Returning to the UK from overseas

[SKP555]

As per my thread just started in The Lounge, I'm looking at returning to the UK after around 10 years overseas in Asia, and wondering how marketable I would be.

Background is sales management and new busienss development, mostly for consultancy services but I'm not tied to that at all.

Most likely to be based in the north east, but flexible on travelling.

Main question is how will overseas experience be viewed? How much of a set back will the fact that I don't have much recent UK experience or network be?

Any thoughts or similar experiences are much appreciated.

[CRB14]

I did 4 years in Dubai and thought I'd get snapped up quickly. I was wrong. I'm in construction but most contractors didn't want to know me and saw my time abroad as a bad thing. My return was during the recession though so I figured that played a part too.

[SKP555]

That's what I was worried about. Any idea if that was due to lack of network, regulatory changes, or something else completely?

Thanks

[CRB14]

Contract law can change pretty quickly in my field and new rules as regs are always being brought in. The industry I left in 2008 was very different to the one I can back to. It took a little bit of getting used to but nothing a few months couldn't sort out. I think there's always that bit of doubt in employers minds that you may become unsettled again and want to move quickly. Personally my CV reads like I change job every 3 or 4 years so perhaps that didn't help.

Maybe chat to a few recruiters to gauge their opinion too?

[rog007]

Some valid points above. But then you can counter this by the skills and experiences you've gained; these will be valuable to someone. Good luck!

[Xaero]

I'm in a similar position and have already decided to go back (flight booked!). Only I spent my 3-4 years abroad mostly teaching English, rather than developing my old career of electronic engineering.

The best opportunity I've found so far seems to be in the forces (presuming my time abroad doesn't hinder me in getting security clearance). So I'll be watching this thread with interest too.

[SKP555]

Thanks for the replies, and sorry I let the thread die a bit.

Rog
That's true but it seems in my line of work contacts and UK experience is most highly valued so looks like I'll be taking a hit.

Xaero
Sounds like your fundamental skill set should still be there. Keep us posted on how you get on.

[SLCZ3]

I also came back to the UK two years ago but with a job already secured, spent two years in London, and then 6 months back home in the North, but have had to go back overseas again now.

Why i have not been picked up in the UK, i am not sure about, my age could be one significant factor, i know two positions were not offered because of that, but all i hear is the lack of experience available in the UK to employers and here i am being snapped up, out of the UK again.

Also Aberdeen is so badly served by transport links it would take me forever to get there and back, plus crap money being offered.