If you are looking for a new job, or are currently unemployed, you might want to think "I could be an expat for a while!" In 2004, I was offered a position in Hong Kong that changed my life forever for the better. The best part is that I did not need to speak Mandarin or Cantonese as they teach in English in Hong Kong Universities and some of the primary and secondary schools.
There are various overseas positions where a second language is not required. Positions in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, and South Africa, and many parts of Europe, do not always require a second language.
The other surprise is that they may be looking for your help. Many countries and companies are looking for people who can do various jobs that require English speaking skills such as editing, logistics, marketing products, teaching, and service for the tourist industry such as beauty and health services, and more. Large multinational companies often post overseas positions and will move you there and help apply for a visa, if needed. Check their websites regularly for overseas positions.
These overseas positions can offer precious work experience that will help you greatly if you want to resume your career in the US after a few years. More than money and career building, the other benefits are that you will understand another culture and yours as well. When I went to Hong Kong I thought I would learn about Asia, and I did, but what was ultimately more valuable was that I learned about the West and how we are as a culture. The insights keep coming, now a year after I have left Hong Kong.
International job experiences help you grow personally and professionally, but you do need a strong exit plan for when you return. Keep up your contacts in the States and go on interviews when you come back for visits or vacations, save money for a return as some companies are reluctant to fly job candidates in from overseas. If you go for that overseas job, don't forget to take a camera and enjoy the scenery.
Follow Lorraine Justice, PhD on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lorrainejustice
i hate that we are overpopulating, but it may as well be our american brothers
huge money for pioneering skilled guys in the west
the elite workers live in perth or brisbane & fly in/out for hard stints - dunno - maybe 2 weeks on 12 hr days 7 days - 1 week off
a sub 30 kid was a deisel mechanic on a rig - $225k pa - & rates have gone up a lot since
its slowing down a lot as prices are iffy & costs have blown out - but there is ~150bn$ of projects in the pipeline - mines, rail, lng plants
long way from us, but can go direct to la or houston
Any suggestions on where to start? Websites? Names? etc?
But wait, dc has the same problems.
I was without a job during some cutbacks in '92 and went to West Africa on a humanitarian project with the World Health Organization. Stayed there 6 years but more importantly it opened a lot of doors with the experience I was able to put on the resume. And it awakened something inside that led to eventually moving to Europe.
Yes, expat work can help even with getting work in the US especially if shows you can work with minimal supervision in harsh (to hot or cold) or remote environments and are adaptable.
Many people leave the US on 1-3 year contracts and decide not to come back except for visits.
But most unemployed will never get to make that choice. Nobody needs them in other countries, either. While it's a pretty good piece of advice... it is also completely unrealistic for the people who need help most.
eg
the english Bangkok times could really use some educated native english speaking editors.