Working abroad as an introvert: Is it a good idea?

Not everyone is outgoing. Some people don’t get loads of energy from doing new things or meeting new people. But being a more introverted person doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy working abroad.

So working abroad as an introvert: Is it a good idea? We think taking the leap of living and working abroad can be exactly what you need in life. Sometimes staying in your comfort zone can be too comfortable. In this blog we tell you everything you need to know.

Can introverts enjoy working abroad?

Let’s make one thing clear: being an introvert doesn’t mean that you are shy or antisocial. We understand that, and that’s exactly why introverted people can enjoy working abroad as much as other people. 

The benefits of living abroad as an introvert

• Personal growth; living and working abroad helps you become more independent, confident and open to new experiences. Being in a new environment will teach you more about yourself and your preferences
• Meaningful connections; you don’t need a large social circle to feel at home in a new country. Introverts can build strong friendships through work, hobbies or shared interests with other people
• Better communication skills; working internationally can help you develop your communication skills, improve your language abilities and it makes you become more confident in unfamiliar situations
• Independent exploration; discovering a new country on your own allows you to explore at your own pace and enjoy experiences without relying on others

Why you don’t need to be outgoing to build a fulfilling life abroad

Introversion isn’t loneliness. You can enjoy solitude while maintaining meaningful relationships. A small group of genuine friends can create a strong sense of belonging. You can do this by finding a working environment that matches your strengths and social preferences. It’s likely to find people that you really like within this working environment. But we will also say to you: take your time. You don’t need to adjust immediately. Building a fulfilling life abroad happens at your own pace.

The challenges of working abroad as an introvert 

Of course not everything is great. For introverts, living and working abroad can be overwhelming and full of challenges. These are some of the hardest challenges:

Meeting new people in an unfamiliar country

Starting a new life abroad means building friendships from scratch. For introverts, approaching new people and starting conversations can feel intimidating, especially when everyone seems unfamiliar.

Adjusting to a new culture and work environment

Different communication styles, workplace expectations and cultural habits can take time to understand. Introverts may need extra time to feel comfortable in unfamiliar social situations.

Feeling overwhelmed by constant social interaction

Working abroad often involves meeting colleagues, participating in team activities and communicating throughout the day. This can become exhausting for introverts who need quiet time to recharge.

Being far away from familiar routines and support networks

Moving abroad means leaving behind friends, family and the routines that provide comfort. Without this familiar support system, introverts may initially feel isolated or find it harder to adjust.

The best jobs abroad for introverts

There are multiple options if you want to start working abroad. We think these jobs are the best jobs abroad for introverted people:

Customer support jobs

Maybe talking to customers all day doesn’t sound like a dream job for an introverted person, but we think it might be perfect. These conversations are structured, so it might be a lot easier than spontaneous socialising. 

Find our customer support jobs abroad

Technical support jobs

Within these kinds of jobs you combine problem-solving with customer interaction. The focus is mainly on the problem solving part. 

Find our technical support jobs abroad

Content moderation jobs

Working with digital content in a structured environment. Within content moderation you won’t have interaction with customers, only with coworkers.

Find our content moderation jobs abroad

IT and tech jobs

Another job where you don’t have a lot of interaction with customers. There are opportunities for more focused and specialised work.

Find our IT and tech jobs abroad

How to make friends abroad as an introvert

There are multiple ways to make friends abroad if you are an introverted person. You could start by building friendship one-on-one, doing this with a coworker you bond well with for example. Or you could join smaller activities or hobby groups. This is where you probably meet like-minded people. The same goes for expat communities. Not all expats are social butterflies. There are people just like you, who are also looking for new friends abroad. 

And last but not least, give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings. Making new friends takes time, but that’s the case for everyone. So don’t panic when you don’t have a new bestie after a few weeks abroad.

How to choose the right destination

When you want to take the leap and start working abroad, picking the right destination is one of the most important choices you will make. For introverts we think it’s important to pick a city that fits your lifestyle. Find a place that offers activities that match your interests. This can be anything, so do a thorough research about different cities across Europe. 

Consider the size and atmosphere of the city as well during this research. If you don’t thrive in a buzzling and busy city, don’t start living there. Pick a more calm and slower paced place to start living in.

Accommodation and social activities

Introverted people commonly need more moments where they can be on their own. So make sure you find a home where you can get that privacy when you need it. A full apartment on your own can be expensive, but maybe your employer can provide you with this. 

If you have the privacy of your own apartment (or bedroom), don’t use it too often. Make sure to balance social activities with quiet time. Too much of either of these things will probably make you unhappy. 

Tips for moving abroad as an introvert

We have a few tips for introverted people moving abroad:

• Don’t pressure yourself to make friends immediately; making friends takes time
• Establish a routine as soon as possible; this saves you energy as there are not a lot of surprising that happen during the day
• Plan time to recharge after work; give yourself enough resting time to recharge
• Start with manageable social activities; do things you really enjoy!
• Research the job and work environment beforehand; find a location that suits you

Is working abroad as an introvert worth it?

Working abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience for introverts. You don’t need to become an extrovert to enjoy life abroad. The key is finding the right job, destination and lifestyle for your personality. 

Job Squad can help you find a job that fits your personality. Our recruiters love getting to know you, so they can help you find the right match. We also help you with the relocation process. So don’t hesitate and contact us for the best help in finding a job abroad as an introvert!