Want to retire with more money? Leave the country for work early in your career

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-22T17:56:23.937Z • Permanent link

Pioneering expats in the tech industry have been long aware of the benefits of working abroad, but recent data suggests that it's not just about personal fulfillment or cultural immersion – it can also significantly boost one's retirement savings. Take, for instance, the story of Angela Ahrendts, the former Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple. Ahrendts moved to Switzerland in the late 1990s to join the company, where she played a key role in developing the company's e-commerce strategy. She credits her decision to work abroad with helping her build a substantial nest egg, which she's now enjoying in retirement.

Data from various sources, including Mercer's 2020 Global Talent Trends Report and the OECD's 2019 Pensions Outlook, indicate that individuals who work abroad tend to earn higher salaries and have greater opportunities for career advancement. This, in turn, can lead to higher retirement savings. For example, a study by the CFA Institute found that expats in the United States tend to earn median salaries that are 40% higher than those of their domestic counterparts. Similarly, a report by KPMG found that companies with international talent tend to outperform their domestic peers in terms of revenue and profitability.

The phenomenon of expat workers driving retirement savings is not unique to the tech industry. A survey by the International Monetary Fund found that expats in the United States tend to save more than 15% of their income, compared to 10% for domestic workers. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including higher salaries, greater financial security, and access to better retirement plans.

Growing numbers of professionals in the data sources domain are taking notice of the benefits of working abroad, particularly when it comes to retirement savings. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook have all established significant presences in international markets, and are actively recruiting expats to join their teams. Research communities are also starting to take a closer look at the impact of working abroad on retirement savings, with studies being published in leading journals like the Journal of Financial Planning and the Journal of Retirement Research.

The impact of expat workers on retirement savings is also having a broader impact on markets and policy environments. For example, the OECD's 2020 report on retirement savings found that countries with more international talent tend to have stronger pension systems and higher levels of retirement savings. Similarly, a report by the World Economic Forum found that companies with diverse and global workforces tend to outperform their peers in terms of innovation and competitiveness.

The trend of expat workers driving retirement savings is part of a broader pattern of globalization and the increasing importance of international talent in driving economic growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of international collaboration and the need for companies to have a global workforce in order to stay competitive. Historically, countries like Switzerland and Singapore have been recognized for their strong pension systems and high levels of retirement savings, and are often cited as models for other countries to follow.