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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.
Those looking to improve life satisfaction should consider moving abroad it seems, with over half of expatriates (56 percent) saying they have no intention of going home. Just two percent of expats are there for the short term and actually have a date set to return home. On average, 60 percent said the move lived up to all of their expectations, with 38 percent 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 percent), a better work/life balance (40 percent) and better weather (37 percent). Other motivations referenced included better career opportunities (17 percent), better healthcare (16 percent) or having always wanting to live in that area of the world (32 percent).
However, despite the high life satisfaction, adjusting to life in a new country was not easy for all. While 76 percent found settling in an easy or enjoyable process, 22 percent 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 percent 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 U.K. 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 U.K. workers may wish to contemplate while scraping the ice off their cars this winter!”
AXA PPP International protects the health cover needs of expats in many countries throughout the world by providing its members with access to medical treatment and support, including a 24/7 health information helpline, second medical opinion and personal case management as well as evacuation and repatriation services on all plans.
To find out more about what is and isn’t covered in AXA PPP International health insurance plans, and to get a quote call +44 (0) 1892 596420 or click here.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm (UK time). Calls may record and/or monitor for quality assurance, training and as a record of the conversation.
[Image © Yuri 2016 under license from iStock]
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