Reply #1 WaterbottleS's post
Some broad opinions
- With the above qualifications and certification would he be able to live comfortably in Hong Kong or mainland China?
Being CCNP is not enough - unless he has specialised skills, such as project management, or proven technical sales skills, it'll be really hard for him to compete with someone who speaks several local languages, who is willing to work day and night to learn new tech. It would work in his favour if he has proven management skills and also has knowledge of newly emerging tech that might not be rolled out here yet.
- How is the job market now in Asia?
It's been worse, and has been better. Salaries are generally robust, but it's by no means an employees market.
- Is consulting a viable option in?
Employers very much prefer to hire full-time, and prefer to hire locals (who don't need a Work Visa, don't ask for living expenses, and who speak local languages). However, if someone has unique skills that are rare in the World, there are always a limited number of consulting opportunities.
But the market for consulting is nowhere near as well developed in Asia as it is in Europe or USA. There are very few employment agencies that deal with contract or consulting work, and the T&C need to be negotiated case by case as there are few precedents to draw on.
Again, it depends on having niche qualifications, and staying specialised in a narrow field that is a) mission critical but b) doesn't have enough work in any one company to justify a full-time role.
- Do Asian firms prefer oversea candidates?
Are you kidding me? If they can possibly hire local they will. You have a much stronger possibility of being employed by a multinational, since their management are already comfortable with visa requirements and may be fed up with dealing with a local culture that they don't understand and may be struggling with. But any employer will only ever consider an overseas candidate for a role they've already tried to fill locally and failed, so you start with a built-in handicap. If they don't do so for practical reasons, they must do so to comply with employment legislation.
- What are the working hours like in Asia? 9-5 Mondays to Fridays?
Actually much closer to 5-9 than 9-5.
With Saturdays and sometimes Sundays thrown in
... especially if travel is involved, which is highly likely in the sort of role that foreigners may be considered for.
Oh, and the statutory minimum Annual Leave in Hong Kong is only 7 days per year ... in addition to the national Holidays that is, which are one day at a time. Anything above that has to be negotiated and justified.
That said, if I haven't put you off, go for it.
But be aware that it won't be a cushy number to sell yourself, and it won't be a cushy number to justify the premium you have to charge ... because even if you accept a local package at a local salary, you will still be homesick and wanting to make enough to pay for an intercontinental flight at least once a year.
All things considered, you may decide it's worth it. Make the play. Just don't burn any bridges before you've got a contract. | |
