International Job Search

By Antoinette Tigar

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy   

In this tight job market, you sometimes have no option but to 'take it where you find it'. This article gives an overview of the global market for expatriate 'contract work' in developing countries, isolated and high-risk environments.

There are three main types of overseas work:

1. Fixed Term Contract as an Expatriate.
2. Contract or permanent, with the aim of becoming a citizen of that country.
3. Overseas Assignment (secondment or transfer) whilst employed by your home company.

Work Permits

Most countries are capping the number of foreign nationals allowed to work there, and changing rules for Points-based entry. Before spending hours on the internet applying for jobs, check what types of skills are in demand. There are specialist emigration agencies and law firms that can advise you on the permit or visa that will enable you to live and work in the country you're interested in. Many of these also have useful (free!) advice on their website.

What kinds of jobs are available?

There is a huge variety of jobs, especially in a good economic climate. The recent world market financial crisis has dampened this prospect but it will pick up again. Everything from technical (engineering, electrical, mechanics) to management (HR, finance, training) and security-related work.

PRO's: Why should I consider working overseas?

• It builds good experience which can help you to get a job when you return home.
• In most cases, it pays very well, always in US dollars.

CONS: What are the main negatives?

• Most jobs are in places where no-one wants to go - either very isolated, high-risk or 3rd world environments.
• It is difficult to start a new life and career without a good support network, e.g. family and friends. You need emotional and psychological resilience - the loneliness and homesickness may result in poor concentration, or depression.
• Long distances and poor infrastructure means that travel to and from home (for rotational leave) can be exhausting and frustrating.
• Cultural differences play a bigger role than you may expect. It is difficult to make friends.
• The cost of living can be high - although accommodation may be supplied by the employer, food and extras can be exorbitant.

Client Feedback

"I recently arrived in Ghana to start a new contact and did some sight-seeing in Accra (capital) this weekend. They have a Woolworths, Shoprite/Checkers, Game Store, Mr Price Clothing and good pharmacies but it is all very expensive. One box of Breakfast All Bran Flakes = USD 12.00!"

What kind of salary can I expect to earn?

In most cases, Expat contracts include accommodation, food and travel (to country of origin and back for rotational leave) on top of the salary. Salaries range from US$3,500.00 to US$15,000.00 - obviously depending on the position.

What are the main criteria for overseas applications?

1. A qualification from a recognised tertiary or training institution.
2. Excellent health - full medical checks are mandatory.
3. Clean criminal record - you need a Police Clearance Certificate.
4. References plays an important role...have them lined up!
5. Credit record verification will be done for most senior and financial positions.

Useful CV hints

- Your CV should be 100 % correct in terms of dates worked at companies.
- If you're a senior professional with a lot of detailed information for your CV, have two documents - a 2-page Resumé which is sent first, and a detailed version which can be sent on request if the recruiter wants to shortlist you.
- Ensure you have all the international dialling codes for your contact numbers, including your referees. For international calls to South Africa, this is: +27-31-5723193 (Durban). Also include e-mail addresses for referees.
- Include your passport number, Visa status (e.g. whether you have a work permit) and any other passports you hold, in the CV.

Career Change Options - Career Change After 40

By Paul Tooley

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy 

There are tons of reasons a person would want to change careers after 40, after all we probably started our current career as a fresh faced youth who knew less than most 40-year-old plus individuals have forgotten. We plowed headlong into it and now we find that it has lost its luster, or we realize we were never cut out for our present career in the first place. Maybe we've been laid off; career change is forced on us, or perhaps we have just grown bone weary of the daily grind that seems to get us nowhere. What ever the reason we are at a point in life where we'd like to change careers. Career change options seem more difficult the older we get, after all we probably will have to be retrained and perhaps we will have to accept an entry level position in our new career and can we afford that?

Career change options: Self Employment

"Whoa", I can hear you say. "Not so fast!" But I am serious. If you take a good look at yourself isn't it true that you would like to have been your own boss all along? Think about it. Whatever career you have had as an employee has been essentially to further the success and prosperity of your boss and the owners of the company. You have been what they leverage their success and wealth on. Why not work for your own success and prosperity for a change.

But what how would I start a company or business with the money I make?

That is a good question that also is implies another question and that is, "How can I be financially safe and secure while trying to start a business?" You must find a business that you can own out right. One in which you call all of the shots and it must have the following features.

• very low start up cost
• the ability to start it while you still hold your current employment
• the ability to grow it while you're still employed
• the potential to support your family and even grow beyond that

If you could find such a business, you could start it at very low cost and grow it until it was ready to support you and your family. Then you could say to your boss, "You can take this job and shove it..." But is such a business opportunity available anywhere?

Career options: Affiliate Marketing

The answer is yes and it makes the idea of a career change after 40 very conceivable if you really want it. This is a business that you can start up for next to nothing and grow it in your spare time. Forget everything you have heard about get-rich-quick schemes with affiliate marketing. Those schemes belong in the trash. I am talking about treating it as an actual business and being prepared to work at it just like you would any career. Believe me when I tell you that some individuals do become very financially secure doing this. Another great feature of this type of self-employment is portability. You can work anywhere you can connect to the Internet.

But don't I need to be some kind of IT guy?

No, in many cases people and companies provide websites for you to send traffic to and if you do build your own website there are plenty of places that will help you at very little cost. And hey, If you are an IT guy then your just miles ahead of the game.

What skills do I need?

Determination, persistence, and being a self-starter. Other skills such as the ability to write, organization, and creativity are also a big plus, but you can outsource those if necessary. I know how great it is to wake up and go to work for yourself because that is what I am doing after 24 years of teaching. I can safely say that if you try this business and never give up you to will be successful. I think that this is a tremendous opportunity for those seeking a career change after 40, or been forced to do a laid off carrer change or for those looking for career change options.