Exactly a year ago today, I accepted my offer here in the Cayman Islands, having completed an interview process with McCall, and began the process of relocating to the other side of the world. A year on, it feels like a distant memory and at the time, I just really didn’t know what to expect. If I’m honest, I don’t think you’re ever 100% certain things are going to work out or even if you’re making the right decision, but it’s been a fantastic move for my wife and I - I’d recommend it to anyone!
I started with a firm called SteppingStones in the Cayman Islands, and they just couldn’t have been better. I wasn’t unhappy in my previous role but was ready for a change and they have been really helpful. Moving in recruitment is a daunting experience but when you work with the right rec to rec agency and pick the right firm and have the right support, it’s much easier than you might think!
It takes a while to build a desk of course but I’m really starting to do well and enjoying every minute. The recruitment market here is very different to what I’m used to and it’s been both fun and a challenge adapting. We work on such a variety of roles as well so it’s been interesting learning new markets and skills. You never want to pigeon-hole yourself and this change has really helped ensure I keep my CV diverse as well as continuing my learning and developing. If I’m honest, I was probably suffering from a bit of ‘burn-out’ in my last role and this move has really helped that and I’ve a spring in my step again. I’ve even been on the radio on 3 separate occasions advertising new roles which was a great experience – even though I did need to heavily tone down my Scottish accent!
Outside work, living in Grand Cayman has been amazing. The lifestyle is incredible and it’s been so easy to settle in and adapt. The weather is great year round and I can’t tell you what a difference it makes to have constant sunshine and nice weather. As it’s a small location, it’s also very easy to meet people and the networking opportunities are immense, so I’ve made some great friends and business contacts since my arrival.
One of the things I really enjoy is the diversity, you meet people from all over the world, so it’s very multi-cultural; there’s something nice about a social group made up of people from all over the globe.
Being away from family can be tricky and you will miss things from home but the good honestly far out weighs the bad. We’ve already had family out visiting - and they are already planning their next trip. All in all, it really couldn’t have been better and my only regret is not doing it sooner!
If you are a recruitment professional, wanting to re-locate internationally please contact the following at McCall:
Peter Mills – McCall – Singapore and Asia
☏ T +65 62366370 M +65 93582668
Lisa Norris – McCall Norris - Australia
☏ +61 411 182 024
Julie O’Neill – other International locations in particular Dubai.
☏ T +44 7713 643761 M +44 1992 643884