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Published on January 28, 2008
BusinessWorld Wealth Manager Section
A couple of months ago, our regional practice leader offered me a temporary
assignment in our newly-established office in Dubai. Thinking that this could be
a new and exciting challenge I was looking for, I said that I would gladly
consider.
While we talked for no more than 10 minutes, it has taken me weeks to decide
if I will avail of the opportunity. There are just too many variables to think
about and to think through.
I had previous year-long foreign assignments in China and in Thailand and I
don’t remember weighing my decision as carefully as I am doing now. I was
probably too young to care. Besides, these countries are not too far
geographically and culturally from the Philippines. Dubai is different, though.
Dubai deserves more thought.
What follows are 10 key decision elements. I present it here as a guide for
anyone contemplating a temporary foreign assignment.
- Money -- For many, the financial aspect of any foreign assignment
is the most important. However, don’t make the mistake of directly converting
the compensation offer to Philippine pesos. After all, you will not only earn
in dollars but also spend in dollars. Find out the cost of living in your
target location-- including the taxes you will have to pay. In some countries,
high income taxes negates some of the financial benefits. Also, consider the
effect of currency fluctuation. Will you be paid in foreign currency? If so,
what options are available to protect yourself from the volatility of the
currency?
- Housing -- Make sure your offer includes assistance in this area.
In some locations, companies provide a broker who will show you the different
living options so you can select the most appropriate one. In the Middle East,
it is very common for a handful of Filipinos to share a large villa so they
can enjoy a large space. Companies also typically provide temporary
accommodation of up to a month while you are searching for your apartment.
Take advantage of this if you can.
- Transportation -- If a car and driver are not part of the package,
what is the most practical means of transportation? Is the public transport
system any good? What is the procedure for getting a license? If taxis are the
only option, you need to know some local words to give directions. It is more
important to consider personal travel here since business-related travel is
typically covered by the company. How do you intend to get around during
weekends? Is there anywhere to go?
- Benefits -- Typically, a contract will include other benefits, the
most important of which are:
- Relocation expenses. Will this be available as a reimbursement or as an
allowance? How much? In many cases, this is expressed as a multiple of salary
so check how much you will actually need. Compute for the cost of shipping
things over versus buying them when you get to your target location
- Home leave. For medium or long-term assignments, this is typically
available. Get as much of this as you can. Remember that a home leave is not
just composed of air fare and travel expense but also actual leave days
- Cost of moving. A few companies recognize other costs to leaving things
behind (e.g., cancellation of memberships, renting out your apartment, selling
some appliances, etc.).
- Career -- You need to determine if this will be a good career move.
Is it a promotion? Will you gain access to more opportunities because of /
during the assignment? Think of the scores of Filipino teachers who currently
work as housekeepers, maids or nannies abroad. What options are available to
you when you come back? Will you have a guaranteed job when you return?
- Goals and targets -- Have a discussion with your target office
manager to know what is expected of you. In some cases, foreign offices just
need additional hands to get things done. This results in vague performance
targets. You have to ask yourself ifl you have the tools for success. Other
things to find out: Will there be someone in the target office who will act as
your performance manager? Are your specific goals achievable? If information
is available, review previous years’ performance of the target office and
determine if your goals are in line with what has been achieved in the past.
- Officemates -- Make an effort to meet people in the target office
before the assignment. Are they people you can work with? Make sure to get in
touch with other Filipinos who have worked in the target office. A new work
environment is stressful enough. You don’t want to burden yourself with
unlikable officemates.
- Countrymen -- Outside of the office, are there other Filipinos in
the location? These days, you will be hard pressed to find a city where no
Pinoy works. I find this extremely comforting. Filipinos are the most
pleasant, welcoming, friendly people in the world, and I’m not just saying
that because I happen to be one. A warm smile, an “eyebrow” greeting, a quick
“Kabayan!” does much to make your stay pleasant. Check out groups on the
internet to find out.
- Culture -- This should definitely be a consideration for Middle
East assignments. Is the environment Filipino friendly? Are locals used to
having Filipinos work WITH (not FOR) them? Are there issues on gender
equality? Will there be a need to learn the language? If so, what assistance
is available?
- Family -- For many Filipinos, this is the most vital consideration.
In many cases, family will be left behind and you will not be able to see them
for a while. Are you emotionally prepared for that? Are they? If you are lucky
enough to have a package that includes family, there will be a different set
of questions you have to answer. Will you have access to a good school or
daycare? Will your spouse be able to find work? Is healthcare available for
your family?
If anything, coming up with this list has made it clear to me that there are
things that I want and things that I need to have in my employment contract.
So will I be accepting the Dubai assignment? Will I be one of the host of
OFWs who leave the country to seek job opportunities elsewhere? I would
certainly like to be but only temporarily. A foreign assignment may be exciting
but there truly is no place like home.
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This article is written by Jerome C. Arcebal, a
Director for the Human Capital Group (HCG) of Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a
leading global consulting firm on people and financial issues. For inquires
and comments, please contact Jerome at
jerome.arcebal@watsonwyatt.com
or call 841-5100. |
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