Looking for a change with work
Discussion
Hi, I'm currently working as a construction manager for a large global construction firm but feel there is more to life and working abroad seems to have a lot of positives.
I'm 28, a qualified joiner and have a degree in construction management, fast forward nearly 2 years and I'm commuting 170 miles a day working 70-80 hours a week and not really getting much out of it. I recently asked for a pay rise but got told that out of sequence pay rises don't happen which is a bit of joke as I joined this project on a promise.
So feeling a little unappreciated I've started thinking there is more to life than this, ideally I'd love to go to the states but due to how difficult it is to get a visa I'm thinking the UAE or Australia. I'd say I'm pretty good at what I do but I've got a Mrs and a house that I'm part way through refurbishing.
The Mrs is more than willing to move abroad it's just finding the ideal location where she will be happy and preferably be able to work, she is a hair dresser.
Any advice would be great.
Cheers
I'm 28, a qualified joiner and have a degree in construction management, fast forward nearly 2 years and I'm commuting 170 miles a day working 70-80 hours a week and not really getting much out of it. I recently asked for a pay rise but got told that out of sequence pay rises don't happen which is a bit of joke as I joined this project on a promise.
So feeling a little unappreciated I've started thinking there is more to life than this, ideally I'd love to go to the states but due to how difficult it is to get a visa I'm thinking the UAE or Australia. I'd say I'm pretty good at what I do but I've got a Mrs and a house that I'm part way through refurbishing.
The Mrs is more than willing to move abroad it's just finding the ideal location where she will be happy and preferably be able to work, she is a hair dresser.
Any advice would be great.
Cheers
See if you can transfer within your existing employer to another country - they pay the transport costs, though you're at their mercy re visas until you get yourself sorted. I've recently finished working for a global engineering consultancy, and that's how their staff move around. If you fancied a job in the States or wherever, you just looked at what was available or made contact with the relevant office and got going that way. People were usually quite accommodating of skilled people using initiative.
However, at 28, you're still young enough to just jack it in and go travelling, and start again. Me and Mrs PB did that when we were both 30, having already established our careers and on our second property. If your wife is a hairdresser, she'll get casual work easy enough, and if you've got PM/CM quals, it shouldn't take you long to get established.
Options, options...
However, at 28, you're still young enough to just jack it in and go travelling, and start again. Me and Mrs PB did that when we were both 30, having already established our careers and on our second property. If your wife is a hairdresser, she'll get casual work easy enough, and if you've got PM/CM quals, it shouldn't take you long to get established.
Options, options...
Have lived in both places you mention, both are very different so you need to think about exactly what it is that you want.
UAE is a better bet for a short term move because it is easy to get into and get out of and you can balance the financial benefit with the fact that it's a fairly limited place.
Oz is a better bet for a longer term move but getting in can be a pain and expensive and nobody moves here for the money!
Your Mrs will get work in Oz but not, in her current line of work, in the UAE - cheap labour from other countries makes it very difficult for Expats in hairdressing/beauty treatments etc.
UAE is a better bet for a short term move because it is easy to get into and get out of and you can balance the financial benefit with the fact that it's a fairly limited place.
Oz is a better bet for a longer term move but getting in can be a pain and expensive and nobody moves here for the money!
Your Mrs will get work in Oz but not, in her current line of work, in the UAE - cheap labour from other countries makes it very difficult for Expats in hairdressing/beauty treatments etc.
Meant to add that I've also worked in UAE and Qatar, albeit for about four/five weeks, and was flown there by my previous employer to help with some project stuff. Could not wait to get out. Hated it, and will be v happy to never see it again. I know many who have done the 2-3 years in ME thing, have loved the expat community life, and then got out, but I would struggle to do 2-3 months. One to try before you buy.
And then it was suggested about a year ago that I might be asked to help with some projects in KSA...
And then it was suggested about a year ago that I might be asked to help with some projects in KSA...
I work in Australia for a global construction consultancy who have recently moved from traditional cost consultancy into construction management. Whilst the Australian market has got quieter recently there is still some good opportunities here if you are willing to be flexible.
A typical arrangement would be for an employer to arrange your temporary (usually four year) work visa, which then offers an opportunity to move onto permanent residency if you want to go that route.
I love the lifestyle here, as do many others, but it isn't for anyone. I'm sure you know this but the whole 'land of dreams' thing peddled by the media over the past 50 years isn't at all accurate (in my opinion). Nowhere is perfect. Come with an open mind though and it will be a good experience.
PM me if you have any specific questions and perhaps I can direct you towards some employers. I can explain what my place does if you like the sound of it.
Cheers.
A typical arrangement would be for an employer to arrange your temporary (usually four year) work visa, which then offers an opportunity to move onto permanent residency if you want to go that route.
I love the lifestyle here, as do many others, but it isn't for anyone. I'm sure you know this but the whole 'land of dreams' thing peddled by the media over the past 50 years isn't at all accurate (in my opinion). Nowhere is perfect. Come with an open mind though and it will be a good experience.
PM me if you have any specific questions and perhaps I can direct you towards some employers. I can explain what my place does if you like the sound of it.
Cheers.
Your Mrs is your meal ticket - Australia is, apparently, short of hairdressers, so they're on the skills list. This makes it easier to get a visa (457) or apply directly for Permanent Residency (186).
Your best bet is to speak to a (decent) migration agent - If you PM me, I can put you in touch with a couple.
Your best bet is to speak to a (decent) migration agent - If you PM me, I can put you in touch with a couple.
Google [bot] said:
spitsfire said:
Your Mrs is your meal ticket - Australia is, apparently, short of hairdressers, so they're on the skills list.
I'm not sure if that's still the case, the list changes each year.
Gassing Station | Australia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff