One in four Gen Z and millennials intend to work overseas one day, according to research. A poll of 2,000 employed adults also found 36 percent of younger workers would consider working a fully remote job – just so they can live anywhere in the world.
Meanwhile, two-thirds don’t want to be restricted by borders when it comes to their careers.
Nearly 48 percent of these feel they could improve their lifestyle by earning a higher salary in another country, and 40 percent say lower living costs overseas is a big draw to working abroad.
Additionally, 35 percent think there is more opportunity to further their career outside of the UK. Canada, Spain, and the USA are the most popular countries Gen Z and millennial workers would consider emigrating to – with Australia also high on the list.
And tech, education, and tourism stand out as the primary career paths these individuals are most likely to pursue abroad.
The research was commissioned by new international payments app, Zing, to explore how today’s adults are living a more global life when it comes to work and money.
The app, which launches today (January 3), allows users to hold up to 10 different currencies and lock conversion rates without fees, as well as being able to send money internationally.
For 59 percent of the younger workforce, the ability to work remotely is an important factor when choosing their next role, while 54 percent would be more inclined to apply to a company which allows their staff to be stationed anywhere across the globe.
Technology is now allowing more people to work remotely, with the research finding that nearly half of all workers (47 percent) believe they could do their job from anywhere in the world.
Of these, 64 percent think this is because their tasks can be performed remotely on a laptop, while 48 percent believe their skills would be in demand around the world.
However, just one in 10 (nine percent) of those polled said their employer allows them to do this – with 38 percent stating theirs offers remote working, but requires them to be in the UK.
Nearly half of these (45 percent) went on to say they’d welcome their company introducing a “work from anywhere” policy – as 66 percent believe it would improve work/life balance for staff, while 50 percent even think there could be an increase in productivity because of it.
Additionally, four in 10 (42 percent) of those polled, via OnePoll, also reckon these progressive policies could attract a more diverse workforce.
That said, many do envisage difficulties if they were to move and work overseas – with 44 percent pinpointing language barriers being problematic.
Visa and immigration restrictions could hold back 35 percent of those polled, while 23 percent might struggle with cultural adjustments. Meanwhile, nine percent also think managing their money in different currencies would be tricky.
James Allan, founder and CEO of Zing, which allows users to send money quickly and securely overseas, and spend around the world, said: “Many people are increasingly living an international lifestyle, as more than half (57 percent) have either spent time living abroad, or have aspirations to do so.
“Our research found that these people often have frustrations when sending, spending, and converting money. That’s why now is the time for a new kind of international payments solution.”
