A practical, shareable guide by City Job Offers
Deciding to work abroad is exciting—and a little overwhelming. Not only are you planning a big move, you’re also figuring out how to explain it to the people you love. This guide is built to help you do exactly that: clear message, calm tone, and a plan that reassures.
Use it as-is or tweak the scripts. At the end you’ll find copy-paste messages (WhatsApp, email, and a 60-second “speech”), a quick Q&A for tough questions, and a pre-conversation checklist.
They’re worried, not against you. Meet worry with a plan (dates, housing, insurance), not with promises.
Different definition of “stability.” For some, stability = staying close. For you, stability = global employability.
You’re nervous too. Totally normal. A structured message helps you feel (and sound) confident.
30–20–10 split:
What + When (30s): “In November, I’m moving to Lisbon for a digital customer support role.”
Why now (20s): “It means fast growth, training, real-world English/Portuguese, and a stable salary.”
Peace-of-mind plan (10s): “I’m going with a signed contract, temporary housing, health insurance, and 3 months’ savings. I’ll be home at Christmas, and we’ll do weekly video calls.”
Write it, say it out loud, make it sound like you.
C — Context: where, when, what you’ll do.
A — Aspiration: what you’re aiming for (skills, language, independence, international network).
R — Risks & Response: name the concerns and show your plan (contract, housing, budget, Plan B).
E — Empathy: thank them, validate feelings, and ask for support.
Example:
“Context: I start in Barcelona on October 1. Aspiration: I want to accelerate my career and master English in a real work setting. Risks & Response: I’ve got a contract, first-month housing, and savings. Empathy: I’ll miss you; your support will help a lot.”
For parents
“I know distance is scary. Here’s the plan: I have a signed contract, first-month housing, health insurance, and 3 months of savings. This move helps my career and languages. Can we do a video call every Sunday at 19:00? I’ll share my travel details and new address.”
For a partner
“This isn’t a goodbye to us. It’s a step so in a year we have more options. Let’s set visit dates, a shared flight budget, and a call routine. We’ll review everything in 6–9 months.”
For grandparents
“It’s a good, safe job. I’ll have a place to stay and healthcare. I’ll call you every Sunday and send photos of the city.”
For friends
“I’m not disappearing—I’m upgrading 😅. Contract signed, landing apartment sorted. I’ll be back for Christmas, and we’re planning a long-weekend trip together.”
For your manager/mentor
“I’m going international to accelerate my skills. I’d love to stay in touch—if remote projects pop up, I’m interested.”
“What if you lose the job?”
I have a contract and a Plan B: savings + active search with City Job Offers and my network.
“What about the language?”
My employer offers training. I’ll study X hours/week and practice on the job.
“What if something happens?”
I’ll share my address, emergency contacts, and insurance. We’ll set up a family WhatsApp group.
“Won’t you be alone?”
I’ll have colleagues, expat groups, and relocation support. I’m not doing this solo.
“And if you regret it?”
I’ve set check-in points at 3 and 6 months. If it doesn’t add up, I return with valuable experience.
Signed contract and key terms (salary, schedule, language).
Housing plan: first-month booking + safe neighborhood notes.
Healthcare: what’s covered, who to call.
90-day budget: rent, food, transport, extras.
Savings: at least 2–3 months of living costs.
Key dates: move-in, first visit home, holidays.
Plan B: what you’ll do if Plan A changes.
Before: pick a quiet moment; have your pitch and documents ready.
During: listen, take notes, validate (“I get why you’re worried—I thought about that too”).
After: send a WhatsApp recap with your plan and schedule the first call.
WhatsApp (short, to family)
“Big news: in October I’m moving to (city) for a role in (area). I’m going with a signed contract, temporary housing, health insurance, and 3 months of savings. I’m excited and it will boost my career. Can we set Sunday 19:00 for a weekly call? I’ll share my plan and dates. ❤️”
Email (detailed, to family)
Subject: My next step—and how we’ll stay close
Hi everyone,
I’ve accepted a role in (city/company) starting (date). I’m aiming to learn, improve languages, and grow my career.
Peace-of-mind plan:
– Signed contract and first-month housing.
– Health insurance and an emergency contact.
– Savings for 3 months and a 90-day budget.
– Visit dates: Christmas and (long weekend).
Your support would mean a lot. Video call on Sunday at 19:00?
Thank you ❤️
60-second speech (in person)
“I’m moving to (city) on (date) for a role that lets me learn, use languages, and strengthen my career. I’ve prepared well: contract, housing, insurance, savings. I’ve planned visits and weekly calls so we stay close. I know distance is hard—I feel it too—but this step matters to me. I’d love your support.”
60-second pitch written.
Contract, housing and insurance ready to show.
90-day budget + Plan B.
Calendar with visit dates and weekly call slot.
WhatsApp and email drafts ready.
List of likely questions + answers.
“I’m planning an international move within 3–6 months. I’ve picked target cities (Lisbon, Barcelona, Athens, Malta), I’m improving English/German, and I’m applying to roles with relocation packages. I’ve started a savings plan and refreshed my CV in English. I’ll update you every two weeks.”
“I’m working with City Job Offers. They list international roles for multilingual talent, and many include relocation support (flights, temporary housing, admin help). That reduces risk and speeds up the landing.”
“Thanks for hearing me out. The three things I’d love from you: (1) trust in my plan, (2) weekly calls to stay close, and (3) help with (boxes, paperwork, airport drop-off).”
Explore international opportunities (Customer Support, Marketing, Tech, iGaming, Tourism…).
Refresh your English CV and your LinkedIn.
Pick 2–3 target cities and set job alerts on City Job Offers.
Practice your 60-second story and share this guide with your family.
Want help tailoring your pitch, your 90-day budget, and your messages to your real dates and destination? We can co-create them with you—fast.