Here are the best - and worst - places to work abroad in 2022
With so many jobs moving online, working remotely is now easier than ever. The digital nomadic lifestyle has really evolved in recent years, and many countries are now interested in attracting remote workers to their shores.
So whether you're looking for a completely new career, or working for a company that doesn't really matter where you are, choosing the right location is key if you want a good work-life balance.
Expat Insider has ranked the best - and worst - places to work, based on a survey with expats who already live there. So, if you want to avoid job insecurity and find a destination with the best work culture, you've come to the right place.
What is the worst place for workers?
According to the Expat Insider Overseas Employment Index, which covers 59 destinations, Cyprus is the third worst country, while Italy is second and Turkey is rated worst of all.
Turkish currency makes life difficult
Turkey has been in the bottom 10 since 2017, and by 2021, it will be twice the average global emigrant dissatisfied with the local economy - that's 43 percent compared to 19 percent worldwide. The country is currently struggling with an undervalued currency and the fallout from the pandemic, so it's no surprise that some are unhappy.
Turkey also underperformed in the work and leisure subcategories, with 32 percent of workers frustrated with their working hours. This is double the global average of 16 percent.
A Brazilian respondent living in the country found, “a collapsing currency, conservative and strict values in most workplaces, and long working hours,” very difficult.
Showing that respondents' feelings can be highly subjective, however, the data reveal that expats in full-time positions in Turkey actually work less than the international average - 41.9 hours per week as opposed to 43.2 hours.
Italy has few local job opportunities
Italy has consistently been in the bottom 10 since the survey began in 2014. In 2021, those living and working here are disappointed with local career opportunities, and 56 percent rate this negatively compared to 33 percent globally. While 22 percent described the situation as 'very bad'.
42 percent also gave the Italian economy a negative rating, only slightly lower than in Turkey. This is to be expected though, as the country's unemployment rate is relatively high at 9 percent.
Cyprus is a mixed bag
The situation in Cyprus is more diverse, with about half of respondents - 52 per cent - generally satisfied with their jobs, compared to 68 per cent worldwide. This compares to 19 percent who are completely dissatisfied, a figure that is only 5 percent globally.
The country also ranks lowest in terms of job security, with 22 percent of those surveyed saying they are very unhappy in this area.
Where should I move if I want a good work-life balance?
It may come as no surprise that two Scandinavian countries occupy the top positions in the Work and Leisure subcategory.
The Danes are doing really well
Nearly half of those surveyed in Denmark are completely satisfied with their hours worked, compared to an average of just 27 percent internationally. The picture is very similar in Norway, where 42 percent are very happy with their working hours. In fact, in Denmark there is an official work week of just 37 hours, so it's no wonder the workers here are happy.
New Zealand generally gets the balance right
New Zealand is second overall in the Work Abroad Index and fourth in terms of work-life balance. 83 percent of expats surveyed are generally catered for in this field – compared to 66 percent internationally.
More than four out of five people rate their job security well too. And if you want to change careers, 64 percent of those surveyed think that local career opportunities are positive.
Where to avoid working as an expat?
If you're hoping to harmonize your work and free time, the findings suggest you should avoid Kuwait and Japan.
In Kuwait, 12 percent of respondents are very unhappy with their working hours, compared to just 4 percent internationally. Meanwhile in Japan, only 50 percent of people are happy with their working hours (compared to an average of 66 percent). Working hours in Japan are above the world average, with a standard 44.9 hours per week, as opposed to 43.2 hours worldwide.
What is the best place to work overall?
There is only one winner, and in 2021 Taiwan occupies the top spot in the Working Abroad Index. Those surveyed are happy with their job security – with 83 percent generally satisfied, as opposed to 61 percent internationally. In fact, 40 percent are also completely satisfied.
85 percent are very happy with the local economy, and with the strict COVID-19 measures, the job outlook here isn't too challenging either.
Most respondents are satisfied with their working hours (74 percent) while two in five couldn't be happier with their jobs - which is almost double the international average.
While there may not be a direct correlation, only 51 percent of those surveyed are allowed to work from home, as opposed to 78 percent on a global scale.
New Zealand and Czech Republic are next best
New Zealand is second, while the Czech Republic is third. This eastern European country consistently ranks in the top three and ranks strongest in the occupational and leisure categories. More than four in five (82 percent) are generally satisfied with their working hours here and 80 percent are happy with their work-life balance.
If you're considering a digital nomadic lifestyle, the Czech Republic might be the place for you, as 93 percent of working expats say they can work remotely.
The country also has an above-average number of freelancers, with 21 percent of respondents self-employed, compared to an average of 11 per international worker.
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