Glamorized “Leaving Abroad” Trend in Myanmar
Jun 3, 2025
Glamorized “Leaving Abroad” Trend in Myanmar: How It Limits Burmese Talents from Career Growth — A Practical Guide to Securing Global Opportunities from Myanmar
You’ve likely seen a growing trend: fresh graduates and young professionals from Myanmar heading to Singapore, Dubai, or Thailand to job hunt. Social media and peer pressure paint this as a brave move “get out of your comfort zone,” they say.
But what’s rarely discussed is the emotional, financial, and professional cost behind this glamorized exodus. While the idea of working abroad may seem like a fast-track to success, the reality can be far more complicated.
The Hidden Costs of Job Hunting Abroad
Behind the majority of working abroad stories, there are families who take on massive debts, borrowing large sums to support their children’s job-seeking journey overseas. This decision is often driven by societal comparison: “If it worked for someone else’s kid, it should work for ours too.”
But without clear career plans, many Burmese fresh graduates find themselves stuck in survival jobs unrelated to their degrees—bartenders, waiters, and hotel staff. While these jobs may offer short-term income, they limit long-term career development, making it harder to pivot back to one’s field of study or ambition.
Visa Struggles & Nationality Bias
As global hiring practices tightens with increasing migration, many Burmese talents face visa-related obstacles, employment discrimination, and even basic service issues like opening a bank account all due to nationality status. These challenges often lead to stress, burnout, and deep homesickness, far from the career fulfillment they hoped for.
In the end, it’s not growth, it's survival.
Remote Jobs as an Alternative for Career Growth of Burmese Talents
Remote jobs for global exposure was not a high chance for Burmese talents in Myanmar.
Now, it is easier through Crossworks for both young talents and professionals still living in Myanmar.
No visa struggles, No debts. And earn a higher salary than average local salary ranges.
Why Remote Work Is a Game-Changer for Burmese Talents:
No visa stress – Work with international teams without immigration hurdles.
No debt – Save money instead of spending thousands on relocation.
Career-aligned roles – Get hired for skills, not just survival jobs.
Global experience – Collaborate with international teams, gain cross-cultural skills, and build a globally competitive resume.
Higher income – Earn more than the average local salary while living in Myanmar.
Remote work offers a smarter path to global exposure, career growth, and financial stability without sacrificing mental well-being or security. But while remote roles are more accessible than ever, they also demand a different kind of readiness, one that goes beyond degrees and diplomas. So what does it really take to land and excel in a remote role?
Let’s take a deep dive into the key foundations and mindset shifts required for success in remote work.
Stable internet connection – This is your lifeline. Whether you're joining a Zoom interview, uploading a design file, or collaborating in real time on a document, having high-speed, consistent internet is non-negotiable. Employers expect you to stay connected and available just like any on-site team member.
Power backup – UPS or access to backup electricity helps avoid work interruptions during outages.
Quiet workspace – A noise-free environment is important for focus and professionalism during calls or meetings.
Strong English proficiency – Clear written and spoken English in (B2–C1 Level) helps with emails, virtual meetings, and international collaboration on a daily basis. Invest time in improving your grammar, vocabulary, and tone. Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway, and consider joining online language improvement communities.
Digital literacy –Remote teams run on digital tools and employers expect you to be comfortable with them from day one. At a minimum, you should be familiar with:
Communication Tools: Zoom, Google Meet, Slack
Collaboration Platforms: Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Notion
Project Management: Trello, Asana, ClickUp
Creative Tools: Canva, Figma (for design-related roles)
Data & Reporting: Excel or Google Sheets
Evidence of Work: Show, Don’t Just Tell – In remote hiring, your work speaks louder than your title. A well-documented portfolio or CV with proof of your skills be it freelance gigs, academic projects, case studies, internships, or volunteer contributions helps hiring managers understand what you bring to the table. Use platforms like Behance (for creatives), GitHub (for developers), or even a simple Google Drive folder to organize your work.
Self-Leadership: The Remote Worker’s SuperpowerWithout a manager looking over your shoulder, it’s easy to lose focus. Remote employers look for candidates who can manage deadlines, structure their day, and maintain high output without constant follow-up.
Use tools like Google Calendar, Pomodoro apps, or task managers like Todoist to stay organized and proactive.
Responsibility & Reliability
Trust is the currency of remote teams. Employers value those who consistently show up, meet expectations, communicate setbacks, and take ownership of their results.
Missing deadlines, going silent, or disappearing during meetings are red flags that kill remote careers fast.
Mindset Matters: Thrive, Not Just Survive
Remote work environments are fast-changing. New tools, new expectations, and shifting business priorities are the norm. Those who embrace learning and upskilling through online courses, mentorship, or on-the-job feedback stand out quickly.
Emotional Resilience
Working alone, facing technical issues, or handling client feedback can be emotionally draining. The ability to stay calm under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and stay solution-focused is a major asset in remote work settings.
Remote work isn’t just a perk, it's a shift in how the world works. It rewards those who are skilled, reliable, and growth-driven, no matter where they’re based.
The question isn’t “Can I get a remote job?”
It’s: “Am I ready to thrive in one?”
If you’re building the right mindset, habits, and skills, remote work can be more than a job; it can be your gateway to global opportunities, career growth, and financial freedom.
Check out our website crossworks.info for more remote job opportunities!