Moving from one country to another to work abroad is not an easy decision to make. The idea of leaving your familiar surroundings, being thousands of miles away from your family, and immersing yourself in a completely new culture can be daunting. However, the opportunity to work overseas also brings a sense of fulfillment and personal growth that is invaluable. As revealed by a Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study conducted in 2024, there is a growing trend of individuals opting for a globally mobile lifestyle. These individuals, who are living and working overseas, often display a higher than average vitality score compared to those living in their home countries.
The vitality scores used in the study are based on The Evernorth Vitality Index, which measures people’s capacity to live a healthy and energetic life. Globally mobile individuals were found to have better mental well-being, physical health, and emotional stability than their local counterparts. They often feel healthy, capable, and energetic, with a strong sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Despite experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, these individuals still maintain a higher vitality score, which can be attributed to their adaptability and resilience.
One of the significant challenges faced by those working abroad is the emotional toll it can take on them. Expats often experience feelings of social isolation, detachment, loneliness, and self-doubt, which can compound their emotional difficulties and increase their chances of burnout. The study highlighted that stress levels are particularly high in certain regions, such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Expats in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya reported higher stress levels compared to those in Europe. The emotional challenges faced by expats can also be attributed to the lack of a strong social support system and difficulties in navigating local healthcare systems.
Apart from the emotional challenges, expats also face practical difficulties such as financial constraints, homesickness, work-life balance issues, healthcare accessibility, and housing problems. These challenges can impact their overall well-being and contribute to their stress levels. Expats in Asian countries like Hong Kong and mainland China are more prone to encountering work-related challenges, with a significant percentage of respondents expressing the need for assistance in navigating local healthcare systems. Despite the challenges they face, globally mobile individuals exhibit resilience, motivation, and high vitality levels, making them a valuable segment of the workforce.
The ability of globally mobile individuals to adapt to new environments, overcome challenges, and stay motivated plays a significant role in their higher vitality scores. Despite the stressors associated with working abroad, these individuals demonstrate resilience and distinct skills that contribute to their overall well-being. The study emphasized the importance of acknowledging the stress faced by expats and understanding the unique dynamics of their work-life balance. For foreign professionals, work serves as not only a source of income but also a support system, a social connection, and a sense of purpose that differs from the experience of local employees.
Working abroad comes with its own set of challenges, but it also offers tremendous opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and professional development. Expats may face emotional, financial, and work-related challenges, but their ability to adapt, stay resilient, and maintain a high level of vitality sets them apart. It is essential to recognize the unique experiences of globally mobile individuals and provide them with the necessary support and resources to thrive in their overseas assignments.