Struck by the pandemic, many of us had more than enough time to consider what we want to do in the future. Many people quit their jobs, even more got laid off, some chose to switch lanes and choose a new calling, some opted for relocation to another country for a career abroad. No matter where you are right now career-wise, it’s always a smart idea to incorporate your passions into your work.

When considering movie abroad and starting a new job, here’s how to get a running start and mix business and pleasure to get a perfect concoction of a career:

Think it through

Your passion is something that sparks your interest more than any other thing in the world. When you study this definition, it’s easy to find something you are passionate about in your life. However, if you want to turn that passion into a job that can pay bills, it’s crucial to find a perfect balance between things you’re passionate about and things that are lucrative. Examine what interests you the most—can you imagine yourself doing this every day for 30 years? Are you ready to study the subject even more in-depth? If you answered yes to these questions, you might be ready to take a leap of faith.

Go back to school before you move abroad

No matter how passionate and knowledgeable you are at something, most careers require at least a basic level of formal training. Study your skills and knowledge and get ready to get back to school before you decide to switch careers and move. No matter if you dream of becoming a cook in Europe or want to try your hand at being a dancer and moving to Australia, having some proof of formal education will make it easier to find work or gain the trust of potential customers.

Do some networking

You probably already know some people who can help you on your journey of moving abroad and finding great work. Don’t hesitate to use your connection to learn as much as you can about the work you’re planning to do, as well as broaden your network and connect with new people. When you finally move abroad, your connections will come in very handy with landing interviews, finding engagements and getting customers.

Study the local market

If you already have an idea where you want to move abroad, make sure to do your homework and study the local market. For instance, if you’re passionate about cooking and want to open your own restaurant or eatery, check out the competition at your new location. Miami Beach has some amazing fast food, so you can study the best local burger bar and see what they do to maintain a high level of quality. Wherever you choose to go, you can always find inspiration from good entrepreneurs, just make sure to come up with an original end product.

Try volunteering

If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to leave it all behind and start a new career in a new place, you can take some time off and have a trial run. Volunteering is a great way to test the water, see how well you’re handling your new career and figure out whether you’re really as passionate about your new career as you thought. It also allows you to see how you like living in your new location, meet important contacts and get the feel of the atmosphere. This way, if you don’t like what you see and experience, you can always return home.

Learn about cultural differences

If you’re a typical westerner, moving to East Asia or Africa might be a real culture shock for you, so make sure to learn about the local cultural traditions before starting your career abroad. Many places have different business etiquette rules than the west. For instance, using the wrong titles when greeting your business partners can negatively affect the development of your career in certain places. Not doing enough research on business etiquette and cultural differences might end in a disaster.

If you want to turn your passion into a career, especially abroad in unfamiliar territory, you need to be ready to work hard and come face to face with many setbacks. However, true passion will always prevail and give you the strength to improve your skills, grow your knowledge, gain the trust of customers and clients and find your place in a new country. Study the tips above and you’ll be ready to make your big step to build a career abroad.