One of the questions Turkish professionals ask me most often is:
“Is it worth looking for a job abroad?”
Usually, that question comes with a few others.
“Is it even realistic in today's job market?”
“Will my experience be valued internationally?”
“Am I too old to make such a move?”
“Which countries should I focus on?”
After years of working in international recruitment and now supporting mid- and senior-level professionals with their global job searches, my answer is usually:
Yes, it's worth exploring. But not every country or opportunity will be right for you.
Where should you look?
When helping my clients decide which countries to target, I usually consider four things.
1. Your language skills
English may be enough for some international roles, particularly in multinational companies. But in other markets, local language proficiency can make a significant difference.
2. Where your experience is in demand
Your experience might be highly valuable in one country and much harder to position in another. The key is identifying markets where employers are actively looking for professionals with your expertise.
3. Where your industry is growing
A country might have an attractive job market overall, but that doesn't necessarily mean it offers good opportunities in your particular industry. Look at where companies are expanding, investing, opening new operations, and hiring.
4. Where you actually want to build a life
This is the one I wish more professionals considered before sending out hundreds of applications. Because getting the offer is only the beginning.
Would you enjoy living there? Could your family adapt? Would the lifestyle, culture, climate, and cost of living work for you?
Don't choose a country only because it offers you a job. Think about whether it offers you a life you'd like to live.
A little personal story
In 2008, I was a recruiter who couldn't get recruited.
The financial crisis had hit, recruitment projects had disappeared, and I found myself looking for a job.
I applied for HR positions. Nothing. I even adjusted my CV for supermarket cashier jobs. Still nothing.
And then, somehow, an opportunity took me to Türkiye.
In 2009, I arrived in Istanbul with one suitcase and a phone I'd accidentally blocked while waiting at passport control.
An excellent beginning to my international adventure.
Those first months were a mix of excitement, confusion, getting lost in Istanbul, learning how things worked, which cheese I like, and occasionally feeling completely overwhelmed.
Seventeen years later, Türkiye is my home.
And I hardly recognize the person who arrived with that suitcase.
Moving abroad didn't automatically make my life better. At the beginning, it probably made it even harder. But it introduced me to people, experiences and opportunities that changed the direction of my life.
That's why, when someone asks whether moving abroad is worth it, I usually say yes.
Not because another country will necessarily offer a better job or a better life.
But because of the person you might become along the way.
So, should you start looking abroad?
My advice is to explore your options before making any major decisions.
You don't need to resign, relocate, or commit to one country to begin.
Start by understanding where your experience has value, which markets offer realistic opportunities, and what kind of life you want to build.
And remember that an international job search, especially at senior level, can take considerably longer than you expect.
The earlier you start with a clear strategy, the more options you give yourself.
If you'd like some help
I offer two ways to work together.
Global Job Search Strategy Session (1:1)
A focused 90-minute session where we evaluate your experience, review your LinkedIn, CV, and positioning, and develop a practical job-search strategy.
Learn more about the 1:1 session
Get The Right Job
For professionals who want more comprehensive, personalized support throughout their international job search - from positioning their experience and improving their CV and LinkedIn profile to networking, approaching recruiters, and preparing for interviews.
Explore the Get The Right Job program
Whichever path you choose, remember that your international career doesn't have to start with a plane ticket.
It starts with understanding where you want to go - and why.
Wishing you success wherever your career takes you,
Inuta
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Hi, I’m Inuta Sert. A Global Job Search Coach, helping mid- to senior-level professionals land jobs in Türkiye and abroad.
