There seems to be a great deal of interest in members (and non-members) this board in the holy grail "Expat Package." It seems to be a source of great pride to some, a neutral issue for many, and a bone of contention for others. I would like to put my perspective to this argument, and see what others are out there.
Being the hubby of an expat package recipient, I have had the opportunity to reap the benefits of such compensation, yet (hopefully) remain at least a tiny bit objective about the benefits of receiving such a thing.
When JoDee called me and told me that she had the opportunity to move to SNG and asked my blessing, I replied with an unequivocal yes...before we had any idea what the compensation package would entail. Regardless of what we were to be paid (we had a hunch the company would not leave us to become destitute) we looked at it as potential adventure. It has turned out to be all that and more, as what the company offered us in our package was more than adequate to ease our fears of the financial unknown.
We did not move here for the money. We came because JoDee knew it would be good for her career to get international business experience. In addition, we knew we would somehow manage to use Singapore as a jump-off point to explore as much of Asia as our Visa's credit limit would allow.
Being that we are not incredibly extraordinary human beings, I would make the generalization that many other expat-package holders are of the same ilk. It is the rare human (thankfully) who only looks at life's opportunities with the view of, "how much money can I put in my pocket, regardless of all else." Those that do, tend to be the ones screaming at the top of their lungs about how rotten their life is. It is cliche' as hell, but money does not buy happiness. Nor does poverty breed depression...it is the individual's choice.
Those of you here on "Local Terms"...I salute you. You are incredibly self-confident, adventurous and spirited people. You know that you can weather whatever situation develops and come out the other end a better person because of it. You are the people who know how to have fun regardless of the circumstances, and I have the highest respect for you. Were I still young and single, I would be right beside you.
For those of us here on "Expat Packages," I salute you as well. You have worked hard and become valuable assets to your company (why else would they spend so many $ on you?) You have the same adventurous spirit and drive as the "Local Termers", and you have been extremely fortunate in that you have been given a financial perk to live your adventure. I stand beside you in awe of the opportunities that life presents.
We expats all share a common trait...we are risk-takers. We are willing to uproot ourselves and/or our families and take them to a foreign country to live, work and grow. This takes a great deal of courage, motivation and spirit...traits we all share. We are all fortunate to live in Singapore. It is a great place to do this, as it is an "easy" expat assignment (just ask someone expatted to central China with no language skills, or central Africa without a pilot's license!)
Whether we are just starting our careers on "Local Terms" or are twenty years into it on an "Expat Package," every one of us should be looking at this life as the opportunity to learn, grow and give something of ourselves to this opportunity of a lifetime.
Soapbox relinquished, awaiting response,
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Paul N.
He who dies with the most toys...is an idiot. Family First!!!
