Should I do the same job overseas for less money because it might be fun to live there?
I have an opportunity to work abroad in a job that would pay a little over half of what I would make in the same job in the United States. Living expenses would be about the same in either place, which would mean I would have enough to live on if I live minimally but would certainly not be able to save anything while I’m abroad, versus living comfortably and being able to put some money aside in a similar job in the U.S. Plus, with all of the new activities I will be doing outside of work, I actually may lose money while I’m over there and have to dip into my savings to cover my expenses.
I’m tempted to take the job overseas in spite of the bad salary because I think it might be fun to live there for a few years. It would be a new experience and I would get to learn a new culture and language. I could always come back after a year or two if I missed the U.S.
My only concern is that I may not dedicate myself as much to the job because I will feel like I am “working for nothing”. Part of me thinks that’s just greedy but another part of me likes the fact that I get paid well for what I do in the U.S. and why would I want to make less money? But the fact is, everyone gets paid less over there and all of my coworkers would be making the same. It just seems like a rip-off because of what I’m used to. Just wondering what people think about the psychological adjustment to making less for the same work.
Should I take a much lower-paying job because the environment outside work might be more fun?
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11 Answers
Well, I’ve been broke my whole life, so coming from a perspective of never really knowing what it’s like to be financially secure, I’d say
Go for it!
You only live once. Why turn down the opportunity to see new places and do new things! Money’s money. It comes and goes. It’s experiences that are important.
You may go for it. But, think this from all sides.
If everything goes fine and you like it, no problem; just that you will come across financial loss.
But, if, unfortunately, something goes wrong, then? Will you be able to leave job immediately? without leaving anything else? And, what after you come back to US? Will you get job? Does abroad experience count there?
I’m sorry; I’m stressing more on negative side. But, if you think of it and be prepared, then you’ll be in a better position.
Just to tell, people from here go abroad for jobs, higher studies. Some stay there as they get more money. Some come back, since for them their home is ‘Home, Sweat Home!’
You just have to determine what means more to you. Money? Or Experience. For me, experience trumps money every time.. but I’m also accustomed to getting by with very little.
That is a rather strange situation, as overseas jobs usually pay a considerable premium above the same job in the US. There is also transportation and per diem allowance. Another thing to consider seriously is that a US citizen is a terrorists target outside the US, more so in some areas than others. This employer may be trying to rip you off, thinking that you are unaware of what proper rates of compensation are. In my profession I could easily get a 75% premium above US rates of pay, Plus transportation and per diem allowance.
If you are single and young I highly recommend you give it a go.
What happens when you get to the new exciting environment and don’t make enough money to enjoy extracurriculars that place offers? You’ll be frustrated and bitter, like being hungry yet surrounded by food all day. Budget to assume a particular amount from your savings and be good with it or save more before considering the move to minimize any regret or unforeseen emergencies.
If yu can afford to take a paycut in order to enjoy the experience then I say go for it. If you can’t afford it then don’t. Be honest with yourself.
What do you mean by living minimally? Do you mean living a frugal lifestyle at your current standard of living, or do you mean actually living at a lower standard of living? People are becoming more in the habit of spending all the money they have available and taking on debt. It can be unthinkable to take a step back once you’ve reached a certain lifestyle, but doing that would give you a lot more financial freedom and security. If you’re renting your own apartment and driving, you could live with roommates and take public transit.
@Blondesjon Why is it necessary to be young and single? Aren’t you mainly wondering about whether there are kids involved (or a spouse who might have other plans)? I don’t see how age and marital status by themselves influence the decision. You can make a change in your life at any age.
Well, all the jobs are going abroad, so you’ll have more luck
Life is a journey…Yes take the job, life has got to be about more than just The Money we earn.
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