pros and cons of living/working abroad

[beastmonkey]

I have been offered a job abroad, and I am trying to weigh up the the pros and cons of living abroad? any sensible suggestion welcomed, even obvious answers too as I might have missed some.

Thank you

[ChuckFickens]

Ah yes, abroad, I know it well, I went there a few years back.

(errr, would you care to narrow it down at all)

[Count-A-Strong]

I suppose leaving friends and family behind would be the hardest thing.

[beastmonkey]

ok hong kong

[Count-A-Strong]

A former business partner of mine has just started working over there. There's a stron ex-pat community but the city is very busy. pay is good (and tax is less than here but be careful if you still have property here as you can be caught by non-domicile taxes). The hours are long.

[Sqad]

Unless you are well qualified.......very well qualified.........then you may stand a chance abroad.

Over the years we have been conned into thinking that our (UK) professionals and artisans lead the world in expertise............NONSENSE.....so unless you are willing to pit your skills against others abroad.........DONT GO:

[trt]

No Tax, comfortable living, nice weather, learn about different cultures but it depends on what the job is, and if you have a family (kids) or not.

If you are single book your ticket.

[McMouse]

I believe the cost of living (for a westerner) is quite high on the island of Hong Kong, though out in the New Territories and the Kowloon peninsula it should be cheaper.

[Count-A-Strong]

The climate in HK is also very different to here. OK, so the temp rarely drops below 15 deg but theres a rainy season from mid May through to August (or even September)

[outoppie]

There is one basic thing. Accept everything you find and experience there for what it is. You cannot change it so don't EVER compare it with home and don't keep referring to "at home we do it this way" You will soon realise people will avoid you.

[hc4361]

Very, very strong work ethic. You will be expected to work hard and very long hours. You will probably be expected to socialise with your colleagues.

[Trotbot]

I had that choice to go to Asia in 1997, and I am still here. For me, it was relatively simple, because I knew if I didn't go I would think 'what if?' for the rest of my life. My reasoning was if I go and hate it, I get the experience on my CV and at least I tried. I cannot see myself living in the UK again now. The what if has been pretty good.

In general, it depends what you need to give up, and how comfortable your life style will be. HK is a great city if you have money, not so great on a tight budget.

[oldexpat]

Hello beastmonkey. It all depends on the package you will get. Will it be an expat package or will you just get a basic salary?

[carmalee]

went to live in Rhodesia 1970 and loved it from the word go - didn't once ever compare it to UK and straight away thought of it as home - I was determined to see and experience as much as I could and whilst not avoiding ex-pats, rather made friends with Rhodies - brilliant time and stayed in Africa for about 25 years. Go. don't compare, learn about the local culture and don't get sucked into the ex pat community too much. Be prepared to miss family and friends but don't whinge about it - you made the choice.