Argh! Salary advice?!

[Rossdogg]

Hi all,

I've been offered the chance to relocate to Singapore from the UK for my current companies competitor.

I'm worrying about salary and what I should be asking for and was wondering if you guys could share your advice on what I would need to live decently?

I'm currently on £27k UK, with OTE earnings about £40k. I don't want to price myself out of the role, but they are the ones that contacted me and are interested in me for the role. I have one of my best friends who lives out there, he says I should be asking for SGD $100k/year, which is similar to what he's on. Baring in mind I'll probably have to live by myself, and my current salary, is asking for that reasonable?

At the end of the day, its a great opportunity, but they are the ones that want me, and taking me across to the other side of the world is a big step, and I feel I should be looking to live as well as I do here over there considering everything.

Any thoughts/advice is appreciated! Thanks.

[kingw]

Rossdog,

Everything you are saying is right:

*they contacted you
*it is a global move
*you should be able to save more at the end of the day if you take this opportunity than if you stay

Given those points you should certainly stick to your guns and ask for a fair salary. Research the cost of living for your particular life style, and then do the math.

It is a great opportunity--however with the position you are in you should certainly make the dollar part of the equation count.

[BillyB]

Give us a clue about your lifestyle and we'll try to help. Without any additional information, it's like saying how long is a piece of string.

Do like modern places to live?
Do you need to live in the City area?
Do you like to go out frequently?
Do you have financial commitments back home?
How likely is it you'll get the same bonus in Asia?
Can you take a hit on lifestyle to get your foot in the door in SG and think toward the opportunities in the longer term?

For a single 20 something, I reckon you could have a decent time on $100k SGD. I'd try and get the basic up though, as $55k won't stretch too far (assuming a GBP conversion) especially if you are covering the rent out of your own pocket. Also, be aware that even though the headhunter / employer has contacted you - they won't pay stupid money to get people over to SG. So be realistic with your expectations bearing in mind your current salary and don't price yourself out of the market if you really want to come here.

[OhCrouchie]

Don't worry, S$100k is more than enough to live well. You could get an apartment share rather than live alone, then you'd save some cash and probably get a better place. Rent is my largest expense, and comes in a bit higher than what I used to pay in London. Also, no NHS over here, so see what kind of health insurance your company will give you. Other than that, I find it much cheaper to live here than in the UK, and you pay much less in tax.

[oezcan kaplan]

100KS$...sounds good ,but average when considering high salaries!

ask to get more,its your choice to move and convert your life in Singapore

10 years experience with well-developed 2 additional languages will grant you at least 150KS$...

Hi all,

I've been offered the chance to relocate to Singapore from the UK for my current companies competitor.

I'm worrying about salary and what I should be asking for and was wondering if you guys could share your advice on what I would need to live decently?

I'm currently on £27k UK, with OTE earnings about £40k. I don't want to price myself out of the role, but they are the ones that contacted me and are interested in me for the role. I have one of my best friends who lives out there, he says I should be asking for SGD $100k/year, which is similar to what he's on. Baring in mind I'll probably have to live by myself, and my current salary, is asking for that reasonable?

At the end of the day, its a great opportunity, but they are the ones that want me, and taking me across to the other side of the world is a big step, and I feel I should be looking to live as well as I do here over there considering everything.

Any thoughts/advice is appreciated! Thanks.