Expatriate futures

Up until 10 years ago, the popular image of an expatriate role, was one of a high salary and a package of tax free or low taxed benefits, such as: accommodation, company car, driver, schooling for children, maids etc. A thrifty "expat", could do quite well on a good package, with few outlays and the consequent ability to save most of their salary component and at the same time enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.

However the number of such lucrative posts, particularly in the Asian region, has declined somewhat. This decline has been a result of: 

• The ongoing effect of the GFC and companies tightening expenditure and reducing     benefits.
• Increasing use of locals in lieu of expats.
• Worries over pay discrepancies between expats and local, as local standards rise.
• Improving economic conditions in many Asian countries mean that cities once considered hardship postings are no longer seen as such.

Today if you are looking for an expat posting in Asia with seriously good benefits, you need to look at roles that are located in areas which are relatively undeveloped economically and in countries classified as emerging economies. Such roles would be seen as genuine hardship postings and accordingly would receive benefits to ease the difficulties encountered. Such roles are not at all common and certainly are few compared to the past, although well rewarded expat roles do still exist in the Middle East.

Whilst many of the lucrative expat roles in Asia have disappeared there are still plenty of good career growing roles to be had in Asia. Benefits and/or perks should not be the primary reason to seek a role in the growing economies of Asia, compared to the career benefit of international exposure and learning. 

A stint in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai or similar city can add a degree of lustre to your resume and is especially beneficial if you want to carve a career in any of the major multinational companies. Once you have become an expat, a wide world of opportunities can arise, including not just Asia, but South America and Africa, in addition to Europe and North America.

A drawback of an expat career is that once you are on the expat merry-go-round it can be hard to get off, especially if you are an Australian, as returning to Australia will often mean coming back to a diminished role in a somewhat static environment.

All things considered a stint overseas as an expat can do a good deal for you in advancing your career and when applying for such a role, the career development opportunities should be your first focus. With any "fringe benefits" seen as secondary items and certainly should not be the primary arbiters of your decision making process. We have seen circumstances where greed has diminished candidate’s opportunities and shrouded their true interests.

Any expat role must be viewed within the context of your plans for your career and private/family life.