The old idiom, based on the writings of Shakespeare, tells us that ‘the world is our oyster’ and, consequently, it’s up to us to pry it open and find life’s pearls. In our globally integrated world, it has never been easier to move around the planet, experiencing the joys and challenges of overseas living.
Living abroad, or having a working holiday, is daunting at the best of times, but taking the plunge without first securing employment can be terrifying. However, across the world, the same particular jobs have the same need for new workers.
Below we will look at six jobs that can have a positive impact on the world, bring satisfaction and are commonly advertised in different countries around the globe. Read on to learn how you can make a difference and earn a living no matter where you are.
1. Aged care
The ‘baby boom’ of the mid-1940s to the 1950s, has led to a disproportionately older population than ever before in a growing number of countries. Societies around the world are facing worker shortages in the aged-care industry, making now an ideal time to enter the sector.
Australian qualifications are internationally recognised in most countries. Attaining a CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support or aged care will provide you with the transferable skills necessary to fulfil caring duties. Language isn’t necessarily a barrier, there are non client-facing roles and you will quickly learn the basics on the job.
Alongside being an accessible career pathway for many people with soft skills, working in aged care is a rewarding job. Facilitating independence and dignity through your care and support makes a big impact on the lives of those you help. Anybody who’s looking to make connections as they travel is sure to find plenty of satisfaction in a suitable care-based role.
2. Nursing and midwifery
As with aged care, there is a significant deficit of nurses needed to fulfil the global need. By 2030, the shortage will reach 4.8 million with the greatest shortfall occurring in countries in the African and South-East Asian region.
Holding an Australian degree or diploma in nursing guarantees that you meet the core competencies required by most countries to work in the nursing sector. Certain roles will require you to speak the local language, but others, such as in sample collection, orderly staff and equipment sterilisation may not.
Nurses build meaningful connections with patients, and continually learn and grow. Nursing is a widely trusted profession and, as a nurse, you will have a direct impact on patients’ lives, providing physical care and emotional support during challenging times.
3. Teaching and tutoring
English-speaking educators and tutors are highly employable, particularly in non-English speaking countries. Teaching English overseas is not always restricted to individuals with a qualification in teaching or education support. If you speak additional languages, you have a broader scope to find employment abroad. And even a basic TEFL course can provide you with the background you need to become a proficient English teacher for diverse students.
Teaching is an immensely rewarding role as you watch your students grow and succeed, knowing you have helped them on their journey. It gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise with students from across the globe, while also learning from your students.
4. Hospitality
Working in hospitality is a great way to travel the world, experience different cultures and lifestyles, and meet a plethora of new people. Some hospitality jobs do not require qualifications or training, such as dishwashers and luggage carriers. If you do have training as a chef, barista or maitre-d’hotel you may be more employable.
As passionate hospitality staff are always in high-demand across many tourist hotspots, these job roles can be easier to find for people who are looking to stay agile during their travels. For job candidates who are looking to build a meaningful career working with established and highly reputable hospitality enterprises like hotels or Michelin star restaurants, however, there are an abundance of courses available to enrol in anywhere in the world that can help you hone your skills alongside earning a living wage. This can include courses like sommelier training, chef courses, or even hospitality administration courses.
Ultimately, hospitality jobs allow you to create memorable experiences for guests, and for yourself. When working in these roles, you’ll be able to give people a positive experience in a dynamic and social environment. You are sure to make friends, learn a bit of local languages, engage with local cultures, and generally have a great time!
5. Software development
We live in an ever-expanding digital world, only made possible by people like software developers. Creating applications, websites, and systems that improve everyday life and the success of industries, is an exciting and rewarding job.
Depending on your skills, interests and experience, a formal qualification might not be necessary. Having the knowledge to solve complex problems through software development is the main criteria, and you might not need to speak the local language.
Knowing that your innovation and skill can have a global impact makes software development a highly rewarding career. The continuous evolution of the technology industry also means there are plenty of opportunities available to you.
6.Graphic design
Pictures speak a thousand words, overcoming language barriers to communicate ideas, information, and emotion. A portfolio showing your technical skill as a graphic designer and any prior experience may be all that is needed to work anywhere in the world.
Through designing logos, websites, marketing materials, social media content and more, you have the power to shape individual and brand identities, influencing the world around us. Graphic designers collaborate with clients to bring their creative visions to life, helping organisations to communicate their message effectively.
In conclusion
Our modern world in which technology and fast travel has dissolved geographical boundaries, the ability to globally pursue an impactful and rewarding career is readily accessible. Take the plunge, explore the world and enjoy making a difference in your own way.