Moving to a new country is more than switching a home and work – expats normally undergo a huge culture shift as well.
Adjusting to a new lifestyle involves big changes in the work life balance.
To find the best countries for expat lifestyles, web site InterNations asked 13,000 people who had moved their lives to a new country about their experiences.
The result was the happiest do not have to work less, but they tend to gain more from their new out-of-work lifestyle.
The Top 10 places
Here are the top 10:
Denmark –the Scandinavian country famous for hygge – Danish for fun – has the shortest working week in the top 10 (39.7 hours) and the best work/life balance
Bahrain –The Gulf State exacts a toll from workers with a 42.9-hour week, but pays back expats with plenty of time to relax after work
Norway – Another Scandinavian country with a 42.9 hour working week, but many expats worry their disposable income does not stretch far enough
Czech Republic –A 44.9 hour working week – the longest in the top 10 – but plenty of time off
New Zealand –Described as laid-back and friendly despite a 42.3 hour working week
Sweden –Yet another Scandinavian nation. A 42.3-hour week offering career prospects and job security
Costa Rica –Expensive and hard-working with a 44.3-hour week
The Netherlands –Easy-going and relaxed with a 42-hour week
Oman –Another Gulf State. Expats have gripes about work but enjoy their work-life balance despite spending 43.5 hours a week on the job
Malta –A 43.9 hour working week, but expats enjoy plenty of disposable income for their free time
The survey also revealed some of the countries where expats were unhappy with their work-life balance – Hong Kong, Greece, Italy, Kuwait, and Japan.
Best countries for a great work-life balance
Expat rankings for 65 countries:
Source: InterNations
