Survive and Thrive

"I did what my younger self would not have imagined. Survive in a foreign country. Build a global career while rediscovering my identity. Thrive in an international environment for the long term.

Many people thought it was one grand adventure. My younger self thought so at that time. But looking back, I saw a young woman struggling to find herself in a culture that's unknown to her. I saw her laughing at jokes she didn't understand, hesitating to mention her name and country of origin in conversations, and assuming the worst out of ordinary situations.
Living in a different country can do that to you. You become brave, even if you don't want to. You take risks. You create bonds with strangers. If you moved young, you lose the naivety. If you moved as your older self, you scrap your wildest fears.

You don't discover yourself; the country discovers you. It shows you at your bare minimum, and it forces you to ask basic questions: Who am I? Why am I doing this? Where is home? - Excerpt from the Introduction

Survive and Thrive: How to Unlock a Fulfilling Global Career and Life Adventure cuts through the hype and helps you decide whether an international opportunity is worth all the risks and obstacles.

After working in 3 countries over 10 years, with at least 2 lateral assignments, and having experienced remote working, I can finally reflect on my entire journey and share with you what I would do differently if I could start over.

I wrote this book for my younger self. But also for you-a future adventurer dreaming about exploring the world and thriving outside your comfort zone, and yet now knowing where to start.

Do you even have what it takes to go from local to global? In this book, I'll help you decide and...

Discover the truth about:

• Whether international work actually accelerates your career, or becomes an expensive detour
• How and when to build the skill set and experiences that lead to an international career
• Whether a temporary assignment, permanent relocation, or remote work makes sense for your goals
• The real financial picture: taxes, cost of living, hidden costs of relocation
• The hidden emotional and mental toll of cultural adaptation that nobody warns you about
• What do visa restrictions and legal requirements mean for your eligibility
• What do you have to gain and lose to transform yourself and thrive in an international environment

Then, understand what the journey actually involves:

• The complexity and timeline of preparation that most people underestimate
• What finding opportunities, negotiating offers, and securing work permits really entails
• The administrative maze and social isolation of your first 90 days abroad

Whether you're considering a temporary overseas assignment with your current employer, exploring permanent relocation opportunities, or still deciding which path fits your life, this book walks you through every critical decision point. You'll see past the glossy expat lifestyle posts and understand the unglamorous reality. You'll learn from real scenarios, avoid costly mistakes, and create a strategic plan for your unique personal journey.

Your international career might be the best move you'll ever make. But only if you go in with a healthy dose of reality check and an open mindset. May this book enlighten and guide you throughout the journey!

What some readers are saying

"Full of real-life stories and practical guidance, I really enjoyed the stories of different people moving to different places abroad as it helps give an insight as to how different the journey is for each person, and yet there is always a lesson to be learned." - Klyne P.

"You'll really feel all the emotions-excitement, disappointments, happy and low moments-throughout the book." - Jana I.