Could it be time for a new job?

No matter how much you love your job, there comes a time when even the best career loses its charm. But how do work out the difference between a bad day and a bad job? And is it really worth the upheaval and stress it may bring, especially with the current state of the job market? Below are some signs that show maybe it's time to move on.

- You dread Mondays

No-one particularly likes going back to work after the weekend, but if you literally can't face the thought of getting out of bed, and you rack your brains for excuses not to go in, then it's probably time for a change.

- You want every other job but yoursYour best friend's career has never interested you before, but suddenly you feel jealous every time they mention it. When others complain about their jobs, you wonder why they're complaining when they've got it so much better than you. If every other job sounds better than yours, then maybe you should think about applying for one.

- You feel like all you do is complain

Everyone moans about their job from time to time; it's practically a law of being employed. But if  you find most of your sentences contain some sort of complaint about your job, it may be time to look for something that makes you a bit more cheerful.

- Procrastination is your favourite task

There’s nothing wrong with zoning out every now and then. But when it begins to interfere with day-to-day activities and you struggle to complete even the simplest task, then you should probably find something that gives you more focus.

- You don't get along with anyone

Obviously we can't be best friends with everyone, but if people are unwilling to even make eye contact with you, and no-one seems to know your name, then it's probably time to find a career where you have something in common with at least one person.

Beginning a job search is never easy, but if any of the above points apply to you, maybe it's time to start updating your CV. Over on the Acorn Global website there's a fantastic selection of jobs available, and we're always on hand to answer any questions you may have, and offer support all the way through your search.

Helen Lock

Moving abroad: surprising benefits you may not have considered

There are some obvious benefits of living and working abroad that everyone knows about: a complete change of lifestyle, different (often hotter!) climate, better opportunities etc. But if you're still unsure, even after considering all the positives, here are some advantages that you may not have considered:

- It makes you appreciate the little things

From family and friends to home comforts such as a good Sunday roast or baked beans: once you move away these will no doubt be the things you miss most. But think of it the other way around; these are also the things you'll really appreciate once you get to have/see them again. After all, they do say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. 

- You can be whoever you want to be

Obviously you're not going to become a completely different person just by moving to a different country, but being in surroundings where no-one knows who you are, or anything about your past, means you are able to omit all those little details you'd rather no-one knows about.

- You've always got a conversation-starter when meeting new people

We all know the feeling of entering new surroundings and not knowing anyone. But by coming from a completely different country and culture, it instantly gives you an opener to any conversation. Mentioning that you're not local and asking for advice about where to go/what to do instantly opens up communication between you and others, and may even lead to invitations to try new things.

- It's a chance to make lasting new friendships

Of course you'll never find anyone to replace your family and friends back home, but moving to a new place means you can connect with a whole new group of people who can bring something completely different into your life. 

Relocating overseas is no doubt a daunting prospect. However, by weighing up the pros and cons and considering factors you may not have thought about before, you may start to see that there are plenty of great things waiting in store for you.

For more information and advice, and for a list of our current overseas opportunities, head over to the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Are you applying for jobs that really suit you?

Making the decision to find a new career: sounds fairly straightforward doesn't it? You may be able to update your CV, write a cover letter and send it out to prospective employers, but do you really want the job you're applying for? Does it suit your needs, and can you see yourself doing it for a while? If the answer is no, and you've just applied to several positions to gain employment as fast as possible, then it may be time to stop and think about what you really want. After all, even if you do get the job, you may find yourself looking for work again in six months time when you find it's not what you were really looking for in the first place.

Throw in a move abroad into the mix, and things then get a whole lot more complicated. The last thing you want is to give up your home, job and friends to relocate overseas, then find out six months later that it's not what you really wanted after all, and you want to move back. The cost, not to mention the emotional upheaval, probably isn't something you want to be considering at such an important time.

So before you send off that CV, you may want to consider the following points that will help you decide if the position is right for you:

- What type of person are you? Do you find it easy to follow instructions, or do you want to be the one in charge? Can you see yourself working in an office, or do you want a more active role?

- Are you ambitious? Applying for a job where there isn't any prospect of progressing will end up frustrating you if you want to develop your career.

- How do you cope with competition? Does it motivate you to work harder or is it something that puts you off?

- Do you consider job satisfaction to be important? If the answer is yes, then a job that you dread going to each day probably isn't for you.

- Do you intend to continue in the same type of employment? If you were an engineer in the UK, do you want to continue that profession when you move to another country? If not, you may need to consider starting a new profession at a lower salary point, or even completing some courses before you start.

- What skills do you have? Take some time to write these skills down: you may realise you have the right qualifications to try something new, or apply for a more qualified position with a bigger slary and better benefits.

- Is there a market for your skills in the area where you want to live? You may be the best mechanic in the country, but if there are no jobs in the place you want to move to, it may be worth considering a different location or a change in career direction.

Once you've worked out the answers to these questions, you will hopefully be in a better position to find a job - and location - that's right for you. Over on the Acorn Global website there is a great selection of jobs available, and further information on getting the career you really want.

Helen Lock 

The interview process: getting it right

So you've decided that a career abroad is right for you. You've told friends and family that there is a possibility you will be moving, researched places to live, and looked into moving costs. But there's one last hurdle before it all becomes a reality: the job interview itself. Obviously you need to get through this process before anything else can happen, so it's important you get it right. Below are some tips on making the best impression from start to finish.

- Research the prospective employer. What is the background of the company? Do they have any current projects they’re working on? This will prepare you for any questions you may be asked about the business.

- Does the company use social media? Is the tone formal/informal? Knowing this can give you a good idea about the tone of the interview and the nature of the company; it may also allow you to get to know about the people who work there.

- Have a good understanding of your abilities, interests, skills, goals and experiences; this will help you understand and present yourself more successfully. 

- Memorise specific examples of how you have used your skills to achieve measurable results in previous job situations, and apply them to the job you're interviewing for.

- Plan how you will get to the interview and how long it will take. Being prepared for any potential delays will mean there is less of a chance of you getting lost/arriving late.

- Prepare some answers for questions you might be asked. Questions such as ‘what are your strengths/weaknesses?’, ‘why should the company employ you?’ and ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?’ are fairly common.

Attending a job interview is the final step before you get that all-important job offer, so it’s important you get it right. Follow these tips though, and you’ll be one step closer to success! For more advice and information, visit the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Starting a new life abroad: the Acorn Global way

When you begin the initial search for a new job, there are many criteria you may have when it comes to finding the role you want. But have you ever considered the recruitment company who finds you the job? When considering a move overseas this is especially important, as they are the ones who will (hopefully) play a big part in your new life abroad. Here at Acorn Global we are there for you throughout the whole application process and beyond, ensuring all your questions are answered and putting your mind at ease during this exciting time.

So how does the recruitment process happen? Getting the initial interview is obviously the first part of the process. Once you have applied for a position overseas you will be assigned a Consultant who will support you through the journey. There are several different steps in the application, and they include:

- Initial application

- Telephone screening

- Local presentation: Once the initial screening has happened, you will be invited to attend a local presentation where you will be given information on the country, the company and the position you have applied for. You will also have the opportunity to ask plenty of questions on a one-to-one basis.

- Formal interview: This includes the following types of questions; technical competency, attitude and behavioural assessments, and why you wish to move overseas. If you reach the standard we're looking for, we then process their application and present the details to our client.

- Interview with client

- Job offer: The final stage would be a formal job offer from the client, subject to reference check and a successful visa application.

Then it’s time for the moving process to begin! At Acorn Global we aim to complete the immigration process and have you in your new location within a twelve week period; however because of the reliance on Government departments and immigration processes, times can vary. In the meantime however, there is a lot to organise and sort out: bank accounts need to be set up, you will need to find out tax advice, new mobile phones and numbers will need to be arranged etc. Acorn has a number of partner organisations to help you with any questions you may have, explain exactly what you need, and support you throughout the whole process to ensure you and your family settle into your new environment as quickly and easily as possible.

Then before you know it, you'll be in your new home, about to start a new career! It's a long journey, but with Acorn Global, we aim to make it as easy as possible, and are there every step of the way with you.

For more information and details of our current job opportunities abroad, head over to the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Relocating overseas with children: it doesn't have to be as stressful as you imagine!

Planning a move is often stressful at the best of times, but what happens if you add in children, and the move is to another country? Surely it's a disaster waiting to happen, especially if your kids are at the age where they're settled in school and have a solid friendship group? The prospect of leaving all that behind may understandably be met with some resistance.

Before you spend ridiculous amounts of money on bribes and gifts to soften the blow however, there are a few ways to make the moving process easier for your children to understand and come to terms with. Below are some tips to save your sanity and hopefully reduce some stress!

Plan your move as a family
Make sure your children feel that they are involved in the moving process and are part of the decision making. Involving them with this will help them to get excited, instead of dreading the move.

Talk through any concerns

Most children will probably feel stressed and upset when faced with the idea of moving, as it is a major change. Allow them to talk through their fears, anxiety and concerns with you, and provide as much comfort as possible. Be sure that they understand that it is safe to talk with you about any worries they may have.

Use the internet
Give children an opportunity to get to know their new home. Look at websites with them to show them where in Australia you’ll be living. Show them pictures from real estate sites of the type of house you'll be moving to. 

Also, if their new school has a website, be sure to show them where they'll be attending school, as well. Providing as much advance knowledge as possible will help them to feel more secure about the changes that will be taking place.

Plan your goodbyes
Make sure your children get their friends' email and postal mail addresses, so that they can keep in touch after the move. Allowing them to plan a goodbye party will help distract them and give them something else to get excited about. If you have close relatives you will be leaving behind, arranging a date in the future for them to visit will give something else for them to look forward to.

Try and get the timing right
If possible, relocate to Australia the beginning of a new school term. This allows your child to start the new school year along with everyone else, meaning they are less likely to feel isolated. Inviting new school friends round to play after school also helps take your children's minds off the major change that has taken place.

Keep communicating
Children are generally very adventurous and can become very excited about their new life in Australia. The key is to make sure they feel comfortable talking about how they feel. Feeling homesick is just as normal for children as it is for adults, no matter how successful the move has gone.

Relocating to Australia with children doesn't have to be as difficult as you'd imagine. By making sure they feel part of the process and are able to talk with you about how they are feeling, it means they are more likely to become excited about the prospect of living in another country.

For more information about moving overseas, and for a list of job opportunities abroad, have a look at the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Australian Census 2011: what does this mean for the job-seeker?

If you're thinking of moving Down Under, an obvious concern is missing friends and family. Will the Australians understand your sense of humour? Will you ever find anyone who can empathise with your desire for a proper bar of English chocolate, or cup of tea? Australians may speak the language, but cultures can vary massively from country to country.

The results of Australia's 2011 census, which was released in June this year, may help to reassure you however. out of the 21,507,717 people currently living in the country, 911,593 were born in the UK. 7,238,533 of Australians have English ancestry, a 1% higher percentage than than those with an Australian heritage. 76.5% of the population speak English as their main language, so there should be no cultural divides in that department!

The census also revealed some interesting facts about the country itself. The average age of an Australian person is 37, with only 13.82% of the population being over the age of 65. The country is still relatively young in age as well as history, which lends itself well to the outdoor, relaxed image it is famous for. 

Average earnings and household income has also risen considerably since 2006: the average wage for an individual has increased from $750 per week to $885, and the average household income rose by 20.2% to $1234 per week in 2011.

All the information revealed by the census makes for interesting and informative reading, especially if you are considering a move to Australia. With higher incomes than ever before, and a wealth of new job opportunities for skilled employees, as well as a rich and diverse culture, why wouldn't you want to move Down Under?

Helen Lock

For more information about job opportunities in Australia, head on over to the Acorn Global website.

No jobs in the UK? Move to Australia!

If you are currently searching for a new career, the constant talk of recession and unemployment in the UK is enough to put even the most dedicated job-seeker off. However, for some countries this is simply not the case: a recent report has highlighted the fact that in the next five years, Australia needs to find 800,000 new workers to keep their economy going strong.

This demand for workers has happened because there has been a recent explosion in the service industry: jobs including as mining, healthcare and education are all in desperate need of staff, but there aren't enough qualified people to fill the positions. This also means that employers are now looking further afield to find skilled workers, and the UK is an obvious choice. 

The demand for service industry staff also highlights the fact that there is a shift occurring in the job market, as the expected loss of around 85,000 manufacturing positions means more employees with professional skills are needed. 

But what does this mean for you? Well, if you have a skill, or are qualified in a service industry, there may be a job waiting for you Down Under. Low-skill jobs are only expected to make up seven percent of all the new jobs created, so the other 93% are there for the taking.

Mining companies are expected to require around 100,000 new workers over the next five years, while healthcare and social assistance employers will need 240,000 staff. Professional services companies will require 110,000 new workers, so there is a job out there to suit almost everyone. Education, tourism, retail and financial services will also create new jobs as the manufacturing sector shrinks.

If you are interested in relocating to Australia to begin a new life, it is reassuring to know there are jobs out there in these tough economic times. For more information, and a list of our current jobs, head on over to the Acorn Global website.

Helen Lock

Preparing to move abroad: the final three months

So you've landed the dream job overseas, broken the news to friends and family, and handed in your notice at your current job. Now it's time for reality to kick in, and the practicalities to be sorted out. 

Getting caught up in the excitement of a big move can mean that certain priorities get sidetracked while you plan your first barbecue on the beach. But cramming all the important stuff into the final week before leaving is a recipe for disaster, and will ensure you end up at your destination stressed and likely to have forgotten something. below are the important factors to consider in the three months leading up to your move.

Three months before

- Research shipping companies and gather quotes to see if you can get a good deal. It's also a good idea to do this for flights as well.

- If you are taking a pet with you, ensure they are fit to fly and book their flights and quarantine if required. Quarantine stations get surprisingly busy so it's a good idea to confirm you can get your pet a place to avoid stress when you arrive.

- It's a good idea to consider selling any unwanted household items or donating them to charities, family and friends. Starting early is the best plan, as this can take longer than you think.

- If possible, open a bank account in your new country, as well as an account with a currency trader so you get the best deal when transferring your money. It is also worthwhile to ask your bank for credit references at this point, as official paperwork can take time to process.

- Ask your doctor and dentist for hand-over files to take with you when you sign up to new healthcare professionals abroad.

Two months before

- At this stage you will probably be spending most of your time organising the move, but make sure to take regular breaks to avoid becoming overly stressed. Make the most of spending time with friends and family, and think about arranging dates for them to visit you; this can make the separation more bearable.

- If you have no fixed place to live once you arrive at your destination, look into renting temporary accommodation for when you arrive. Also, if you are renting your current property, make sure you let your landlord know about the move.

- If you have children, try and register them in new schools and make sure they have contact details of friends, so they can keep in contact.

One month to go

- Ensure that you have informed all the official agencies of your move: these include the tax office, DVLA, pension company, bank etc. 

- Make sure you have paid off any direct debits such as internet connection, television and phone subscription, and let the companies know when you want to be disconnected.

One week to go

-  Almost everything should be finalised by this stage, so take a moment to get excited about the move and what the journey has in store for you.

- Cancel any newspaper subscriptions or milk deliveries, and if you have sold your car, cancel the insurance on it. Double check that all your goods have been shipped and any other unwanted items are disposed of.

- Ensure you have some local currency on you for when you arrive at your destination, as you never know when you might need it.

- Make spending time with friends and family a priority, as this will probably be the last time you will see them for a while. Once everything is sorted, you can sit back and relax, knowing the journey is taken care of and it's time to begin your new life overseas!


Helen Lock


For more information on job opportunities abroad, and further help and advice, visit the Acorn Global website.