Work and Learn Abroad

第6 Trabajar en el Extranjero – Consejos e impresiones con el Ingeniero de Software Martin Bianculli Argetina Irlanda

Chapter 6: The Comfort Trap—Why You Must Break the Mold

The Motivation to Move: Beyond Remote Comfort

Martín Bianculli, an Argentine software engineer, spent five years working comfortably from home for international companies. While this remote position offered incredible perks—a competitive salary compared to his home country, the ability to work in pajamas, and control over his schedule—it led to a career roadblock.

  • The Career Ceiling: After four years, Martín was the most senior member of his team. When his director left, the promotion was given to a junior colleague. The clear feedback he received was that they could not promote a remote leader. This incident, which Martín viewed as a “slap in the face,” made him realize he had hit a professional ceiling.
  • Discipline Over Disadvantage: Martín felt he was in a “highly productive era” of his life with no children and good health, and he couldn’t afford to waste his professional potential. He decided to leave his comfort zone and seek a challenging role with greater visibility abroad.

The Decision: Exiting the Golden Cage

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.

  • Full Financial Coverage: He had received prior offers that didn’t cover essentials like medical insurance or relocation costs, which always gave him an “excuse” not to move. His final offer to Ireland, however, was “complete” in those aspects, leaving him cornered: “If I don’t do it now, I won’t do it ever”.
  • All-in Strategy: He traveled with his partner, who also had an EU passport, and the offer covered medical insurance and relocation expenses. The sacrifice was leaving his incredibly comfortable routine, which included working with friends, being in his own office, and having full schedule flexibility.

The Value of the European Passport

Martín stresses that having an EU passport provides freedom to move without being tied to a single employer.

  • The Power of Mobility: Unlike those who need visa sponsorship, he can easily leave a job and find a new one because the legal/visa hurdle is gone.
  • Long-Term Stability: Ireland is a good destination because after five years, one can apply for an Irish passport. This level of long-term stability is uncommon in other countries, some of which require 10 years or language and history tests.

Life Abroad: The Reality of Rebuilding

Life in Dublin was immediately challenging, particularly regarding housing and 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. In a stark introduction to a new reality, his apartment was burgled.

  • Leaving the Solo Life: Martín had lived alone for 15 years, but to get better housing and manage costs, he moved in with a new friend from his job, sharing an apartment for the first time. This forced him to leave his “comfort zone” and learn to live with roommates.

The Mental Attitude

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 Sure of Your Skills: Use resources like HackerRank to practice and ensure your technical skills are sharp.
    • Demand Respect: Know your worth and don’t let a company make you feel they’re doing you a favor. “The education in a lot of countries in Latin America is excellent,” and you should be confident in competing.
  • 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. He emphasizes that everyone is looking for friends.

This chapter summarizes Fred Fort’s experience as a French professional who moved to Ireland, focusing on the ease of his professional transition and his advice on embracing the expat community.