Go overseas and make 210k.... or stay in the states with 140k

[pclstyle]

The husband/father in A family has the opportunity to go abroad (Taiwan) and earn 7 million NT annually (~210k USD). He currently makes close to 140k in the states, working a 40-50 hour week, travelling a week out of every month.

If he chooses to work in Taiwan, he will leave behind his wife and 2 kids (who are currently studying at universities, so the wife holds more weight).


The Taiwanese corp understands all this, and is making the attempt to try to ease the transition; or if they're unable to- simply "make up for it" with perks.

Aforementioned perks:
Increased salary (as stated)
Title/Position is higher more prestigious (VP vs. Director)
Now overseeing more people - 200 subordinates vs previous 40
An apartment in one of the newly developed luxury complexes in Taipei, ideally located (meaning it is financed entirely by the corp)
Company car - S400 that is on lease (same kind of deal as apartment)
Arrangements so that travel home for at least a week at a time can be made every 6-8 weeks (this is done by coinciding visits with conferences, meetings, factory tours, etc)
Arrangements for the entire family to visit Taiwan once per year (fully reimbursed - travel, lodging if necessary, etc)


Didn't mention - the father is chinese, born and raised in HK, fluent in canto/mandarin - so language proficiency is not an issue, nor adjusting to a "different" culture. Also, this "being separated from the wife" is for a specific period of time (3-5 years), after which his contract expires and he can either choose to renew and have her join him, or return to the states. However, note to the uneducated:: 3-5 years is a long time.


What would you do?

 

[iamwiz82]

Not a chance with a family.

 

[brxndxn]

I'd stay in the states probby as a father.. If single, I'd go to hong kong.

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: brxndxn
I'd stay in the states probby as a father.. If single, I'd go to hong kong.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

I dont know. Yes, being seperate from teh family is tough, but there can be worse circumstances. especially when there are so many perks, including the ability to return home every 6 weeks, its something to consider.

 

[imported_Trippin315]

You should stay if you have kids.

 

[pulse8]

If the kids are at universities, why can't he bring the wife with him?

Also, if the kids are in college it sounds like they are less of an issue. It's the wife I'd be worried about since she could essentially be by herself.

 

[ryokum]

Family always comes before job. Your family will always be there for you, but companies and jobs come and go.

 

[archiloco]

if the wife will move with him then go for it...just have kids visit more often, instead of the trip every 6-8 weeks (for him), change that so the kids visit in summer/winter breaks.....if wife won't move now, then she won't move in 3-5 years and not make her go thru 3 years of separation only to find out you spent all that time in Taiwan for needing to find another job (because she will not move)....who know's how economy will be then.......so that's my 2 cents.......i have some experience in this as to i was in the (children in college part of the senario not too long ago)


in my senario my dad spent 3 years in foreign soil only to come back and have to find another job.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: pulse8
If the kids are at universities, why can't he bring the wife with him?

Also, if the kids are in college it sounds like they are less of an issue. It's the wife I'd be worried about since she could essentially be by herself.

That's what I was thinking.

Bring the wife with him. The extra $70,000 will pay for A LOT of plane tickets to head back and see the kids. Especially if they are college age.

 

[Accipiter22]

140k is not chump change anyway....the extra 70k wouldn't be worth losing your family.

 

[Tobolo]

Family>Job hands down

 

[Viper GTS]

For $70K, with those provisions, I'd be all over it.

Modify the terms a little & it could be a very nice arrangement.

Viper GTS

 

[puffff]

dude, if he wont go, i'll go.

 

[waggy]

why is this a question?

if you don't want to live with the wife divorce her and move on. why put her thorugh having you live and work in a diffrent country?

 

[KarmaPolice]

With kids in university, and visits every 6 weeks I would do it. I of cours am not married but the person I marry I hope to be a strong indiviual and able to be independant...

I traveled overseas as a young kid..it was the whole family. I am a business Major and hope to one day do the same.

 

[JS80]

1) Why won't the wife go?

2) What good is $70k/year if you don't have your loved ones?

 

[mugs]

There's no way your father should take that kind of arrangement long-term. He could do it for a year maybe, but the money is not worth screwing up his marriage.

 

[RossMAN]

Family > Career

 

[pontifex]

i don't understand why the wife can't go?

although, my instructor at one of the IT classes i took about a year ago got an offer from some company in the Carribean or somewhere like that. The country had all these crazy rules if he took the job and wanted to live there. the company offered some nice perks and stuff too. similar to what the OP mentioned..

 

[Trikat]

Bring the wify to Taiwan since the kids are in college. Leave a bit of dough with the kids so they can fend for themselves. Set up some cell phone service or cheaper international calling plan so you can atleast call them once per week. Hopefully the kids are smart enough not to get in trouble...

 

[CPA]

I am confused as to why he can't bring the wife. What's stopping him from renting out an apartment for her. As for the kids, they are in college, so he probably doesn't see them much anyway.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: CPA
I am confused as to why he can't bring the wife. What's stopping him from renting out an apartment for her. As for the kids, they are in college, so he probably doesn't see them much anyway.

i agree.


Traveling is fun, and when you get paid to do it I dont see why turn it down. Small kids leaving the family behind is one thing...College kids doesnt seem like a big deal. Bring the wife.

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

Why can't he bring the wife

 

[edro]

Money isn't everything. 140k is plenty to get by and to support a family. You need to raise your kids. The emotional connection will far exceed the financial benefit they will receive.