USA wins out on expat career opportunities

A newly released survey has revealed the USA is number one for expat career opportunities.

According to the latest HSBC Expat Explorer survey, over half the respondents had lived and worked in the USA for more than five years and were happy with their career development pathways, although many had reservations about stress levels and long working hours. A surprising 92 percent of those surveyed said they’d learned valuable new skills during their reassignment, with over half feeling more confident in the workplace as a result. Almost two-thirds stated they are more adaptable as a result of their move.

The majority of expats in the USA agree their salary levels and prospects are higher than in their home countries, with the average salary amongst the respondents coming out at $185,000 a year. Some 33 per cent of respondents used the extra money to make property investments, with just under half increasing their retirement savings.

The downside, according to a third of respondents, is the USA's longer working hours, leaving less free time to concentrate on personal goals such as wellbeing and health as well as creating an enjoyable social life. In general, many respondents admitted their circle of friends is smaller than its equivalent in their home countries, with as many as 25 per cent of those surveyed saying it’s hard to make new friends as an expat. Even so, the majority of expats said their quality of life had definitely improved in spite of increased concerns about safety, with half the respondents saying the move had brought them far closer to tier children than at home.