June 25, 2025 
7 mins to read Have you ever felt that itch, the one where your daily routine starts to feel a little too predictable, and you catch yourself dreaming of somewhere else? Maybe it’s a sunset in Lisbon, a cosy café in Greece, or the idea of starting fresh with a job abroad. Whether you’re thinking about a gap year or looking to build your work experience in a new environment, taking a job abroad is one of those decisions that can completely shift your perspective.
So many people scroll through job in Europe listings, picturing a more exciting, colourful version of their lives. But what does it actually feel like to say yes to work abroad?
Let me take you back to where my story began. Coming from Austria (and I think many people from Germany, Austria or Switzerland will relate), life was safe, well-structured, and predictable. And that’s exactly what made the idea of going abroad feel both risky and exciting. When everything works at home, it’s tempting to stay. But deep down, I knew I needed more than just comfort. I just started looking at options to find a job abroad and eventually said yes to a role in Spain.
Later, I found myself in Norway, a place I never expected to love as much as I do now. Looking back, it wasn’t about choosing the perfect destination. It was about giving myself the opportunity to grow, explore and start writing a different story.
What keeps you from moving abroad?
Before you pack your bags and book that one-way ticket, it’s normal to feel unsure. Especially if you’re from the DACH region like me, where planning, stability, and structure are such core values, moving abroad can feel like going against everything you were taught to prioritise.
You might catch yourself thinking: “What if I can’t find a job abroad?”, “What if I feel lonely?”, “What if I don’t fit in?”
I had all of these thoughts too. When I moved to Spain, I was convinced the sunshine and easy-going lifestyle would be perfect. And for a while, it was. But then I noticed that I actually missed cooler days, mountains, and a bit more structure. That realisation led me to Norway, a place that felt unexpectedly right.
What I learnt is: you don’t have to know where you belong from the start. You just have to try. And that’s exactly why travelling abroad and taking a gap year can be such a great starting point. It gives you the freedom to explore a new country, gain work experience abroad, and live outside your comfort zone without needing to commit long-term.
Are you curious about a job abroad and ready to feel inspired?
Taking the leap into something new can feel big, and that’s part of what makes it so exciting. Once you take that first step, everything begins to shift. Travelling abroad, whether for a gap year or a job abroad like I did, gave me something I didn’t even know I needed. I felt more present, more alive, and more open to whatever came next. The doubts? They got quieter. And the good stuff – the growth, the fun, and the surprises – took over.
The bright side of moving abroad
Let’s focus on the good stuff, because there’s a lot of it. Maybe way more than you might think.
1. You grow in ways you didn’t even expect
When I first arrived in Spain, I had no clue how to set up a bank account, I barely understood the paperwork. But I figured it out. Then came the small wins: managing public transport, grocery shopping in a new language, learning how to read people’s tone even when I didn’t know every word. One day I caught myself helping another newcomer settle in and that’s when you notice you’ve grown.
And it’s not just a feeling – research shows that living abroad actually helps you develop a clearer sense of self.
2. You become more patient (and more chill)
In Norway, it took me weeks to find a flat. Everything moved slowly. I messaged landlords who never replied, viewed places that were nothing like the photos, and lived out of a suitcase longer than planned. But I stopped stressing. I started taking walks by the fjord in the evenings instead of constantly checking my emails. And just like that, things began to fall into place.
3. You see the world and yourself differently
I used to think I’d thrive in a big, loud city, but Spain taught me I crave nature. Norway confirmed it. Living in two completely different cultures made me question what I thought I wanted and helped me discover what I actually need to feel balanced and free.
4. You make connections that change your life
One of my closest friends today is someone I met at a language exchange. At first, we just swapped Spanish and English over some glasses of wine and now she’s the person I call when I’m stuck or homesick.
5. Your future self will thank you
Years ago, applying for jobs meant writing timid cover letters and hoping to get noticed. Now? I write CVs with confidence. I’ve worked in two countries, adapted to different cultures, figured things out on the fly. That stays with you. And when I look back, I don’t think about what went wrong, I think “thank god I did this.”
Yes, there are challenges, but they’re worth it
There are moments when you miss home so suddenly it hits you in the middle of the supermarket because they don’t have the bread you’re used to. There are days when you feel like a total outsider, like that time I sat in a waiting room for over an hour, only to realise I needed to take a number and no one had told me. And yes, dealing with bureaucracy can feel like a full-time job.
I once had to go back to the same office four times just to register my address. It’s frustrating. But here’s the thing, every little challenge adds a layer to your resilience. You stop expecting everything to be easy, and you start trusting that you’ll figure it out.
Each challenge teaches you something. They remind you that you’re stronger than you think. When I moved from Spain to Norway, it wasn’t because something went wrong, it was because I grew, and my needs changed.
So… should you do it?
If you’re wondering whether work abroad is right for you, here’s my advice: say yes to work abroad. Even if it’s just for a while. Even if you’re scared. Even if you don’t know exactly where to go.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be open to finding out along the way. So whether you’re browsing job in Europe listings or wondering where to start your search for a job abroad, remember this: a job abroad can be the beginning of something great.
It might take time to settle in, but give it a real chance. Show up, stay curious, and trust that the experience will shape you in ways you can’t imagine yet.
The most important part? Just say yes.
That one yes could change your whole life.
If you have read this blog post and you have any questions on moving abroad and getting a job in Europe, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help!
