Discover Life at eCabs, where we give you an inside look into the lives of the eCabs team. If you are thinking of joining us, or just want to check out our company culture, walk this way!

Traversing the Agile seas: a Scrum Master’s journey

Traversing the Agile seas: a Scrum Master’s journey

The idea of helping people to help themselves is probably the key factor which drew me towards becoming a Scrum Master.

My journey into Agile, not just Scrum, has been a long one. I was one of the first three Scrum people certified in Malta (one other Scrum Master and a Scrum trainer).

Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey in this field?

Agile and Scrum were practically non-existent on the island back in 2007. Along with the other qualified Scrum Master, we had started an NGO called Agile Malta. Through this NGO, we used to hold Agile focused conferences and used to help companies to transition to the Agile mentality.

Over time, I learnt different Agile methodologies which have progressed towards scaled Scrum.

Can you provide an overview of your role as a Scrum Master at eCabs Technologies? What are your primary responsibilities and objectives?

When I joined eCabs, one of the very first things I noticed – and liked – was that the company was not developing a ride-hailing platform separate from everything else. But as a consolidated operator platform, integrating app, phone, web and API integrated bookings, amongst others.

My role has evolved from aiding eCabs’ tech team to understanding Scrum, to helping them to understand their autonomy and self-responsibility.

My primary objective is to ensure that we give back the flow of work from our customer and product team’s minds, along with our company experience, to our customers with a high level of quality.

eCabs Technologies is known for its tech-driven culture. How does the Scrum framework contribute to the development and improvement of these solutions?

Scrum fosters the creation and maintenance of a mentality of small increments totaling up to one great improvement. Based on how the local and foreign customers and business are progressing over time.

Changing people’s behaviour is never easy. But the Agile/Scrum perspective comes to the rescue in the form of small changes over time. In terms of what we communicate, as well as when and how. All the while focusing on how people are feeling during the communication exchange.

My main objective is getting the tech teams to functional in a holistic and professional manner. In the long run, my end game is to foster collaboration and self-management across the entire company.

eCabs Technologies Scrum Master Aldo Cauchi Savona

At eCabs Technologies, my main objective is getting the tech teams to functional in a holistic and professional manner. In the long run, my end game is to foster collaboration and self-management across the entire company.

Communication is enhanced with the use of informative automated boards. As well as the use of Slack and Scrum’s correlated rhythmical set of meetings, one of which occurs daily.

Getting all team players rowing in the same direction at the same time, where all the company is working as a team, will allow us to beat groups of any size.

What advice would you give to aspiring Scrum Masters who are looking to excel in their careers within the tech industry? Especially in companies like eCabs?

It is good to always keep in mind that Scrum is not unique or special only to tech companies. Social sciences use what they call a ‘grounded thinking’ methodology, which involves the cyclical application of inductive reasoning.

In anything in life – not only in the tech industry – start small and cyclically build yourself. All the time, adapting your current short-term plan towards achieving a long-term goal, which is also an ever evolving and constantly changing process.

For instance, improvements through small increments is also an aspect of physical therapy (which I travel abroad yearly for after a nasty incident a few years ago which left me in need of the aforementioned therapy.)

My personal experience has taught me that, sometimes, even those things that are deemed impossible or unlikely, are achievable. With the right mindset, the appropriate direction, and a dose of hard work from your end. And I try to apply that reasoning to everything I do.

Interested in joining the eCabs Technologies team?

Aldo Cauchi Savona Traversing the Agile seas: a Scrum Master’s journey
Malta your home in 2023

Why you should make Malta your home in 2024

There are plenty of reasons why you should make Malta your home in 2024. In this blog, we outline a few of the most interesting ones.

Quality of life

If you decide to live or work in Malta, get ready to embrace its unique way of life. The Maltese Islands, made up of Malta and Gozo, boast of a lot of positives.

For starters, by and large, it is possible to maintain a good work-life balance and have the time to dedicate to your passions or hobbies.

There are few countries where you can take a dip in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea pretty much from late April to early November (some people are even found swimming in December or even after!)

Dining al fresco is also possible most months out of the year. Although large parts of the island are built-up, there are still places where you can go picnicking, running or hiking during the cooler periods.

Malta offers a high standard of living that is hard to beat. The island has a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities year-round.

Malta is also known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning landscapes, which attract tourists from around the world.

Strong economy and high safety

Malta is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone and it uses the Euro as its currency. The country has a low unemployment rate and a high GDP per capita. Crime levels are also relatively low.

As for living costs, we are not saying that Malta is a ‘cheap’ place to live in, but it is generally possible to live well within your means, making it an attractive location for those who would like to save money while still enjoying a good standard of living.

The cost of living in Malta is relatively lower than in several other countries in Europe. If you have a decent salary, you should not only be able to live, but live reasonably well.

The rental market is diverse and the price of rental properties is dependant on where you decide to live, and what kind of housing you are looking for.

Malta’s public transport has been free of charge for all residents since the 1st of October 2022.

The ‘Tallinja Card‘ is required to be able to travel for free on a bus. You will need to tap your card on the ticketing machine every time you board a bus.

Another option is to use ride-hailing services such as eCabs of course! The eCabs App is available for both iPhone and Android users.

Malta’s thriving technology industry

Over the past decade, Malta has become a hub for the technology sector, attracting startups, multinational tech companies, and investors from around the world.

The island boasts a highly educated workforce, with many locals fluent in multiple languages. As a result, Malta has a thriving tech sector that continues to grow year after year.

As a tech professional, you will find that Malta’s community is particularly welcoming to those in the industry. The island has a vibrant tech scene, with numerous events, meetups, and networking opportunities throughout the year.

If you attend these tech industry events, you can connect with other tech professionals and expand your network, both locally and internationally.

eCabs headquarters in Malta

Choosing to relocate to Malta not only opens doors to professional growth but also provides the opportunity to embrace a fulfilling lifestyle in a charming and culturally rich setting.

If you are looking for a new challenge in a dynamic and innovative tech mobility company, while working in a beautiful island nation with a rich history and culture, eCabs Technologies is the place for you, says eCabs Technologies’ Head of HR Tracy Vella.

“We are looking for talented and passionate professionals who share our vision of transforming the way people move and travel. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, a friendly and supportive work environment, and the opportunity to relocate to Malta, one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.

“At eCabs Technologies, we value our employees and their wellbeing. We organise regular events and activities to foster team spirit and social interaction. We also have a strong company culture, based on our core values of innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. You will work with team members who are experts in their fields and who are always ready to help and collaborate.”

We are very proud of our multi-diverse, talented team. If you fit our criteria, hopefully we will be seeing you soon!

Safeguarding the three pillars of technology

Navigating the digital maze: Tales from the tech frontline

In this blog, eCabs Systems & Network Administrator Osama Belaama dives into the digital maze of the three pillars of technology – first line tech support, network, and security.

Tech presents both opportunities and challenges. For businesses like ours, navigating this area requires a keen understanding of tech support, network management, and cybersecurity.

At eCabs Technologies, we believe that technology is the backbone of our operations. And I am committed to realising this every day.

By giving the areas below the attention they deserve, businesses not only ensure smoother operations but also fortify themselves against potential threats.

First line tech support to the rescue

In the vast landscape of technology, first line tech support stands as the front-line defenders, ensuring a smooth experience for end users.

Whenever a user finds a technical glitch, it’s the first line support that rushes to the rescue.

The primary role is not just troubleshooting the cause but also understanding, and guiding users with patience and expertise.

First line tech support makes technology approachable, ensuring a smoother digital experience for everyone. In principle, they are the human touch in an increasingly digital world.

A strong network is not just a luxury

A robust network is essential. Think of it as the highways and roads in a city. The more efficient they are, the smoother the traffic flow.

Similarly, in the digital area, a strong network ensures efficient data transfer, seamless communication, and optimal user experience.

However, just as a pothole can disrupt your drive, network issues can interrupt a business’s operations.

Moreover, as businesses evolve and grow, their networks must be agile and scalable.

Technology is an enabler but not a complete solution. Use it to reduce risk – but be prepared for a breach.

eCabs Systems & Network Administrator Osama Belaama

Utilising a robust network infrastructure not only streamlines communication and traffic flow but also safeguards critical business information against potential cyber threats.

Security: safeguarding the digital system and infrastructure

Finally, the final of the pillars of technology – and the most important aspect of business nowadays – is security.

With a rising number of cyber threats, security isn’t just an option; it’s a priority.

A single breach can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and a loss of trust. Therefore, it’s vital for every user to identify the importance of digital security.

Whether it’s about setting strong passwords, MFA (Multifactor Authentication) or understanding phishing threats, a little knowledge can go a long way. Knowledge is always your best defence.

No such thing as 100% invulnerability… ever

This is a crucial fundamental truth.

Despite our best efforts in deploying firewalls, adopting MFA, or integrating IDS (Intrusion Detection System) and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), the advent of supercomputers and sophisticated hacking techniques has proved that every digital fortress is vulnerable.

Technology is an enabler but not a complete solution. Use it to reduce risk – but be prepared for a breach.

Even with all these advanced warnings, one of the most vulnerable aspects that may result in significant business loss is the user themselves.

According to research, 88% of all cyberattack incidents are caused by an employee. Either due to a mistake or lack of awareness.

An accidental click on a malicious link, a download from an unverified source, or simply entering their credentials on a false page can open floodgates to potential threats.

It is my utmost responsibility to highlight and repeat the importance of caution to users. Staying informed, alert, and proactive is not just a recommendation; it’s a crucial component for you to hold.

Osama Belaama
Why move to Malta for work 5 great reasons

Why move to Malta for work (5 great reasons)

Here are some excellent reasons why a move to Malta to work with eCabs Technologies might be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Glorious weather

Try an experiment. Ask anyone what they know for certain about Malta and the likelihood is that they will say: the beautiful weather.

The country boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, with hot summers and relatively mild winters.

This means that you can usually swim in the Mediterranean Sea (or an outdoor pool) pretty much from late-April to late-October. Outdoor leisure activities and outside dining are also possible for most of the year.

Multilingualism

Malta is a bilingual country, with two official languages: Maltese and English. Almost everyone speaks English.

If you understand/speak/read English, you should have no problem at all getting by in your personal and professional life if you move to Malta. Quite a few Maltese people also understand and speak Italian.

A move to Malta means heritage on your doorstep

We mentioned the amazing weather the Maltese Islands enjoy earlier. Let’s go on to another thing that they are famous for – its rich history which dates back all the way to the Neolithic period.

Why move to Malta for work 5 great reasons

There is a plethora of archaeological sites dotted around the islands, as well as museums and other cultural landmarks.

In the capital Valletta, as well as the old capital Mdina (see the photo on the left), the Three Cities and Gozo, amongst other places, you can almost breathe in the heritage.

Furthermore, Malta has a vibrant all-year-round music, arts, and theatre scene. Towns and villages also celebrate a yearly feast (festa) dedicated to their patron Saint, which is always a colourful affair.

What does Malta offer to sports lovers?

Whether you’re an aspiring Rafael Nadal or Venus Williams, fancy a five-a-side football match, or want to hit the gym, when you move to Malta you will find plenty of places to practise – or watch – your sport and/or keep fit.

You’ll find gyms in practically every other town.

In addition, tennis / Padel courts and football pitches are available for hire at various sports complexes. There even is a golf course. Or you can even join a rugby or cricket team if that is your preferred sport.

There are also numerous activities for runners, hikers, abseilers, cyclists and more.

Easy travel to other places in Europe

The island is well-served by Malta International Airport. This means that, with a move to Malta, weekend breaks in other European countries – most of which are only a couple of hours’ flight away – are very doable. You can even pop over to Sicily by ferry.

Is there a flip side to a move to Malta for work?

No country is perfect. And for all its awesome advantages, Malta is no exception. For example, as we said above, the lovely weather is definitely a huge plus.

However, those people who are not used to extreme heat might find it a real issue during the summer months.

Investing in air conditioning at home is simply a must, especially if you will be working from there (and if you want to get any sleep at all during the humid, balmy nights).

Although the island is small, it also has the one of the highest car-to-person ratios in the world, which means that during various points of the day, traffic congestion can be a real problem.

Being so densely populated, noise pollution is another concern. So you may want to invest in noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs if you decide to live in a very busy area.

And finally, red tape / bureaucracy can be quite time-consuming. Sometimes it takes longer than one would think necessary to sort out and receive documents and so on. But that’s one area where our super HR department can help you with!

All in all, however, the pluses far outweigh the minuses, otherwise we surely would not have more than 15 different nationalities working in our eCabs team!

The thrill of ‘breaking stuff’ in software testing

The thrill of ‘breaking stuff’ in software testing

As a manual tester, Maria’s role is directly related to the quality assurance stage of the software development of the eCabs Technologies’ product.  

This involves the execution of manual tests with the objective of ensuring that the software which is ought to be delivered to customers meets the respective requirements.  

Maria’s primary responsibility constitutes the analysis of software so that any foreseeable issues are identified and prevented.  

“A good software quality assurance analyst must be capable of putting themselves in the shoes of the person who will be making use of the software in question,” Maria explains. “Even though this might sound pretty straightforward due to the fact that I am one of these users (given that I make use of eCabs in real life), one must keep in mind that the consumer aspect of this ride-hailing technology is just one piece of the puzzle.”

For instance, there is the driver’s aspect which works hand-in-hand with the consumer’s, the business-to-business aspect and so on.  

“The mixture of these kinds of personas and scenarios is what makes the nature of this industry challenging enough to keep the testing strategies required interesting. The complexity of the processes involved from the minute the booking is created to when the booking is completed, not to mention the payment infrastructure that proceeds this, creates ample room for creative test cases designs. The trick is to learn how each piece links to and affects the others.”

Challenges and strategies in software testing

During her first few days at eCabs Technologies, Maria was involved with the general testing of the main mobile apps (the consumer app and the driver app).  

However, her main focus during the past few months has been the B2B portal which was recently launched for both Malta and Blue in Romania.

This portal gives businesses the opportunity to register, and make use, of the eCabs Business to Business feature.

A good software quality assurance analyst must be capable of putting themselves in the shoes of the person who will be making use of the software in question.

eCabs Technologies Manual Tester Maria Mifsud

Given that Maria has a lot of experience in web testing, she says that this project was as fun to test as much as it was interesting; it is just a shame that, since she did not start working on this project since day one, she was not involved in the requirements gathering process.  

“This posed the challenge of having to go through a lot of documentation. And having to ask a lot of questions on the business logic and the user flow. Having said that, my Quality Assurance team colleagues and the product owners of this project were always extremely helpful. I have always felt welcomed to voice my concerns and advice on user experience improvement and product stability.”

Enhancing software quality through clear communication

Maria is an avid advocate for good communication. She says that a tester must always have a clear vision of what the requirements and business logic are.  

“For this to be possible, there must be clear communication between the QA team and the product owners. In this regard, communication must be a two-way street, as it is our duty to voice our opinion when we think that a better approach can be taken. Given that bug reporting is part and parcel of our daily life, we need to have clear and constant communication with the development team to indicate any issues observed during testing.”

Seeing is believing

Maria says that the most rewarding feeling about working at eCabs Technologies is the fact that the work that she and her team does is tangible and can be observed in action on a day-to-day basis. Either by seeing an eCabs driver driving past or when using the customer app itself.

She believes that she still have a lot to learn on the possibilities that the mobility sector has to offer. And she hopes that she can implement such knowledge in a way that compliments the major advancements of the technology in this sector.

“From my experience, I can say that there are two types of people in the tech industry – those who like to build things and those who like to break things. Software quality assurance requires a reverse engineering mindset with the objective to break the software being tested so as to enhance its quality. Breaking stuff is cool and fun. Come join the party!”

Would you like to join Maria in the eCabs Technologies family?

Maria has always had an interest in breaking things apart to understand how they work and then following the reverse pattern to put everything back in place. In 2017 she graduated as an electrical and electronics engineer from the University of Malta. Soon after, she had the opportunity to pursue a three-month internship with Fraunhofer FKIE in Bonn, Germany. As far as her free time goes, if eating counts as a hobby, then she’d say she loves to eat! To keep this hobby ‘sustainable’, she goes running, does weight training and has also recently started indoor climbing. She also enjoys playing the piano, baking… and assembling furniture.

How to apply for a job at eCabs

How to apply for a job at eCabs

The journey to landing your ideal job at eCabs can be exhilarating yet challenging. In a world where competition is fierce, it’s essential to stand out and navigate the recruitment process with confidence.

In this blog post, I share valuable insights and tips to help you ace every step of the recruitment process.

Understand your preferences and priorities

Before you hit that ‘Apply’ button, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you in your next role.

I suggest considering various aspects, such as company culture, daily responsibilities, project interests, management style, office environment, and work arrangement (remote, hybrid, or on-site).

Remember, the interview process is not just about you impressing the company – you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you.

Prepare a winning CV

Crafting an impactful CV is a crucial step when you are applying for a job at eCabs. I would advise using a clean, polished format that spans no more than two pages.

If you decided to include a cover letter, keep in mind that most recruiters just skim them for writing style, level of English, and an explanation for a career change.

Make sure that your contact information is professional and complete (full name – first and last, no middle, location – city/state/country, telephone number – with country code and mobile number, and email address) listing essential details without any unnecessary embellishment.

Use a ‘professional’ email address, not one associated with hobbies or other interests. For example – [email protected] rather than [email protected].

If you decide to include a photo of yourself, make sure that it is also professional – no ‘duck lips,’ no alcoholic beverages in hand, a neutral background, no graduation or wedding photos.

List your employment experience in chronological order with your most recent experience first.  Include company name, job title, and dates of employment.

You should also include your professional achievements using bullet points under each employer. Wherever possible provide specific measurements, such as ‘increased productivity by 10 percent’.

Include any skills relevant to the role that you are applying for – the languages you speak, technology skills and so on. If you are applying for a tech role, list the software and hardware that you have experience with.

Finally, be sure to include your educational background, and any relevant certifications. You should not include scans of actual certificates, or grades for specific courses or O’ / A’ level exams.

Make sure you are ready for the interview

As you prepare to interview for a job at eCabs, I recommend reviewing the job description and identifying your transferable skills.

  • Dive into the company’s history and understand what drew you to the role.
  • Prepare responses to common interview questions such as areas for improvement and reasons for leaving your current job.
  • Have a salary range in mind for the role in the location for which you are applying.
  • Know your notice period or availability to start a new role.

Be yourself

During the interview itself, focus on maintaining a composed demeanor and making eye contact, even in virtual interviews (looking into the camera helps when addressing the interviewer).

Be authentic in your responses and engage the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions that go beyond salary and job logistics. For example, ask about the role, team, and company culture.

Don’t forget to discuss the next steps in the recruitment process and the expected timeline for feedback.

Nailing recruitment tasks

For some roles, we incorporate recruitment tasks to evaluate candidates’ skills. This is a great opportunity for you to show off your expertise!

Ask questions if you need clarification and ensure you submit your task on time.

If you’re unable to complete the task, communicate with the recruiter early on. Perhaps, there is a more junior role that the company can offer you.

Seal the deal

If you receive an offer for a job at eCabs, and you are excited about the opportunity, go ahead and share your excitement with the recruiter!

  • Make sure you listen attentively to the details of the offer in their entirety.
  • Your salary expectations should align with the previously discussed range.
  • If you need more time to consider the offer, request a reasonable extension, keeping it within not more than three days at the very maximum.

Once you’re ready to accept the job offer, communicate your decision, and agree on a start date.

Examine the employment contract

Thoroughly review your employment contract. Highlight any clauses that you may have questions or concerns about to discuss later with the recruiter. Do be open to understanding the rationale behind certain clauses.

Once you’re satisfied, it’s time to sign the contract and celebrate your official joining of the eCabs team!

Provide any requested information to get you into the appropriate systems and onto the payroll (such as bank account information, and previous pay slips).

If you need a work permit for EU employment, complete the appropriate application form and provide the necessary paperwork promptly (passport, CV, lease agreement, medical exams, and so on).

Seamless onboarding

Make your first days at work less stressful with these tips.

  • Make sure you are aware of and understand the arrival time, as well as any dress code.
  • Make contact with the IT department for technology setup and access.
  • Connect with HR/Office Management to get acquainted with your colleagues and office environment.
  • Schedule an onboarding session with your hiring manager or a senior team member to help you ease into your new role with confidence.

Finally, settle in and enjoy your new environment and teammates. Welcome to your future with eCabs Technologies – a journey filled with growth, opportunities, and success!

A journey of personal growth and success

A journey of personal growth and success

Personal growth is very important to me. And I count myself fortunate that the field I work in is conducive to pushing boundaries and fueling creativity.

My fascination with people and their dynamics drives me to work towards finding solutions that can enhance the quality of experiences for both customers and businesses. This gives me a sense of purpose in my professional endeavours.

Outside of work, my most important role is being a mother to two young and lively boys. They keep me happily occupied in my free time, and I cherish every moment spent with them.

I have also actively pursued further education through various courses and engaged in diverse projects. These experiences have enriched my skillset and allowed me to contribute effectively to different challenges.

As far as my career trajectory goes, I had worked as a Business Analyst since 2016, three of those years in a Scrum environment at eCabs. The company then offered me the possibility to move on to a Product Owner role smoothly and naturally.

Nowadays, I am responsible for defining the vision for the product with our key stakeholders.

One thing that I like – and feel is essential in my role – is to understand and anticipate our users’ needs. So, I can evaluate and prioritise product features and goals.

I truly believe my commitment to understanding customer needs and feedback here at eCabs has allowed me to contribute to my professional and personal growth.

Learning as I go

Scrum allows the team to work in small iterations. This helps the product to be built in an incremental approach, as we adapt to changes to return maximum value. This enables us to handle multiple projects concurrently.

One of my main tasks is evaluating the product progress at each iteration, as well as planning for the next one, based on the priority assigned.

So as a Product Owner I do not need to know all requirements in advance. Instead, I must take decisions to prioritise any backlog.

My fascination with people and their dynamics drives me to work towards finding solutions that can enhance the quality of experiences for both customers and businesses.

eCabs Technologies Product Owner Stephanie Portanier Mifsud

Our teams are very lucky to have a leadership team that is very approachable, supportive, and willing to support us through their invaluable and rare industry experience. They provide us with the individual space for all team members to be able to learn and excel in our roles.

I learn as I go along through continuous collaboration with my team. In this way, I can make the decisions and priorities to continue developing the right product for the business and stakeholders.

Pride and satisfaction

As a technology company that benefits from the wealth of knowledge that has been garnered over 13 years of operational experience, we are eager to bring our expertise and powerful technology platform to investors and operators alike as we venture into new territories.

Our decision to explore new markets was driven by the rising demand for our services. As well as a strong belief in the huge potential of our software offering.

My team and I have had the benefit of being able to rapidly push and test new product features onto the hyper-competitive local market, and then take those learnings and wins to our foreign partners.

We are proud and eager to bring our expertise and innovative solutions to a wider audience and make a positive impact on their lives and businesses.

I feel my journey and commitment to understanding customer needs and feedback has allowed me to contribute substantially to eCabs’ products. I cannot wait to see operations in the new markets scale!

Do you have the skills required to join Stephanie in eCabs Technologies’ super Product team?

What to do as soon as you move to a new country

What to do as soon as you move to a new country?

In this blog, we give some top tips about the first things you should do when you move to another country.

Sort out your commute

How are you going to get to and from work (if you are doing hybrid or office work) when you relocate to a new country?

Will you walk, cycle, hire a car, catch the bus, or use a ride-hailing or taxi service? Or perhaps a combination of the three, depending on the weather?

Check out maps, bus timetables, bus stop locations and ride-hailing apps to be better informed.

Once you start work, start a conversation and see if any of your new colleagues live close by to see if there is the possibility of carpooling.

Check out your neighbourhood

After you have got down to the first task of unpacking your essentials, why not take a stroll round the neighbourhood that you have decided to make your new home.

See if there are any supermarkets around. And check out if there are any restaurants or drinking holes that you fancy.

We know it’s so easy to order food and groceries online nowadays. But sometimes, it is nice to explore, venture outside and do things face-to-face.

And this may also be a nice way to meet your neighbours and maybe make good friends in the process.

Have some fun once you move to a new country

Being social comes naturally to some people. They are the life and soul of the party and they find it easy to make new friends. These kinds of people will find this suggestion an easy one.

For those of you who may be a bit more introverted, you may find this piece of advice a little bit more difficult.

However, even if you do not feel comfortable at first, when you relocate to a new country, going out to explore, getting out of your comfort zone, attending local events, making new friends as an adult, and trying out different things should be part of you settling into your new home.

Ask for help when you need to

Even if you are a totally independent kind of person, when you move to a new country, there will be some things you will not know about.

No matter how much internet searching and research you did beforehand. So go ahead and ask.

Talk to people – you might be surprised how most people will only be too glad to help. Especially if you are asking about something they are proud of, such as cultural events or traditions.

It is also a good conversation starter. And small talk can often evolve into something deeper, again leading to making potential new friends.

Stay in touch with family and friends after you relocate

It is all too easy to get caught up in your new life and not think about those you have left behind that often when you relocate to a new country and meet new people.

Schedule voice and video calls with your loved ones when you can – maybe try and make them a regular thing.

Another idea would be to write a blog online so your friends and family can keep up with your adventures.

eCabs’ Recruitment team is ready to help all our relocating employees once they arrive in Malta. Interested?

6 top tips for a successful relocation

6 top tips for a successful relocation

When it comes to successful relocation planning, you need to start early and organise yourself well. Here are some important steps that may be of help.

Make a project plan

As soon as you have determined the date when you will be making your move, go ahead and book a removal company if you need one.

They tend to get booked up very fast, so they may not be able to help you on the day that you need them if you are not careful.

It is also wise to make a relocation budget, and stick to it as much as you can.

If you are moving overseas, now is the time to book the mode of transport you will be using to get to your final destination.

Make a to-do list

One key to a successful move is keeping organised.

Write out a to-do list and tick off the tasks you complete.

Not only will this make your life easier, but it will also give you a feeling of satisfaction that you are on the way to reaching your goal.

Things to put on your list include:

  • Key dates for when you need to complete your tasks.
  • Items you need to help you pack including boxes, tape etc.
  • What you are going to take with you / trash / recycle / donate.
  • Important documents and paperwork you require.
  • Services and subscriptions you need to cancel or redirect.

Check in with your moving company

If you have booked a moving company to help you carry or store your belongings, it is a good idea to check in with them a few days before your moving date to make sure all is well.

Also make sure to check that they will be there on the reserved day and at the right time. You don’t want any nasty surprises on the day.

Always have a Plan B to ensure a successful relocation

In life, things rarely go exactly to plan. So, it is important to have a ‘Plan B’ just in case.

In this way, when things go wrong (and they invariably will), try not to panic and do be flexible.

If you have an alternative plan, you can be safe in the knowledge that you can salvage your day/time/money.

Take care of children and pets

Moving is always a tense experience to a certain extent. Even more so if children or animals are involved.

Big events such as moving can make them stressed or worried, so do try and make their experience as easy and pleasant as possible.

On moving day, try to get someone else to take care of them, so you can concentrate fully on the move.

Research your new home for a successful relocation experience

Finally, do some homework on the country you are moving to well before you leave.

It is a great idea to learn about things like the weather, language, culture, and customs so you have an idea of what to expect when you arrive to start your exciting new life and start to meet new people.

If you are working onsite, you should also research where the office building is, and how best to get there, so you are not late or flustered on your first day of work.

Are you thinking of moving abroad for work and have the skills we need? Check out our Careers page and see if you are a good fit for any of our current roles.

5 reasons to move to another country for work

5 reasons to move to another country for work

In this blog, we outline why moving to another country for work can benefit you and your career.

Brand new life skills

Even before you leave your home country, you are already experiencing new challenges.

First off, even before you leave to start a new life abroad, you will have to hone your organisation skills to sort out your move. From packing your belongings to finding a transportation company to sorting out any pending administrative matters.

Once you get to your new destination, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the list of things you have to do. Plus being in a new, unknown place – to settle down in, not just as a holiday – may feel daunting.

For the first few weeks, do not hesitate to ask people for help if you need it. You will soon catch on and start feeling more comfortable.

Discovering the best places for food shopping and entertainment will make you feel more at home. As will figuring out how to get around with public transport, keeping within your budget, and figuring out how to pay your bills.

Learning to cook your own meals (especially if you never did so before) will give you a huge feeling of satisfaction.

The most satisfying feelings come after a challenge. And once you’ve had some time to make a fresh start, you will also feel a tremendous sense of achievement.

Moving to another country for work can benefit your career

Moving to a new country and finding work there shows recruiters and employers that you can rise to a challenge, and are adaptable, independent, driven, and motivated.

It also shows that you are adept at soft skills such as good communication.

Many employers value international experience, especially in the tech industry. Showing that you have had experience working internationally on your CV is therefore a good idea.

All this might just give you the edge over any other candidates while giving your career a boost.

Experience a new culture

When you are on holiday in another country you only get to experience the tip of the iceberg, as it were. Once you move to another country for work, it is a completely different story.

Living in a different country for a longer period of time means that you will be able to immerse yourself in that country’s culture.

This will make you feel more at home (and less homesick, if you are missing your friends and family).

Expand your professional and personal network

Moving to another country for work can offer a number of career advancement opportunities. Working in a new environment can give you exposure to new ideas, approaches, and technologies.

All this can help you grow and develop professionally. Furthermore, when you work in a new chosen country, you are not only expanding your professional network, but your personal one as well.

The professional relationships with your new colleagues may lead to other interesting career moves, even within the same company. The new friends you make will probably remain friends forever.

A better quality of life

Moving to another country for work can often offer an improved work-life balance.

Sometimes it can also offer more vacation and better healthcare, as well as more diverse cultural amenities and more outdoor space and access to nature.

Living in a new country may also offer a more affordable cost of living.

Living abroad will broaden your mind

Meeting people who come from different cultures, trying new things, and having experiences which you would not have normally had at home will expand your mind and enrich your life.

When you live and work abroad, you are constantly learning and growing.

Interested in working with eCabs? We currently have a number of open positions in our head office in Malta.