Introduction
Hello everyone, welcome to Eric's knowledge channel. Today, I'm excited to kick off a new series of programs. This series, titled "Work in Taiwan, Dream on Earth: Ten Minutes to Chat About the Workplace," is a talk show without a specific script. Unlike my previous videos with complex editing, it aims to have casual conversations during your ten-minute break from work. Living in Northern Europe, I often find myself with a lot of free time after work, so I hope this show will resonate with some of you. Through this series, I want to share my own workplace experiences and document my three years of working abroad. I also hope to connect with like-minded individuals and build a community of listeners who can relate to my stories.
The Trend of Taiwanese Seeking Overseas Employment
In 2012, when I graduated from high school, it was quite popular for Taiwanese students to study in China. This was due to the so-called "Westward Movement," which reflected the stagnant growth of salaries in Taiwan. However, in the past five or six years, especially after the pandemic, fewer people are considering working or studying in China. For example, my cousin, who studied medicine in China, is now in a difficult situation. The political situation and economic conditions in China are not ideal, and Taiwan does not recognize her medical degree. As a result, she is unsure whether to stay in China or return to Taiwan.
Nowadays, many Taiwanese people want to work abroad, and their target destinations are often Western countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. While the United States is the most popular choice, Europe is relatively less common among Taiwanese job seekers, except for the United Kingdom. In particular, for those in the science and engineering fields, most still prefer to go to the United States for study or work. Thanks to TSMC, a large number of Taiwanese tech talents no longer need to rely solely on studying abroad to stay in the United States. They can now work in Taiwan for a period of time and then have the opportunity to transfer to the United States.
The Motivations and Challenges of Working Abroad
When I first had the opportunity to work abroad three years ago, I often asked myself why I wanted to leave Taiwan. Today, on my 31st birthday, I look back on these three years and still question whether it was the right decision. While I expected to earn more in a foreign country, I realized that my salary in Northern Europe is not necessarily higher than that of my peers in the Taiwanese tech industry. However, this is a choice I made, and I don't regret it.
One of the main reasons I decided to work abroad was to gain international experience and grow my career. In Taiwan, I was well-protected by my parents and had few opportunities to face challenges or difficulties on my own. When I first arrived in Denmark, a completely陌生 country where I didn't know anyone and didn't speak the language, I was very scared. But over time, I learned to be independent and solve problems on my own. This experience has made me more confident and capable of living in a foreign country.
Another factor that attracted me to work abroad was the different work environment and corporate culture. In Western countries, especially in Northern Europe, there is a greater emphasis on individualism and work-life balance. Employees are encouraged to be independent and take responsibility for their own work, rather than blindly following orders from superiors. In addition, the working hours are generally shorter, and the work efficiency is higher. This is a significant difference from the work culture in Taiwan, where long working hours and a hierarchical structure are more common.
The Conflict Between Family Expectations and Self-Actualization
Working abroad also brings about a conflict between family expectations and self-actualization. While my family has been supportive of my decision to work abroad, I can still feel my mother's longing for me to return to Taiwan and be closer to home. However, I believe that I still have a lot to learn and experience in the world, and I want to continue to explore different countries and cultures. At the same time, I also understand that family is important, and I will eventually have to make a decision about whether to return to Taiwan or continue to pursue my career abroad.
For some people, the pressure from their family to return to Taiwan and take over the family business or fulfill other family responsibilities can be even greater. This is a difficult decision that requires careful consideration and balance. In the end, it is up to each individual to decide what is most important to them and make a choice that is right for their own life.
The Difficulty of Leaving Taiwan
Even if you have the opportunity to work abroad, leaving Taiwan is not always easy. When I first received the job offer from the foreign company, I hesitated for a long time. I was comfortable in my job in Taiwan, and I didn't want to leave my family and friends. However, I also knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I didn't want to miss it. In the end, I decided to take the risk and pursue my dream of working abroad.
Looking back, I realize that leaving Taiwan was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has allowed me to grow as a person, gain valuable experience, and meet new people from all over the world. However, I also understand that this is not an easy decision for everyone, and it requires a lot of courage and determination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, working abroad is a complex and challenging decision that requires careful consideration of many factors. While it can bring many benefits, such as higher salaries, international experience, and a different work environment, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and homesickness. In the end, it is up to each individual to decide what is most important to them and make a choice that is right for their own life.
If you are considering working abroad, I encourage you to do your research, talk to people who have experience working in different countries, and think carefully about your goals and priorities. Remember, there is no right or wrong decision, and the most important thing is to be true to yourself and follow your dreams.
Thank you for listening to this episode of "Work in Taiwan, Dream on Earth: Ten Minutes to Chat About the Workplace." If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing more of my experiences with you in the next episode. Goodbye!