driving people to live abroad
Despite an initial bedding in process, expats are there to stay and loving life, reveals new research from AXA PPP International.*