Work overseas

[GEOandIT]

I have an offer to work overseas for ~4000 US monthly + free accomodation, transport and etc.

Is this reasonable at all?

By the way I am geotech, MS, 3+ years of experience and I have a family that will follow me wherever I go.

Thank you for your tips!

 

[MintJulep]

It kind of depends on where, doesn't it?

 

[jsummerfield]

Are you a US Citizen - thus subject to US taxes?
How many hours per week? If the destination normally works 50-hours per week, you will work at least 50-hours thus spread that $4k on that basis. Are you paid overtime over the local base hours - and at what rate?
Are the accommodations taxed as income? Probably if located in a town. Perhaps not if it is a remote construction camp. However, the latter case may be taxed unless single status.
Is a car furnished? Is it taxed as income?
How much leave, when, paid to where-point or origin instead of Thailand?
What kind of storage provided at home, what kind of shipment alloted for overseas, and back?
Is communication home to family available via free satellite link or via phone cards?
What destination? Some overseas places (Iraq) require better uplift than other places (Aruba).
Do you need experience that you will get at this site? Will this be a great opportunity for some reason besides pay?
Do you get paid holidays?
How does the rate compare to your rate at home?
...


John

 

[GEOandIT]

the location is in West Africa, the nature of work requires extensive traveling around this region.

It sounds exciting, but compensations seems to be too low...

 

[ckenny]

Sounds way too low. I was over close to that area in 79 & 80. My pay was $125K USD annual. Truck, 30 day vacation + 4day travel, paid annual flight home + back and a large villa. Had my state side house hold storage paid too. Hold out for more.

 

[GEOandIT]

John: I am Canadian. Our government also loves to tax regardless whether you work at home or abroad. I haven't thought about the overtime pay, it is a very good point!

ckenny: Thanks for the input! I will likely turn the offer down unless they agree to raise the compensation significantly.

 

[Slugger926]

Counter with $40,000K per month.

YOu will be surprised of the real offers when you throw out something ridiculous when they really want you.

I had a cousin get %20 percent of a company when he threw out a ridiculous number.

 

[BJC]

GEOandIT
Go to this site.

http://www.roadtechs.com/

Click on the job board for "Overseas" . Not many of the listings have salrys but they all have emails and links to sites that have phone numbers. It may take a half a day but you can get the real answer.
Find a job like the one you have and ask them what there paying.

 

[GEOandIT]

Slugger926: I should definitely try your approach on large petroleum companies. I could settle for less than 20%...

BJC: thanks for the site, the most helpful!

Did anyone here worked for Sakhalin Energy Ltd. or their contractors?