Work and Learn Abroad

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This chapter will summarize Martín Bianculli’s experience as an Argentine software engineer who transitioned from comfortable remote work to life in Dublin, focusing on his motivation to leave a comfortable life and his advice on mindset.

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The Motivation to Move: Exiting the Comfort Trap

Martín Bianculli, an Argentine software engineer, spent five years working comfortably from home for international companies. This remote role offered a competitive salary and control over his schedule, but it ultimately led to a significant career roadblock.

• The Career Ceiling: Martín realized he had hit a professional ceiling when, as the most senior member of his team, the director position was given to a junior colleague. The explicit feedback he received was that they couldn’t promote a remote leader.
• Action Over Excuse: Viewing this as a “slap in the face,” Martín decided to leave his comfort zone and seek a challenging role with greater visibility abroad. He felt he was in a “highly productive era” of his life and couldn’t afford to waste his professional potential.

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The Strategic Decision: Breaking the Remote Mold

Martín’s choice to move was heavily influenced by a desire to challenge the limitations of his “easy life” and an unexpected alignment of factors.

• Financial Security: Previous job offers hadn’t covered essentials like medical insurance or relocation costs, giving him an “excuse” not to move. His final offer to Ireland was “complete” in these aspects, forcing him to commit: “If I don’t do it now, I won’t do it ever”.
• Mobility is Power: Martín stresses that having a European passport provides the freedom to move without being tied to a single employer. This is a massive advantage in the job market. After five years in Ireland, one can even apply for an Irish passport, a level of long-term stability uncommon in many other countries.

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Life Abroad: The Reality of Rebuilding

Life in Dublin was immediately challenging, particularly regarding housing and forming a new routine.

• The Housing Shock: The primary challenge in Dublin is housing. Martín initially rented a ground-floor apartment near his office, paying half his salary for the rent, and sadly, his apartment was burgled.
• Leaving the Solo Life: To find better housing and manage costs, Martín moved in with a new friend, sharing an apartment for the first time in 15 years. This forced him to leave his “comfort zone” and adapt.

The Essential Mindset

Martín strongly advises future expats to adopt a firm mental strategy:

• Embrace the Difference: Complaining that things aren’t like they were at home (food, institutions, cost of living) is pointless. “It’s different, and that difference is what makes the experience,” and you have to accept it.
• Invest in Self-Worth: He encourages IT professionals not to feel inferior to local candidates simply because of where they’re from.
  • Be Prepared: Practice technical skills using resources like HackerRank to build confidence.
  • Know Your Value: The education in many Latin American countries is “excellent,” and you should be confident enough to compete with anyone. Don’t let a company make you feel they’re doing you a favor.
• Socializing: The initial phase is lonely. He recommends using local resources like Facebook and WhatsApp groups for expats to find initial connections and get local advice, emphasizing that everyone is looking for friends.

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“Failure isn’t fatal, but failure to change might be.” —John Wooden