[thelist] Re: Working in Europe

[Graham Bird]

Steve,

Many thanks for your advice. I would definitely be sorting out work before
I go anywhere, and I'm looking at Holland partly because I'm hoping English
isn't such a problem there.

Anyone got any other insights into this?

Graham

>Message: 25
>From: Steve Cook <steve.cook at evitbe.com>
>To: "'thelist at lists.evolt.org'" <thelist at lists.evolt.org>
>Subject: RE: [thelist] Working in Europe
>Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 10:37:30 +0100
>Reply-To: thelist at lists.evolt.org
>
>Having moved from the UK to Sweden 3 years ago my main piece of advice would
>be: DEFINITELY arrange your job and preferably your accomodation BEFORE you
>move out.
>
>When I moved, I had a place to stay, but no job. I assumed that it would be
>pretty straightforward to get one and as it turned out I was lucky and
>managed to land one fairly quickly, but even then it surprised me how long
>it took (4 months). With the current economic climate I would suggest that
>it is even more important than ever to arrange everything up front. Be
>prepared to visit a few times before you move, you can book a whole set of
>interviews within the same 2-3 day period, travel out and do your interviews
>then travel home again.
>
>If you don't know the language, then I would recommend starting an evening
>class while you're still in the UK, or alternatively aim for
>British/American companies who use British as their company language. Here
>in Sweden it's very common for Brits to work at Volvo for a few years and
>still not be able to speak any Swedish (lazy blighters!).
>
>Look into the requirements for living in the country. Despite the EU
>arrangement, many countries still have requirements that you be registered
>as resident in the country for tax purposes etc. In Sweden I had trouble
>getting a residents permit until I was employed full time.
>
>I can't help with agencies or anything I'm afraid, but I hope this general
>advice is of some help. Moving country is intensely exciting / stressful /
>fulfilling / irritating / mindopening! In my case I would say it's probably
>the best thing I've ever done, though I've spoken with people who've been
>utterly miserable as well!
>
>Good luck!
>(BTW, I don't think this is particularly offtopic! People move country to
>pursue other job choices. Seems like quite a good subject to me ;-)
>
>
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