Moving to a new country, with a different culture could be a big challenge for anyone, and many studies suggest that finding a job is one of the best ways to integrate and get started in this new life!
Many people suggest that as an expat the best solution is to get employed in a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) or what before was called a Call Center, this one of the fastest growing industries in Bulgaria and many expats are working there.
The digital world that we live in and the fact that many processes are carried out online has established the industry as such. We have something else to share with you. Working at a BPO is among the best job opportunities for an expat.
Check out our top 5 pros and cons of working in a call center (BPO):
1- Work-life balance
Pros: Some studies say that employees in BPO enjoy the best balance between work and social life.
Have you ever wondered what is the biggest advantage of working at BPO? A single word:
Freedom.
Thus, you will take advantage of working on flexible hours and forward scheduling, so that you have enough time for your family, friends or hobbies. If you are more of a night owl type or an early riser, you are free to plan your work as you like. Isn’t that perfect? You know it: time is precious.
Moreover, most of the BPO companies that operate in Bulgaria have offices in numerous countries and support a variety of languages. For instance, we are lucky to have one in Bulgaria which has 60 locations, operates in 20 countries and uses 21 languages. Simply put – you can have many places where you feel at home.
Cons: If you want to live in the countryside or a small town it could be difficult for you to find a job in a call center, since they are normally in the Bulgaria biggest cities, or you may have to do a long commute every day to reach your job.
Speaking of home, we come to reason number two.
2- Your home away from home
Pros: Working at a BPO company as an expat will give you the chance to communicate in your own language albeit a thousand miles away from home.
Don’t forget – as an expat, working at a BPO company you can work with people alike. You can meet and gather with other foreigners every day, so you don’t need to look for an expat community. Can you guess what percentage of the employees in a BPO company are expats? We don’t know the exact number either, but some companies have at least 10% foreign employees.
As an expat in BPO you are free to use your strongest card: speaking a foreign language. So, if you come from a different country, you are absolutely welcome!
Cons: Unfortunately, it is not enough to speak a foreign language. You also need to have a good level of English, normally communication inside the company is in English language.
3- Life standard and career development
Pros: Working at a BPO company ensures a very good life standard in Bulgaria. Did you know that the monthly salary in this industry is above the average for the biggest cities in the country and can guarantee good life standard for you and your family?
What’s more – BPO companies care about their employees’ development for real. Part of their values includes promoting from within. No matter what stage of your career you are in, they invest in your development. Trainings, language courses, access to world-leading learning platforms, even Manager Universities and Technical Academies, thanks to which you can make a career switch.
Plus, the social benefits will provide extra comfort in enjoying your experience in the country.
Cons: You have to be flexible sometimes as this new job will require you to change your original career plans that you had in your home country.
4- Social benefits
Pros: Food vouchers, transportation allowance, additional health and life insurance, fitness, discounts in shops, fruit days, great recreation areas with PlayStation, foosball, pool tables, dedicated music corners and libraries, free coffee – you name it. Many of these are initiated by the employees themselves by addressing what will make them happier and healthier.
Innovative and friendly work ambiance is what you can expect from a BPO company. What is more – all their offices are in top locations in the city, near the biggest malls and city center.
Guess what? On top of your monthly salary, you will have the opportunity to earn some great bonuses, plus extra rewards for the real top performers, or even by referring your friends for joining the team.
Cons: If you are a person that enjoys working in solitaire you may find difficult to adapt to the BPO working system, in many cases, you will be required to work as a team with your colleagues from different backgrounds and personalities, you must be tolerant with the diversity.
4- The job
Pros: If you are a recent expat in Bulgaria or thinking to move here, a BPO company can offer you the perfect first job in the country.
In general, the industry is offering different positions for a variety of profiles. Except from the standard consultant positions, you can enjoy a career as a Travel Advisor, Technical Engineer, Airline Reservation Specialists, Game Support Expert and many more. Imagine you can work for brands such as Spotify, Hilton, and GoDaddy! If you are motivated for something new check out the opportunities.
Cons: if you work in a BPO you have to be dynamic and flexible, and be ready for a new challenge, move to another team or start a new project. These are all part of the normal life in a call center.
Hey! If you are still not in Bulgaria but thinking of moving here – have in mind that most of the BPO companies offer great relocation packages and support during your first days here.
Did we catch your attention? These are just a few of the reasons why working for a BPO company is a good career choice for expats.
Let us introduce you to our friends from Sutherland Bulgaria. If the above got your interest, check out the opportunities they offer: in Sofia, Varna and Burgas!
Let us know if you would like to start working in a BPO, and share this article with a friend who is looking for such opportunities.
