How crises affected expats' relationship with work
Ever since the COVID-19 crisis and its resulting global lockdowns, the approach towards work for many employees and especially expats, has changed drastically. Remote working has become the new norm in many cases, and many have embraced this flexible option. In fact, it allows people to work from wherever they want without having to cope with a fixed schedule, public transportation, or traffic in the morning and evening.
But this is far from being the only reason. Many have redefined their careers, asking themselves real questions about their career path and their future. These reconsiderations have led many to search for new ventures in businesses that are more in tune with their values. Others have undertaken a professional reconversion to give more meaning to their life as expatriates. Some have left the city to settle in the countryside, preferring a more flexible and less stressful job, whereas others have decided to choose a fully remote job to avoid remaining in the same place all the time. As a matter of fact, the number of digital nomads has been growing rapidly over the past few years. In 2021, they were more than 10 million, and it is estimated that their number had increased by 40% in only one year.
Furthermore, work-life balance has changed a lot. In many cities with large expatriate populations, such as Dublin, London, Paris, Taiwan, etc., many are looking to compensate for their sometimes-hectic work lives. They get the most out of their life outside of work, which drives them to reassess their situation in their host city or country. Some will even choose to say goodbye to their expat life after many years abroad for an ultimate return to their roots. At the end of the day, it will all come down to finding a job that will not force them into living to work but allow them to work and live.
The pandemic has not been the only reason for this. In 2022, the world experienced high inflation due to the war in Ukraine, along with other geopolitical and economic tensions. Again, many expatriates have reconsidered not only the value of work but also the way they carry out their professional activities. Some may be surprised to read this, but it's a fact: because of rising energy prices, some have decided to forgo remote working and return to their workplace to save money. In some cases, this comes as a necessary sacrifice, especially for those who have seen their bills increase up to 300%. This may sound counterintuitive, but some people have had to face up to the fact.
Quitting work to enjoy life
With one crisis after another, many people have also decided that working is no longer a priority. They feel that their work robs them of the opportunity to see the world and enjoy every moment, especially when you never know what tomorrow will bring. This is why the number of resignations and requests for sabbatical leave is high. Some decided to travel around the world; others wanted to discover their own way of life and take the opportunity to experience their host country as they had always wanted to do since their arrival. Some will undertake training courses or even go back to their home country for a while without giving up their expatriate status. The motivations are diverse, but the result is the same: living to work is no longer the priority.
But enjoying life is not the only motivation! Many people have also given up the life of a salaried employee to become a freelancer or to create their own business. The recent crises have taught professionals, particularly expatriates, a few things: the classic company as we know it is no longer the only option, and many trades can be carried out as freelancers. Moreover, many have chosen to become their own boss, and when you already have a sturdy professional network, things tend to get easier when you start your own business.
Expats have their say on the value of work
The world has changed and evolved, and expatriates are well aware of this situation. Some of them shared their views on the value of work with us.
"Before COVID, I was teaching English and French in a language school. I used to come in person every day for private or group lessons, but I wasn't well-paid. When we were locked down, the school was closed, and many of my courses were canceled. So, I had to adapt in order to continue to have an income, without which it would have been impossible for me to continue to live in my host country. I discovered an online platform that allowed me to post ads and find new students. After the lockdown, I gradually moved away from the school (which has reopened since) and devoted myself 100% to my online courses. After all, I only need a quiet place and my computer, I can work from wherever I want, and I make a better living!", says Lucie, language teacher.
Devon, a young graduate from the US who was on an internship, took the time to rethink his future."I was not quite sure if I wanted to go back to the US once my internship was over or accept the offer of a permanent contract. I miss my country and my family, even though I love my life in Europe. But when I came back for Christmas, I realized that the cost of living had increased so much and that it wasn't easy to secure a job. I felt that returning home permanently really didn't make sense at that time, so I decided to stay and accepted the company's offer."
For Estelle, who is also an expat, the Covid pandemic was an eye-opener. "Before the COVID crisis, I never pictured myself working from home at all. For me, it was obvious that working at the office would be better because there would probably be way too many things at home that would distract me. But I was so wrong! The lockdown opened my eyes. I learned that working at home helps me to focus better and to be more productive. I've really taken a liking to this working arrangement, and I don't think I would ever give it up. I am lucky that my company is flexible; I can go back to France whenever I want and work from there, or go to another city for a few days without any constraints. I'm less stressed than before, and I get to enjoy my free time."
As you might have observed through these testimonies, the value of work has shifted significantly and continues to evolve as the world changes with the current crises. Workers are adjusting and making sure that their work is no longer a mere obligation but something they have chosen, in the way that best suits their own life priorities.
