Work and live abroad

[Babber101]

Always wanted to live and work abroad just to experience a different culture and way of life. Should have done it in my 20s. Now in my 40s with kids, I have looked at it a few times but it looks a monumental effort in terms of finding nice schools and not completely screwing my kids over

Work in UK financial services in sales/commercial leadership which I know is very country specific (highly regulated and not that many multi-national employers)

Current employer is entirely UK focused

Looked at Australia(we have friends there) but it looks like Im now too old. Never fancied Dubai

I could get a EU passport through grandparents


Just wondered if anyone ever done similar or whether it’s just another thing I need to put on my list of great idea never gonna happen!

I realise it’s incredibly hard finding jobs in the UK let alone abroad

[Opapayer]

Work is probably too late, especially as you are in a very U.K. centric role with skills that won’t transfer easily to another legislative system. Live is a definite option in retirement, but I d be getting that EU grandparent citizenship claim in as quickly as possible. With it, you will have easy options, without it a lot of hurdles to overcome.

[Babber101]

Thanks for reply

[Blue_star]

Moving countries brings a lot benefits but its long and difficult process. For me multicultural experience is a great development point for every person.

Moving kids might be risky for them. Unless company pays for very good school and you have time to set up social circle for them, I dont recommend. Not saying it would be bad, Im saying its risky. They are vulnerable when young. So you will need to keep close eye on them.

You can achieve cultural enrichment for them through summer camps and long road trips. I mean, if all voters for restore/reform today visited auschwitz tomorrow these parties are completely irrelevant, know what I mean.

Once you are older and no dependents perhaps you can take sabatical try it out.

Get eu passport yday! Also for kids

[sassthathoopie]

I lived in the Cayman Islands for a couple of years. There is a large ex-pat community there, mostly working in financial services. It seems like it is the kind of gig to do for a few years and then go to another financial centre in order to avoid being pigeonholed as just an offshore specialist.

[Palmela]

I'd agree that getting an EU passport should be your first priority. I'd also agree that uplifting your children, especially with an uncertain work prospect, might be premature. What you can do though is travel extensively and find places you like.

I was fortunate in that my employer helped with admin and schooling so I enjoyed regular moves abroad and now live in Europe. It's possible, but don't under-estimate the challenges.

With all that said, I'd still encourage some research and dreaming; who knows where you might end up...?

[Barchettaman]

Get that passport sorted ASAP. I am dual nationality GB/DE, travel a lot for work and it’s a real advantage.

I’ve lived on and off abroad for 34 years, the last 26 years full-time, and have really enjoyed it. Unless you’re a squillionaire there will always be pros and cons, but that’s a discussion you need to have with your nearest and dearest.

[Nicetobenice]

Definitely get the passport sorted.

Opens up European options for work and retirement that are much more difficult without

[miko382]

Moving your family in your 40s is a massive project, especially with school-age kids to consider. Getting that EU passport might open up some options, but it is understandable why it feels like a daunting task to plan out.

[croyde]

Not sure if having a Euro passport will help much as your kids probably won't automatically become whichever country you choose.

Others may know better.

I got an Irish passport after Brexit through my grandad. So it stops with me and doesn't help my kids.

If I were to have kids now, that would be different.

Met a guy the other day where he had it the other way round. Lived in Sweden for umpteen years, had kids there but never got citizenship because we were all one big happy Euro family.

He moved his family back to the UK for work, then Brexit happened.

Kids have Euro passports, but he only has a Brit one. Speaks fluent Swedish and wants to go back there, but it won't be easy.

Good luck with it all, I'm sure there'll be a way if your children aren't grown up.

I was going to move to Spain (may still do) and only my youngest could have moved with me but now he's 20, that window is fast running out, as I would have to be a resident before he hits 21.