To Expat or Not?

mutley74

princeofpounds wrote: »

I was in the position of your son (not singapore but a variety of other places) when growing up.

It can be of huge benefit to spend some time abroad growing up. I don't know the best way to describe it, but your personal horizons open up massively. And that wider perspective can have a beneficial impact on all sorts of areas of your life.

thanks for the advice...i am sure it will be an experience!
I have not confirmed i will accept the post depends on how son enjoys our "holiday" there, but if we do accept, then not much time to arrange things as they want me there in August.

gingin_2

mutley74 wrote: »

Don't get me wrong I will make money there and be well off but after flights, childcare extras, dental care etc I wont be retiring with a big pot of gold compared to my UK lifestyle.

Is there any chance to negotiate on that? My husband often negotiates on jobs where he knows they are keen, to get a better package. Also, can you get your son started on his brace now, in the UK ( my son began that sort of treatment at 12)?

If I were you and my child was up for it I would jump at it. I think children who get to travel and live an multi-national/ multi-cultural life are the ones who are particularly confident, strong adults.

tidesendtown

mutley74 wrote: »

I have been offered an expat job in Far East (Singapore) with provision to bring my young son (only me and him). I have already been there many times of business trips and love the place.

Can I come with you?

Joking aside, you seem to be well informed so.. trust your intuition on it. (And it's great that you are taking your son on a holiday before making the decision.)

Good luck!

mutley74

gingin wrote: »

Is there any chance to negotiate on that? My husband often negotiates on jobs where he knows they are keen, to get a better package. Also, can you get your son started on his brace now, in the UK ( my son began that sort of treatment at 12)?

If I were you and my child was up for it I would jump at it. I think children who get to travel and live an multi-national/ multi-cultural life are the ones who are particularly confident, strong adults.

I already asked that and got a 10% uplift and 1 flight home per year plus medical insurance for my son.
Dentist here said they wont start braces if we are moving (dentists seem to be in such a niche profession that customer service does not come on some of their agendas)

mutley74

tidesendtown wrote: »

Can I come with you?

Good luck!

Why not, if you're a single female (even better!)

neverdespairgirl

gingin wrote: »

Is there any chance to negotiate on that? My husband often negotiates on jobs where he knows they are keen, to get a better package. Also, can you get your son started on his brace now, in the UK ( my son began that sort of treatment at 12)?

I was 16. Didn't lose my last baby tooth until I was 15

<remembers the massive angst of baby teeth! Aged 15!>

claire16c

If your son is 12, Id perhaps go, but do it for 2 years or less, so that he can be back at school here to do his GCSE's, so either to start in yr 9 or yr 10. Or come back after hes finished them. Just don't mess up his exam years.

Ive been to Singapore a couple of times, it rains a lot there, but it is at least hot even when it is! The Zoo is great, Sentosa island nice to visit at weekends, and like you say you could visit the rest of Asia easily.

Id probably do it, if I could rent out the house I had here and not loose any money on that. And if my child was one that was happy to adapt to something like this.

Pixiechic

Wow, what an adventure! Singapore is great and easy to go and explore Malaysia too and all over.

If your son is happy to go then I would go. He will learn so much and it's such an opportunity.

Wish I was moving to Singapore....................

tidesendtown

mutley74 wrote: »

Why not, if you're a single female (even better!)

What if... ? :-)

I'm an "expat" in London and here to stay... but thanks

Almo

What is the length of the posting and are there any completion bonuses? Is it likely that the contract would be renewed or extended? Whilst I don't think it's necessary that your son sits GCSEs (or A-levels) here, it would be better to move him back to the UK before he starts them or after he completes them, rather than in the middle of them. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but it's worth thinking about.

My parents took an expat posting for 3 years and ended up being there for 17. I had a great life growing up as an expat brat and was certainly exposed to a lot of things I might not have been otherwise.

That said, expat packages are not what they once were, and you need to be certain of the sums, particularly longer term when you come to move back etc (I presume they cover your flights home, what about shipping? Do you get a golden goodbye or anything?).

Generally speaking, I'd say do it.