Every growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone.

They say it’s great for us.

But no one warns you that growth can be painful, and you should be prepared for open fractures, painful joints, and hypertension.

It would be ideal if someone handed us a guide written with hindsight before plunging into the abyss called “Starting a new job in a new market.”

But it’s something I had to figure out myself.

My family and I moved to Perth, Australia, five and a half years ago. We covered nearly 13,000 kilometres to allow me to pursue a Master’s degree in Marketing and Innovation.

Before the move, I had already worked in marketing for several years in Serbia.

Though I genuinely wanted to strengthen my knowledge foundation and see how the “Western world” operates, the primary purpose of my studies, after a 17-year hiatus, was to obtain a ticket to relocate to a country with better opportunities for our children and ourselves.

Since my husband and I were at an age when immigrants were less desirable, we took a slightly indirect route — through Master’s studies.

“Searching for a job in a new country can be a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges. Having experienced this firsthand in Australia, I’ve learned invaluable lessons that could benefit anyone planning to enter the job market in any Western country.

Local Work Experience is a Must

Don’t overlook the importance of local work experience.

Your international experience may be impressive, but you’re a nobody until proven otherwise.

Despite my experience as a digital account manager for renowned brands, it meant little to the Aussies.

My partner and I ended up working as cleaners to make ends meet and gain valuable local experience.

The journey begins with stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the local work experience, even if you were successful elsewhere. Networking and recommendations can be more valuable than an impressive resume, so invest time in building strong connections.

Recommendations Over Resumes

A recommendation from a local superior carries more weight than a stellar resume. Building connections and receiving endorsements from people who trust your work is crucial.

In my case, it led to landing marketing jobs both in Serbia and Australia.

Your Visa Class Matters

Your visa status can impact your job prospects significantly. Employers may not take you seriously if you’re on a temporary student visa.

Due to visa restrictions, securing my first marketing job took me a year and a half. Be prepared for this hurdle.

Your visa class may limit opportunities, so be prepared to face this reality. And while your homeland’s diaspora may offer support, don’t solely rely on it; integrate yourself into the local community to create a meaningful network.

Relying on the Diaspora — Yes or No?

While the diaspora may seem like a supportive local community, it’s not always the case.

Some may help, while others may see you as cheap labour that speaks your common language.

Don’t rely solely on this network; embrace all opportunities to connect with locals and build a new network.

Integrate Yourself

Embrace the local culture, customs, and mentality. Being open to new acquaintances, colleagues, and connections will help you feel more accepted and comfortable in your new country.

Job Hunting is a Full-Time Job

Prepare for a tough journey. Reset your professional identity and adapt your resume for each position you apply for. Highlight relevant experience and tailor it to fit the role you’re pursuing.

Remember that job hunting is a full-time endeavour; tailor your resume for each application and stay persistent. And as you face the challenges, remember, you’re not starting from scratch, but rather from a hole — one that you can overcome and emerge stronger than ever.

You’re Not Starting from Scratch; You’re Starting from a Hole

Moving to a new country with financial burdens and family responsibilities can be incredibly daunting. However, overcoming these challenges will make you proud of your resilience and accomplishments.

If you’re considering immigration, I hope these insights prove valuable.

After all, hindsight is a wonderful thing, especially when it’s someone else’s hurdle.

This article is originally published on Medium.