Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned employee in a foreign country, it's natural to want to prove your worth. Demonstrating adaptability and readiness to tackle new challenges is commendable. However, when this drive morphs into a pursuit of perfectionism, it's important to recognize it as a potential issue.
Do you always have to be on top?
At first glance, striving to always be "on top" might seem unobjectionable. Indeed, self-improvement is highly valued in the workplace, particularly in expatriate roles where your abilities are under close scrutiny, especially at the start of your contract. The pressure to excel can be both real and imagined. You may feel compelled by your foreign employer or colleagues to quickly meet their expectations. Similarly, you might pressure yourself to prove your worth swiftly, especially during probation. The mindset that mistakes are costly leads you to take on seemingly impossible tasks to showcase your value.
In practice, this means you're often the first to start and the last to leave. You strive to complete your tasks flawlessly, consistently submit impeccable reports, and maintain excellent relations with your colleagues. Having already mastered the language and adapted to the local culture, securing your contract seems inevitable. You embody the ideal employee traits. Initially, an expatriate who excels doesn't face the drawbacks of perfectionism; instead, they appear highly skilled, personable, and effective. The self-imposed or external pressure drives them to excel until they achieve their goal: contract confirmation. However, it's important to be wary of the potential for burnout.
Understanding the risks of burnout as an expat
There are two primary scenarios to consider. The first involves intense pressure from your foreign employer, a scenario in which you have little choice. This pressure is not confined to the probation period but may persist for years, potentially escalating into forms of workplace harassment. In such situations, it's crucial to address the issue with your company immediately due to the adverse effects on both your productivity and health.
The second scenario may be more manageable, as it involves the pressure you place on yourself, whether justified or not. Aiming for excellence to secure a stable position abroad is understandable, but it's important to be aware of the risks of burnout. This pursuit should be time-limited, as overexertion can lead to losing initial benefits (like adrenaline) and result in significant drawbacks, such as demotivation, loss of self-confidence, procrastination, and irritability, with potentially long-lasting effects. Here are five compelling reasons not to always strive to be "on top" at work.
Wasted time
You might obsess over details, like revising a graphic 2,000 times, which results in late submissions but "perfect" outcomes. Far from being an exemplary expatriate, this behavior is inefficient and causes delays for others. In high-stakes professions, this quest for perfection could even endanger others. Aim for thoroughness but avoid endless revisions.
Becoming a burden
Being demanding of yourself, you might expect the same high standards from your local and foreign colleagues, potentially misjudging those who struggle with tasks due to cultural differences as being "lax." Rather than boosting productivity, your perfectionism could dampen morale and make you seem burdensome, too rigid, and closed-minded—qualities that could hinder your career abroad.
Inability to delegate
If you believe only you can perform tasks correctly, you'll end up taking on excessive workloads, leading to further delays. This lack of trust can exacerbate conflicts between local and foreign workers and portray a negative image of expatriates.
Procrastination
Ironically, perfectionist expats can become significant procrastinators. Overwhelmed by the need to perfect every task, you might struggle to prioritize and start projects, paralyzed by the fear of failure. This hesitation can be misinterpreted by colleagues as disinterest or laxity, especially without open communication.
Loss of self-confidence
As a new expat, you might constantly question why you were chosen over others. While your meticulousness distinguishes you, the negative aspects of perfectionism are less valued. Continuous doubt about your abilities can diminish your confidence and overshadow your contributions.
By understanding these risks and managing your expectations and behaviors, you can maintain productivity and personal well-being while still achieving professional success abroad.
How do you stop chasing perfection as an expat?
Perfection is universally acknowledged as an unattainable goal, yet the quest for it continues relentlessly. In today's world, the pressure to excel in every area—sports, family, work—is immense. While striving for perfection can coincide with positive self-improvement and pushing one's limits within reason, societal pressures often paint a different picture, suggesting that perfection should be the norm. This is particularly true in expatriation, where foreign workers may feel heavily scrutinized and constantly compared to their peers. This relentless pursuit can become overwhelming, challenging the balance between healthy ambition and detrimental perfectionism.
Is the quest for perfection a flaw or a quality?
Many expats view their perfectionism as a motivational force. During job interviews, they display comprehensive knowledge about the foreign company, its culture, and the local language. They may even adopt the local fashion and talk about their favorite local dish despite having yet to try it. For these individuals, perfectionism is equated with self-improvement, dynamism, perseverance, and determination. If you fit this description and can manage your international career while promoting teamwork, maintaining perspective, and committing to continuous learning, then your approach to perfection is positive. It's the type that energizes rather than exhausts you.
However, there are instances where the pursuit of perfection becomes detrimental, both to the individual and the organization. You may find yourself over-refining tasks to the extent that you neglect other responsibilities. Additionally, taking on multiple projects without completing any can lead to feeling overwhelmed—not due to workload but due to poor organization—resulting in lost motivation. In such cases, perfectionism is more of a hindrance than a help.
Keys to shedding the "super expat" persona
Operating at 100% right from the start of your move is challenging. While the desire to convert a probationary period into a stable contract can be a powerful motivator, it's important not to overextend yourself, especially when you are already doing your best. Remember, you have just arrived in a new country, and there is much to learn. Both you and your foreign employer should be aware of this transitional phase. Certainly, you possess the necessary technical skills, but adapting to a new environment requires a fresh perspective and cultural understanding. This adjustment period is crucial for your skills to truly shine in the new setting.
Learn the joy of learning
A crucial aspect of successful expatriation is moving away from the expectation to perform flawlessly from day one. Instead, expatriates should embrace a love for learning and a willingness to self-reflect. This mindset is essential in countering the unhealthy pursuit of perfection.
Integrate into the group
Building on the idea of continuous learning, integration into your new team is vital. The foreign company chose you for both your technical and social skills. It's essential to evolve within the collective, embracing and contributing to the team spirit. This is increasingly significant in a world where individualism often overshadows collective values.
Accept letting go
The relentless drive for perfection can take a toll on your health. Accepting that you won't understand everything immediately, be involved in every project, or attend every important meeting. Learn to embrace your errors, doubts, and missteps as part of your growth.
Discover your real priorities
For a perfectionist, everything feels urgent. Start organizing your tasks by differentiating what is urgent, important, and secondary. This will help you manage your priorities more effectively, reducing stress and enhancing productivity.
Be yourself
Moving away from a perfectionist approach to work—and life—is not straightforward. Allow yourself the time to transition. Being authentic is key to maintaining your health and fostering creativity. Remember, the perfect expat does not exist; striving to be one is an unnecessary burden.
