To Go Or Not To Go

Have you ever wondered how it is like to work overseas? That is, if you have never worked overseas before of course. Perhaps those who did can share their experiences with the rest of us.

I have been pondering over this question for a good few weeks. My Uncle Pat in Aussie has already laid down the gauntlet - he predicted that I will be working Down Under by the end of this year.

I am wondering if I should make his prophecy come true... and allow him to win all the bets he has taken.

And of course, accepting a job offer to work overseas should mean that you will be getting higher pay that you are currently commanding. If you are offered less than what you are now getting, I don't see why you should accept the new appointment, especially when you are paying for your accommodation and car when previously you could live right out of your parents' house.

Now I do look forward to the challenge of living independently overseas... no more maid (not that I am reliant on her anyway), no more family members around you, no more home-cooked food, being far away from your close friends, etc. I especially look forward to finding my own accommodation (although Uncle Pat has already booked a room in his house for me) and having my own set of wheels (choice of car is undecided but the scale tips towards a white Volkswagen Golf). But the pains of other administrative tasks pokes me in the rear, things like having to open a bank account, regular supermarket shopping, going to the post office, etc.

Of course, there are the challenges of working overseas. Coming from a different country, your colleagues are naturally of a different cultural background. Language may pose to be a barrier and not everyone can understand what "har?" means. The way of writing reports or drafting emails may be different. Going to a meeting may take hours as you need to drive long distances. You start off with zero friends and loneliness may set in and leave you depressed.

In short, it is a different kettle of fish altogether. I really salute those who work overseas on a whim, to leave everything behind and move into uncharted waters.

But being thrown into a different environment and into the deep end means that you must learn to float and swim faster than you did in the past. I think that one can really learn and be exposed to a lot more when placed in an unfamiliar environment compared to being in a comfort zone that he or she is accustomed to. Don't you think so?

I was thinking since I am still relatively young (but the big 30 is looming faster than I realise it) and no strings attached (less for my family and friends), I should do this crazy thing and work abroad for a few years. Who knows, I might even settle down there in the end. And maybe marry a local there eventually... haha. Also, before I get to a managerial level, my current junior position allows me to prod, ask and make mistakes (not big ones, of course) and learn at the same time. That is the advantage of doing this whilst young.

But this is a big move, probably the biggest decision of my life so far. Should I take the plunge or should I hold on first and hope that my next company will send me overseas on postings? I should think about it carefully and not commit without much thought given to it.

Looks like Uncle Pat will not be winning his bet easily.