It's a completely subjective evaluation. If your husband thought that it wasn't worth it, the only things that would have you doubt that decision are unseen variables.Somers wrote:Am I completely off base here? Or is my husband right in pushing for more perks? Quite honestly I just want resolution as to whether we're relocating or not.
Is there a company HR manual that covers this? At some point though HR or his boss will pull out and pick someone else.Somers wrote:In regards to housing, I told my husband we could just find a place with the rental money we'll earn from our house in the U.S. Granted, we would definitely wind up in a smaller place, but I'm thinking the whole point of moving abroad is to experience a different culture and lifestyle.
And yes, education is another money pit, but putting both of our kids in an International School would be slightly more expensive than their current day care in the States.
I understand that we will lose money in the short-term and I'm ok with that. I feel this is an investment into raising globally-aware children and building international work experience. If we were to get higher-education degrees, we would be spending a lot more!
Unfortunately, my husband's mindset is very kiasu. He just found out that a new hire from the U.S. received a better package to relocate to Singapore, so now he's digging in his heels even further. Blah.
If his AP boss is Chinese I wouldn't take the job anyways. HOWEVER as the job has been open for a year the AP boss's KPI is sinking fast.... could your husband be strong enough to take the AP boss job? Then there'd be a lot less issues with perks. There are still plenty of full benefits expat positions (although it has dried up in some industries) - dependent on level.Somers wrote:Maybe this is evil and subversive, but a part of me is wishing his potential APJ boss will find someone else and this whole back-and-forth will end. The kicker is that this position has been open for more than a year because 1) they can't find local talent to take on this job, and 2) they are apparently too cheap for expat talent. They are also under serious crunch time because they need someone to assume this role before the Christmas holidays.
I think what's fueling my husband's obstinacy is that the head of his U.S. department likes him and has been pushing Singapore to provide a better package. But if the U.S. higher-ups wind up getting their way, I'm concerned he would then start his APJ career with potential bad feelings.
Anyway, based on current expat trends, should we accept what's on offer or is he right in pushing for more? It seems the responses so far have been mixed.
It is a psychological fact that one's happiness is realetd not to absolute wealth (i.e. how many $ you have or earn) but relative to the people around you (i.e. somebody earning $200 in a place where all others have $100 is happier than somebody earning $10000 when others get $20000).Somers wrote:He just found out that a new hire from the U.S. received a better package to relocate to Singapore,
I disagree with this thinking. You should not consider 'offsetting'. If you own a home, and you rent it out when you're away, well it's like running a small business (stressful) and is entirely your own business. I mean, you wouldn't expect a higher package if you were a renter at home, would you, so don't plan for the reverse?Somers wrote:In regards to housing, I told my husband we could just find a place with the rental money we'll earn from our house in the U.S. Granted, we would definitely wind up in a smaller place, but I'm thinking the whole point of moving abroad is to experience a different culture and lifestyle.
Don't do it. Unless the children are 13+ it'll leave little or no impression on them.Somers wrote: I understand that we will lose money in the short-term and I'm ok with that. I feel this is an investment into raising globally-aware children and building international work experience. If we were to get higher-education degrees, we would be spending a lot more!
Ah, so you're local, and want to go home?Somers wrote:Unfortunately, my husband's mindset is very kiasu. He just found out that a new hire from the U.S. received a better package to relocate to Singapore, so now he's digging in his heels even further. Blah.
Wishful thinking - except the last point.JR8 wrote:The whole point of moving abroad is:
- To get promoted
- To make a ship-load of money
- To then go back home having leap-frogged your domestic peers career-wise.
- To experience and different culture, and travel the region.
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