If you have a question for our Career Coach, E-mail Helen at careers@ReConnectAfrica.com

Dear Helen

Janine

Hi Janine

Changing countries is a big step as I am sure you will have realized. You don’t say how you intend to deal with your caring responsibilities for your father if you do decide to move overseas so I am assuming in answering this that he will not be moving with you.

My questions to you would be why you want to move to the UK? Is it for a change of scene after working in one place for a long time? Is it to gain further experience in your sector with a view to moving up when you return home? Is it to start a new life permanently in another country? I would urge you to be really clear as to your reasons so that you can prepare in the most appropriate way.

If you would like to move for a limited period to gain some experience and see another culture, consider taking a sabbatical from your company rather than leaving. If you do intend to move permanently, there are definitely opportunities for a 41 year old professional in England but do be aware that anti-age discrimination legislation notwithstanding, it can be harder to find the same job opportunities as you get older! Nevertheless, if you have great skills, a positive attitude and do your research carefully, you will find a challenging and fulfilling job opportunity in England.

It is important, though, that you evaluate the skills and experience that you have gained to date as objectively as possible. Are your skills as good as they need to be if you are going to compete in the UK job market? Do you need to brush up on your secretarial skills or learn new IT packages? If you want to stay in the same sector, research the companies that operate in the racing and gaming sector in the UK. From their websites, you will get an idea of the type of job vacancies they are trying to fill. Look for recruitment agencies that specialize in this sector and can give you information about the market for people with your experience.

Whether your aim is to change sectors or simply to work in England for a limited period, temping may be an option to consider. If you have great secretarial skills, you should find work fairly easily and temping would be a good way to get a feel for the job market and to learn about how companies operate in England. National newspapers such as The Times and The Guardian advertise jobs around the country for secretaries and Personal Assistants and there are a host of job boards including  www.monster.co.uk and  www.totaljobs.co.uk that will give you an idea about jobs in England.

Whatever you decide, do invest some time in researching about living in the UK. There are many websites and publications that will give you an idea about the country, the cost of living, transport, accommodation, etc. If you decide to move, England is a popular destination for South Africans and you will find strong networks of South Africans here to help you integrate and feel at home.  If you would like some advice on planning your career strategy in the UK, contact us to discuss this further.

Wish you all the best!

Voted Candace Business Woman of the Year 1997, Helen Dupigny is a Director and co-founder of Working Plus, (www.working-plus.com) a Careers Management and Diversity consultancy and creator of the award-winning ‘Six Steps Career and Personal Development Programme’. A Sierra Leonean based in London, Helen is also the author of ‘Vicissitude’, a guide to making life and career changes.