After working for a few years, if I was presented an opportunity to work abroad, I would be hesitant to accept because working internationally is not something I necessarily want to do. Although this opportunity would be a positive career move for me both in the short and long-term, I would have to have a pretty enticing compensation package to convince me to move countries. I have always wanted to move back to California and stay there because that is where my family is, but if I was presented this opportunity, there are certain factors that would help persuade me to accept.
The first factor I would look into is what type of expatriate compensation I would be getting for the move. I would want to know more about what type of base pay I was getting and if I would be getting paid more or if they were offering me other incentives like merit, profit sharing, or bonus plans. Another huge factor that I would influence me is if they are providing allowances to help pay for the move and housing. I would also want to know where I would be working and for how long, so I could plan accordingly and prepare for the cultural change.
When thinking about what would convince me to take this opportunity, I think it comes down to if they are willing to increase my base salary, even by a small amount, to compensate for the drastic life change moving to a new country entails. I would also want allowances not only for the moving costs, but also for the costs of housing and utilities to ensure that I am living to the same standard I was before. Another factor that would help persuade me is knowing that I will not have to pay more or double taxes on my income. In order for me to take this opportunity abroad, I would need to be ensured that I will be living a similar style of life to the one I currently am and will be compensated for the additional challenges and sacrifices that it requires.
