Job offer in Singapore

[nbe]

Okay well I passed all the mandatory technical interviews today (5 hours worth). So the job offer is truly on the table now. Due to Skype chat with their man already in Singapore this week. Should be an interesting week.

Congrats! Key thing is now to get an offer that will let you live comfortably here.

That, and making sure that the job is something that really does interest me and the scope for career growth.

Absolutely though... do you think I should ask for a "flights allowance" so I can at least visit my family 2 or 3 times a year? Is that a pretty common request by expats?

[the lynx]

Okay well I passed all the mandatory technical interviews today (5 hours worth). So the job offer is truly on the table now. Due to Skype chat with their man already in Singapore this week. Should be an interesting week.

Congrats! Key thing is now to get an offer that will let you live comfortably here.

That, and making sure that the job is something that really does interest me and the scope for career growth.

Absolutely though... do you think I should ask for a "flights allowance" so I can at least visit my family 2 or 3 times a year? Is that a pretty common request by expats?

Yes, although the norm is one return flight tickets per year. I've heard of more than that though. Some companies in O&G gives flight allowance instead of tickets so the farther your country of origin, the more allowance you get.

[zzm9980]

Okay well I passed all the mandatory technical interviews today (5 hours worth). So the job offer is truly on the table now. Due to Skype chat with their man already in Singapore this week. Should be an interesting week.

Congrats! Key thing is now to get an offer that will let you live comfortably here.

That, and making sure that the job is something that really does interest me and the scope for career growth.

Absolutely though... do you think I should ask for a "flights allowance" so I can at least visit my family 2 or 3 times a year? Is that a pretty common request by expats?

Yes, although the norm is one return flight tickets per year. I've heard of more than that though. Some companies in O&G gives flight allowance instead of tickets so the farther your country of origin, the more allowance you get.

Define 'norm'? Expat benefits aren't quite what they used to be for most positions. Unless nbe is look at a senior mgmt level position, or is in a highly specialized role, I'd suspect there won't be flight benefits. Always welcome to try though!

[nbe]

It's a senior role with some management and it is somewhat highly specialized. At least, they had to look worldwide to find software developers that know this particular skill set. It also has some travel involved already, as part of the job.

[Beeroclock]

No harm trying, ask for two and hope they give at least one. As was mentioned try get an allowance instead of actual tickets, if your company flight policy is biz class you can go 2-3x economy if you want to stretch it further.

[JR8]

... do you think I should ask for a "flights allowance" so I can at least visit my family 2 or 3 times a year? Is that a pretty common request by expats?

On a full expat package you used to get 'home leave'. That was business class flights back home once a year. This was one of the perks that was eroded and generally lost in the late 90's, but for the upper echelons.

Home leave 2-3 times a year, funded by your employer? Nah... I don't think that would sit particularly well.

As an expat I think you're settled in abroad. Rather than wishing to 'go home' 2-3 times a year. You're hired as Asia is your home... [blah blah blah]