Working Abroad in your Fifties

[bizzylizzy]

Hi everyone After a recent upset in our lives, my husband and I have decided that life's too short and we'd like to leave Britain and live abroad for a while. We're both in our fifties, we have no ties ie children. We live in rented accommodation here, so we could in theory leave these shores within a month or two if needs be. He has a degree and is a freelance writer and designer working in advertising. In an ideal world we'd like him to get a contract abroad for a year or so to do design work, but is that possible? He's also done some visiting lecturing work in colleges but doesn't have a teaching qualification. Can anyone recommend the best way of finding out if and where work is available. Or perhaps someone may be able to recommend a recruitment agency dealing in overseas placements. Thank you.

[Ethel]

What country are you thinking of and what languages do you have?

[bizzylizzy]

I guess it would need to be an English speaking country. My husband can speak French, but not to the degree needed to lecture in Photoshop I suspect. I've managed a Manor House here for the last two years, but we decided that if he could get a contract I may be able to pick up work wherever we move to. I appreciate that places like the States have the whole green card issue, but I'm not sure how that would work for a short term contract.

[Ethel]

The problem is, as you appreciate, America, Canada and Australia are all heading for recession, with financial cutbacks and unemployment on the rise.

The same applies to many countries at the moment - it is global. These countries have to support their unemployed so are reluctant to give skilled work to aliens. Advertising budgets are being slashed - I'm sure your husband has noticed this here.

And whilst 50 is the new 30, it is considered quite old in many industries, including advertising. And young graduates come much cheaper.

Sorry not to be more positive.

[mrs_overall]

Why not have a complete change of lifestyle and look for work in a different field?
Some friends of mine (in their 50's) went off on a gap year 5 years ago.....and never came back.
They are currently working for Keycamp in France...an organisation who prefer mature employees to run things. If your hubby is a freelance writer he can do that from anywhere.
Or how about one or both of you doing a short TEFL course before you go? There are zillions of language schools around the world who need staff.
Good luck.

[Tups]

I have some friends who have just emigrated to Canada. He designs websites. You can do that from anywhere. Could your husband convert his skills and do this?

[bizzylizzy]

We've been tempted by Canada. Yes, he does design websites as part of his design business. But where to start, how to get that first job or contract. To tell you the truth, we've been knocked for six by the death of a dear friend. I guess it just made us feel that we want to get away and start again somewhere fresh.