Moving Abroad for Your Dream UX Career
In the summer of 2021, I found myself at a crossroads. After 18+ years building a solid career and leading global teams at Dell, I was faced with a life-changing decision: stay in my comfort zone or embark on an international adventure that would reshape my professional and personal life?
I chose the latter, moving with my wife, our two daughters, and our dog, Luke, to Austria to take on the role of Director of UX for Dynatrace's Platform Solution.
This decision wasn't made lightly. It required careful consideration, planning, and a leap of faith. But after 3 years, I'm reminded of a truth that has guided my career: great rewards often require great sacrifice. In this article, I want to share my experience and insights on the challenges and rewards of moving abroad for your dream job, particularly in the field of User Experience (UX).
1. Determining Your 'Why'
The first and most crucial step in deciding to move abroad for your career is to determine your 'why.' For me, it was a combination of factors:
The opportunity to work with a global leader in software intelligence
The chance to build and lead a world-class UX team
The adventure of living in a new country and experiencing a different culture
The potential for professional growth in an international setting
The prospect of achieving a better work-life balance in a country known for its high quality of life
Your 'why' might be different. Perhaps you want to get out of your comfort zone, learn a new language, or embark on a new adventure. Whatever your reasons, it's essential to clearly define them. These motivations will serve as your north star when challenges arise, and doubts creep in.
2. Confronting What Holds You Back
When I first considered the move to Austria, I had to confront several fears and hesitations:
Leaving behind a stable, successful career in Brazil
Uprooting my family from their familiar environment
The potential language barrier and cultural differences
The fear of 'starting over' in a new professional setting
It's natural to have these concerns. After all, everyone appreciates security and stability. But it's crucial to approach these fears logically and realistically. For every fear, I tried to find a counterargument:
While my career in Brazil was stable, the opportunity at Dynatrace offered new challenges and growth potential.
Moving would provide my family with a unique international experience and broaden our horizons.
Language barriers could be overcome with time and effort, and cultural differences could enrich our lives.
Rather than 'starting over', I was building upon my existing experience in a new context.
Remember, fear is often rooted in an uncertain future that exists only in our minds. By confronting these fears head-on and reminding myself of my 'whys', I was able to move forward with confidence.
3. Learning from Others' Experiences
One of the most valuable steps I took in preparing for our move was reaching out to others who had made similar transitions. I connected with expats living in Austria, professionals who had moved internationally for work, and specifically, individuals in the UX field who had taken on global roles.
These conversations provided practical insights and emotional reassurance. They helped me understand the nuances of Austrian work culture, the challenges of settling into a new country with family, and the potential career trajectories in the European UX landscape.
If you're considering a similar move, don't hesitate to leverage your network. Reach out to colleagues, join expat groups on social media, or connect with professionals in your target country on LinkedIn. Their experiences can provide invaluable guidance and support.
4. Trusting the Process
Throughout my career, I've learned that sometimes you need to trust in the process and take that leap of faith. Moving to Austria was undoubtedly one of the biggest leaps I've taken, but it has also been one of the most rewarding.
The transition wasn't without its challenges. There were moments of doubt, periods of adjustment, and unforeseen obstacles. But with each challenge came an opportunity for growth, both professionally and personally.
The Rewards of Taking the Leap
Now, looking back on this journey, I can confidently say that the rewards have far outweighed the challenges:
Professional Growth: Working at Dynatrace has pushed me to new heights in my UX career. I'm part of a global team of 60+ experts from 19 nationalities, tackling complex design problems and shaping the future of software intelligence.
Cultural Enrichment: Living in Austria has broadened our family's perspective. We've embraced new customs, learned a new language, and gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
Quality of Life: Austria consistently ranks high in quality of life indices. The work-life balance, healthcare system, and overall standard of living have significantly enhanced our family's well-being.
Global Network: I've built a diverse professional network that spans continents, opening up new opportunities and collaborations I never imagined possible.
Personal Development: Adapting to a new country and work environment has boosted my resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills – attributes that are invaluable in the ever-evolving field of UX.
The Role of Company Support in International Transitions
A critical factor in the success of our move was the support provided by Dynatrace. Their commitment to helping new team members settle into life in Austria made a world of difference. From assistance with administrative procedures to help in finding a new home, their support ensured a smooth transition for my family.
This level of support is something I'd encourage anyone considering an international move to look for in a potential employer. It can significantly reduce the stress of relocation and allow you to focus on your new role and life.
Embracing New Opportunities in UX
The field of User Experience is inherently about understanding and designing for diverse user needs. Moving abroad for a UX career can provide you with unique insights and perspectives that can enhance your work in profound ways.
At Dynatrace, I've found an environment that truly values this diversity of thought. Our team's varied backgrounds and experiences contribute to more innovative solutions and a richer understanding of our global user base.
Is Moving Abroad Right for You?
Moving abroad for your dream job is a deeply personal decision. It requires careful consideration of your career goals, family situation, and personal aspirations. But if you're passionate about UX, eager for new challenges, and open to embracing change, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
My journey from Brazil to Austria has been transformative, both professionally and personally. It's reinforced my belief that great rewards often require stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new challenges.
If you're considering a similar move, I encourage you to carefully weigh your options, confront your fears, seek advice from others who've made similar transitions, and ultimately, trust in your ability to adapt and thrive in new environments.
And who knows? Maybe your next great adventure in UX is waiting for you in a place you've never imagined. The world of UX is global, and the opportunities are boundless. Are you ready to take the leap?
Join Us on This Adventure
By the way, we are hiring at Dynatrace! If you're thinking about taking this leap into an international UX career, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is always on the lookout for passionate, talented individuals who are ready to push the boundaries of what's possible in software intelligence.
Whether you're a seasoned UX professional or an up-and-coming talent with a fresh perspective, we'd be thrilled to get to know you and explore if Dynatrace could be the setting for your next great adventure.
Remember, great journeys often begin with a single step. Your step could be reaching out to a company with a role you are looking for. Who knows? You might find yourself embarking on an exciting new chapter in your UX career, just as I did when I made the move from Brazil to Austria.
