Would you work overseas?

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   LeanManposted 13 years ago

   I am originally from the UK, but I have been working now in Saudi Arabia for the last three years. The reasons being that I had been wiped out financially by ex-wives who took property etc. Being early forties I only have so much time to build a nest egg for my future therefore Saudi Arabia with good wages and zero tax seemed like a good option despite the issues with working here..
   I have limited communication with my family being here and it wrecked a long term relationship within a few months - although I am now in a much healthier one..
   
   But would you do it? If not why not?

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      rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      if it was the right time, job and country, yes, I would. but I'm sure I would want to come back at some point, not a permanent move. I think it would be fascinating to work with some of the educational outreach programs in other countries or a teaching position of the English language.

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      1. 81

         LeanManposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I really don't want to go back to UK, rather keep moving and try more places..
         
         Teaching is great fun but heartbreaking in some countries, I am not a teacher but have been into a couple of schools in parts of africa and met the children just for fun...

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   Sab Ohposted 13 years ago

   It can be a great experience.

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3. 80

   Princessaposted 13 years ago

   I have done it -in a way- although I moved first and found the job after. 
   
   I think working overseas enriches your life, it makes you more open to new ideas.  I would recommend it anytime.  However I think working overseas requires a special personality, one that is not attached to friends, family or material possesions.  It can be very hard to leave everything and start again from zero.  For me, that is the exciting part, everytime I move countries is like a new beginning.

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   Home Girlposted 13 years ago

   Well, Princessa is right, you need a special personality. I am such a home girl(re:chicken).

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      Princessaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      It is also easier when you have no children or when they are very young.  The older your children get, the more reluctant they can be to move countries.

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5. 81

   LeanManposted 13 years ago

   It is great fun, new experiences, new cultures, new people, new challenges, new frustrations,.....
   
   All in all an experience that changes your entire outlook on life..

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6. 75

   Fluffymetalposted 13 years ago

   YES I would do it in your position.  I would do it myself for at least a year.

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7. 63

   Mishaposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely. I do it
   
   And Alla, you do it too - you are far from being a chicken

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      Home Girlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      No, Misha, I just pretend to be strong, don't have a choice.  Canadian experience was too much for me, I am not taking any chances any more. Though as they say: never say never.

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         Mishaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         LOL You moved to Canada from your home country and you work in Canada, right? Means you work overseas

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      Sufidreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      That's only because you are a spy

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      1. 63

         Mishaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Well, no body asked why, so i don't  have to specify

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         1. 86

            rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            
            
            
            
            
            leanman, yes, I'm sure teaching could be heartbreaking and I guess that's one reason it is appealing, to at least try to help these children..  teaching can be immensely rewarding.
            there is a non-profit group that builds schools and supplies books to poor countries started by an American who quit his Microsoft executive position. I read the book years ago, now I can't think of his name. I think it sounds so rewarding.
            
            EDIT: now I remember his name. John Wood, he wrote Leaving Microsoft to Change the World and started Room to Read.

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8. 79

   Sufidreamerposted 13 years ago

   This is my third time living in another country.
   
   It isn't always easy (I am still struggling to find the time to learn decent Greek), but the good far outweighs the bad.
   
   I have absolutely no intention of going back to live in the UK

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      Home Girlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Why,Sufidreamer? Is Greece better, or you do not like UK, or you do not like changes like me?

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      1. 79

         Sufidreamerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Greece is a wonderful part of the world and we intend to be here for a long time - sun, Ouzo, freedom, history and less stress.
         
         I just wish that I had more time to enjoy it, but setting up a business takes time whatever country you live in.
         
         @Misha: Spying is a profession with good career prospects and a healthy pension. If Russia needs someone for a bit of commercial espionage on Kostas the Goatherder, I am available.
         
         @Rebekah - That sounds like the true Greek experience. Work hard and then party all night!

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      rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Sufi,the other night we went to a Greek community nearby for their monthly Night in the Islands celebration. It is in the Greek section of Tarpon Springs, the streets are closed, tables are set up in the streets with outside dining, Greek dancing and musicians.. such fun and I know they do this often in other countries, it is part of their culture.
      so for a while, I felt like I was in a village in Greece.
      it is a true fishing village with the sponge boats and big shrimpers. the other day we went for dinner along the water and saw a US customs and immigration boat sail by.. not something we typically see.

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