THE summer sun is quickly fading and it is a time of transition. New expats are arriving in Sofia while old-timers are leaving. Whether you are coming or going, you want to be prepared. Consider these new ideas and you will be ready at a moments notice when opportunity knocks:

Assess your skills. Perhaps you possess a unique talent or skill that is needed in your host country. One global demand is for computer skills, you may be able to start working with that skill right away. If that is not possible, perhaps you can teach computer workshops and establish yourself as an expert in your area.

Make work contacts during house hunting trips if possible.

Create a career portfolio. Beyond your curriculum vitae, this should include: diplomas, certificates, a list of references, letters of reference, work samples. Have a copy handy at all times.

Contact the partners of employees who have previously relocated to your destination. This will save you lots of time and effort as you can learn from someone who has negotiated the employment market already.

Volunteer work or temporary employment. These are avenues to full time employment if you desire it. Another often-overlooked entry into overseas work is through internships. Internships are a cross between apprenticeships and work/study programs. The work varies in scope, content and benefits. Older workers are less likely to consider an internship but they are an excellent way for career changers to enter a new profession. Transitions Abroad offers a solid list of international internships.

Establish your own business. This is sometimes easier than it seems. Joanne Parfitt, author of Career in Your Suitcase says, "listen to complaints of unmet needs and take note of what people say they will pay money for." She lists 50 brilliant ideas on her website that worked for her and her friends. Suggestions such as "offer to act as guide to other people's visitors" and "take photographs of local scenes and sell them to photo libraries back home," are two very good ideas for flexible home-based businesses.

Become an international consultant - if you have been 'in country' for more than one year, you have lots of advice to share. Think about the following applications for your consultant expertise: updating travel books and guidebooks, contracting with international companies to provide newcomer orientation services or becoming a cross-cultural trainer or guest lecturer.

Teach English as a second language (TESL), or teach English as a foreign language (EFL). If you have ever considered this profession, now is the time to act, according to Dave Sperling of Dave's ESL cafe. He bills the site as "the internet's meeting place for ESL/EFL students and teachers from around the world." Questions and answers about this profession may be researched through his 1998 book called Dave Sperling's Internet Guide (Prentice Hall Regents). This edition has a host of new addresses and comes with a CD-rom.





Additional Resources:

www.career-in-your-suitcase.com/case_studies/50_brilliant_ideas.htm

Careers to go: 50 brilliant ideas, edited by Joanne Parfitt, author of Career in Your Suitcase.



www.transitionsabroad.com

Publishers of the Transitions Abroad magazine and Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas. The website is an excellent resource for work abroad options.



www.eslcafe.com

Home of Dave's ESL cafe, the internet meeting point for teaching english as a second language. Lists worldwide job opportunities.