NewGuy2005 53 #1 March 4, 2011 How do you like it? How long have you been doing it? What are the pros & cons? What is the salary premium compared to the same job stateside? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #2 March 4, 2011 Quote How do you like it? How long have you been doing it? What are the pros & cons? What is the salary premium compared to the same job stateside? Thanks! I've been offered jobs in Iraq, Afghanistan and the HoA, lowest pay started about 120k for me, with some going up to 220k That's starting out at a little under twice what I make now, living in Tampa, as a defense contractor. Pros: Money, food is free, money, lodging is free, satisfaction knowing that you're possibly (depending on job) saving lives of your brothers/sisters in arms... did I say money? Cons: Mortar fire, lack of freedom, long hours/never ending days, lack of activities at some of the smaller installations, many places you can't get alcohol (well... can't would be an overstatement, but you're not supposed to), sometimes living conditions down right suck. Sure, you make a metric ton of cash, but money isn't the key to life. I'm ending my active duty with the army in about 3 days, I just simply got too fucking tired of being gone all the time. My new job is 'deployable' but not nearly as long, and not nearly as often as my active duty."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #3 March 4, 2011 I think you'll find it depends greatly on the type of job, type of employer, and location. As theonlyski noted, jobs that are in more dangerous and/or undesirable locations tend to come with quite a premium. Jobs with U.S. or multinational companies in emerging markets may come with quite a premium. Jobs with U.S. or multinational companies in developed countries / more "desirable" locations may not have a premium at all (and in fact, may wind up putting you at a disadvantage when you factor in taxes/cost of living, etc.). However, all of that may be offset by the experience of living and working abroad - you'll have to look at it in the context of your career overall. Some employers will really value international experience and it'll be a real advantage in your career advancement; others are more neutral about it, or you might find yourself at a disadvantage because you're far away from the home office/center of the action. Not an easy question to answer, and some of it depends on where you are personally as well (e.g., do you have a spouse/kids that you'll either need to leave or uproot?). No easy answer. But hopefully this post has given you food for thought. I only have experience by proxy - through talking to friends who have done it, and as a dependent of a U.S. diplomat as a child. Being able to have that experience of living abroad as a child has (I believe) really shaped my worldview in a positive way; one of these days I might get around to working internationally as an adult; I just haven't really looked seriously for an opportunity yet."There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NewGuy2005 53 #4 March 5, 2011 Thanks. I've been seeing overseas openings in the line of work I'm in. I will be checking it out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
