Why IT Workers are Relocating for Work

Featured article by Andre Smith, Internet Marketing and E-Commerce specialist

IT workers have always been known to be reliable for companies. They have been the backbone of the huge growth of the global economy in recent years. While this is not surprising, one factor is: many IT workers (programmers, designers, security analysts) are moving overseas. This trend of relocating is interesting and worth looking at:

Asian Philosophy

One of the primary locations tech workers are going is Southeast Asia. If you walk around any major Asian city today you will notice a similar trend: high rises, flashing lights, mobile phones, internet everywhere. Asia is embracing technology like no other region on Earth. It’s no wonder they love tech workers so much.

Government Support

In some countries, the internet and technology frameworks are even more open than others. Take Vietnam, for instance. In the north there is the classic city of Hanoi. However, in the south, a capitalistic, tech-friendly city is emerging as a world powerhouse for startups and tech entrepreneurship: Ho Chi Minh City (AKA Saigon).

Even the government in Vietnam is promoting technology and development. This support is sparking the mass migration of IT workers to the city in order to build the next big thing and find success. In countries like Vietnam, you can even get a Vietnam visa for US citizens, making it all the more attractive to move there if you have the right skills.

Density

Asia is dense. The populations are high and the cities relatively crowded. While this can be uncomfortable on your daily commute, it is actually a melting pot for ideas. More communication happens faster, and as a result great new innovations are coming out of Southeast Asia’s major cities like Saigon, Hong Kong, and Beijing.

Cost of Living

When you work in IT, your salary is higher than the average worker. What’s more, your employer doesn’t necessarily have to live in the same city as you because you can use technology to communicate online instantly from anywhere in the world. This has caused the arbitrage opportunity while traveling to be immense. Great things can happen when you earn USD and live in other countries. Your money simply goes farther than it would at home. For that reasons, the simple costs are a huge factor in tech employees relocating.

Atmosphere / Culture

There is something novel about living in a new place. The unfamiliar faces, the coffee shops (or lack thereof), and the language all combine to create an aura of mystery. This can be alluring to many who choose to relocate. After all, when you make a living online or with modern technology, why not work anywhere you please?

Demand

IT jobs are growing in the double digits.

This classic rule of supply and demand is driving the increased salaries of tech workers in Asia. In addition, there are not many who are qualified enough to fill these roles. This means that companies are offering more attractive packages than they used to in order to get talent on their side.

Investment

Banking and finance are huge industries the world wide. And they are investing heavily in technology in Asia. IT workers can expect jobs to grow in these sectors for the future. You might consider traveling if your favorite company is abroad.

In today’s world, technology is king. Those who understand how to use it wield enormous power. And one of the ways to take advantage tech smarts is to travel, especially to Southeast Asia where they embrace technology so strongly. It’s no wonder so many expats are relocating for better opportunities and new ventures.

Andre Smith is an Internet, Marketing and E-Commerce specialist with several years of experience in the industry. He has watched as the world of online business has grown and adapted to new technologies, and he has made it his mission to help keep businesses informed and up to date.