| Author |
Message |
ratty
Squeeker
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 15
Status: Offline
|
  Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 02:15 AM |
 
|
| Post subject: more $$$'s to move to Shanghai??? |
Hi all,
When you were offered up a chance to have a job assignment in Shanghai, did it come with more money? How do must companies handle this? Do they use the fact that its a huge opportunity for one to live in another country instead of higher $$$ to get people to make a move like this? I have the chance to move to Shanghai but didnt talk money so I think I passed my bargining point.
Ratty  |
|
|
 |
|
heyhunts
Barker
Joined: May 03, 2004
Posts: 178
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 07:21 AM |
|
|
you always talk about money when you get asked to take up an overseas assignment...of course they will tell you about the great opportunity, isn't that standard?
it's not too late to talk about it some more if you haven't sign on the dotted line? |
|
|
|
|
|
Magnolia
Board Biatch
Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31098
|
| Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 02:08 PM |
|
|
It is probably situational. If you are pursuing an opportunity to live in a foreign country then the companies may offer you less money (especially if you are changing industries or companies). If you are within the same company and they are asking you to consider a relocation, then there is a good chance that your salary will increase.
Not too many people get "hardship" benefits in the true sense of the word for coming to Shanghai anymore.
Agree with heyhunts - you haven't passed or missed your bargaining position yet. Try to do some cost of living anaylsis between where you currently live and Shanghai. If you can find out how much people in similar positions posted in Shanghai are bring paid, then you will have another tool at your disposal. Do your homework and don't let them tell you that Shanghai is super cheap to live. It can be, but depending on your lifestyle and entertainment choices, it can be expensive. I guess I am just trying to say do your research.
The opportunity of living overseas aspect is one that you have to determine on your own. Will it be beneficial to you in your current position? Will it offer chances for mobility? Do you want to take your career down this path? Do you have concerns about losing touch with the day-to-day people, issues and assignments within the headquarters? Do you not care about any of that and want to live in Shanghai and see what it is all about? Do you think you will enjoy living here? Do you care if your enjoy living here? Are you looking for personal or professional development?
I didn't ask myself any of those questions . . . I just liked Shanghai, found a job, packed up and moved. Fortunately I still like it most of the time! Leap of faith and all that.
Good luck! |
_________________
BOYCOTT BENSON SALON |
|
|
|
|
heyhunts
Barker
Joined: May 03, 2004
Posts: 178
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 03:31 PM |
|
|
brilliant advise.
true about how you can get caught by surprise in terms of the cost of living here. some things are so cheap you're laughing out loud as you get presented with the check. but wait, you get bitten in the behind with how expensive something else is. a regular check up and a booster hep A shot at worldlink recently( a 5 minute visit) set me back 1,300 rmb. hmmm.
all in all tho, we're enjoying our new life here. |
|
|
|
|
|
ratty
Squeeker
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 15
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 09:48 PM |
|
| Post subject: Thanks |
Thanks for all the replies. This is a GREAT site! About my situation. My wife is from China and this Shanghai opportunity will give her a chance to see her parents for up to 1 year. She is very grateful for that so we jumped at the chance to take a temporary job in Shanghai. My company is building a chemical plant and my job is to open up the QC lab.
Now, another question.
"it's not too late to talk about it some more if you haven't sign on the dotted line? "
Is a contract normal? My company has not said one word about any contract. Its all been verbal. Should I be worried?
My biggest worry was that my wife and I are planning another child. I had no idea what we could do safely in Shanghai. But from this board, it seems that having a child over there is a non issue.
Thanks again!!!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Magnolia
Board Biatch
Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31098
|
| Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 09:58 PM |
|
|
Contracts are normal. If you are going to get a Z visa, then they are also required. Just ask your company about it. You really don't want to make a move overseas without written word about what you will do and what the company will provide. Make sure health insurance (expat insurance, not local insurance) is included, especially with children and more potentially on the way!
You mentioned that your company is building a chemical plant . . . if they do not have other expats working in China then they may not be aware that the contract is required for you to be granted the proper visa. I would just talk to them about it. |
_________________
BOYCOTT BENSON SALON |
|
|
|
|
Michael
Moderator
Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 5292
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 10:04 PM |
|
|
If you are making a decent salary by the standards in a company in the western country you are in chances are it will go alot farther in Shanghai anyway. If you don't get an increase, it might not be a reason to drop it. Just as long as its not a decrease. Also, there are some distinct tax benefits in many cases if you stay a year or more depending on your country. The basics here are cheaper.. but can be as expensive as you want.. depending on your lifestyle choices. If you choose well, you can really run up a nice savings while you are here on a western salary.
The main things you want to be certain about are
Flight for you and your family to and from
Similar benefits to what you are currently getting
Move to and from of a certain reasonable amount of your stuff. |
|
|
|
|
ratty
Squeeker
Joined: July 13, 2004
Posts: 15
Status: Offline
|
 Posted:
July 13, 2004 - 11:52 PM |
|
| Post subject: More good info! |
Again, thanks! I found the visa requirements for a Z visa. Basically as I understand it, to get this visa, the company has to put in writing that they are financially responsible for me. That seems good enough for me. Should it be more specific than this? Obviously my salary is already determined, my benefits will not be reduced, and any major expenses like medical are covered under the statement above. I have an extremely good manager who is easily considered a personal friend. Should I push for more in writing? I think the Chinese consulate is easily satisfied by general statements. |
|
|
|
|
|
Magnolia
Board Biatch
Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31098
|
| Posted:
July 14, 2004 - 02:20 PM |
|
|
I am not sure but I think there are a few other standards that have to be included in the contract . . . things like working conditions, fair working hours, the process of leaving or being asked to leave the company, the salary, the timeframe validity of the contract. Mine is in English and Chinese and both were filed with the Chinese government. I did not do the paperwork overseas though so the Consulate may require different things there. Not that you need more in writing from a personal standpoint, it is just that the Chinese government may require more. Or I may just have a contract that lists all of those things. |
_________________
BOYCOTT BENSON SALON |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forum FAQ
Search
Preferences
Watched Topics
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
