would you like to work in Asia someday?

[yoMAMA]

And if so, where?

For me, I'd love to work in Hong Kong someday.

[hooligan]

taiwan. for the heck of it. i love the night markets.

[yoMAMA]

I have to add Shanghai to my want to work list, since I'm a finance major and that's a city pretty good with its money :tongue:

[Chris]

Tokyo And Hong Kong Please!

[Craig]

Xiang Gang.

Nippon.

Singapore.

[Ron]

Bangkok

Hong Kong

Singapore

[SynRG]

Heh, I *do* work in Asia! :biggrin:

I can't really say much about working (professionally) in the States, since I never have. My impression of the U.S. though is that it's alot harder to get a job there if you are not in a specialized field and super-good at what you do. Also nobody gives two sh*ts if you speak an Asian language in the U.S.

I would now like to take this opportunity to "sell" Shanghai a bit for anyone here thinking of working there (yoMAMA? :wink:)

So far, I've worked (briefly) in Taipei and now in Shanghai. When I first moved to Shanghai, the intent was to build up my experience in a city with more opportunity and then eventually return to Taipei, where I grew up and despite that fact that I'm American is still where I consider "home."

However, the longer I stay in Shanghai, the more I like it here and the more I'm thinking of settling down here. To be honest, there's very little for a guy like me in the States. Even if I were to go back and work in my industry (Executive Search), it's a completely different market with a different set of rules, not to mention a completly different culture. Plus, I completely lose the advantage of being able to speak Chinese. Basically, going back at this point would be a step back in my career, so I don't foresee myself going back to the States (permanently) anytime soon, if ever.

Allthough Shanghai is said to be the "next big thing," there are lots of disadvantages to living here. Shanghai, for instance, is at this point by no means a developed economy, or furthermore society, like that of Hong Kong, Sing or Taipei. While Shanghai is "catching up" quickly, certain industries are developing much slower than others.. and there are still many of the inconveniences of working in a 3rd-world country- basic things like setting up a bank account, recieving a package, looking for a good apartment, or getting a cab when it's raining, can be a royal pain in the ass, even if your overseas Chinese and speak the language fluently. If you do plan on coming out here.. just remember that at least for a while, there will be alot of day to day things you take for granted in the States unavailable here, and you might not even realize that until you get here.

That being said, if you can hack a lower standard of living (but at the same time a bigger bang for your buck as far as housing goes), and are enjoy living in fast paced societies and witnessing progression and change around you, then Shanghai is your city. This place is the future. How near of a future is debatable, but it's definitely the future.. and if you want to be on top when that all happens now is the time to be getting your foot in the door.

There are a few issues with getting a job in China, however. First off, if you coming here planning on making a boatload of money straight out of school, it ain't gonna happen. Right now the only people making big bucks are expats with the words "Director" or "Asia-Pacific" somewhere in their titles.. and it takes awhile to work your way up there. Expect a pay cut if your coming from a job in the states, but at the same time recognize that your money goes alot farther here. Furthermore, wages are only expected to increase in Shanghai over time. The main reason to be here is to get China business experience, which is going to be increasingly valuable over time.

There are also lots of entrepeneurs out here as well. I would suggest though if you are coming out here with an idea, hang out here for awhile and get to know the players in the market *really* good before you start any project. Also, starting up a business here, at this stage, is pretty difficult unless you have a local partner.

Finally, if you are in an industry that is very easily localized, like software development, this market is probably not for you (unless you want to make local wages). The best jobs (IMO) for young expats are probably in business development, or any role that requires interaction between local and International companies.

Anyways, if anyone has any specific questions about working in China, feel free to shoot questions my way. If i can't answer them off the top of my head I'll try my best to hunt an answer down for someone.

[Faithless]

It would be interesting to teach English in Japan.

Maybe I could get to learn more Japanese as a result.

[Craig]

Finally, if you are in an industry that is very easily localized, like software development, this market is probably not for you (unless you want to make local wages). The best jobs (IMO) for young expats are probably in business development, or any role that requires interaction between local and International companies.What are local Shanghai wages for software development ?

[ShortNBitter]

i dont know the language... i am stranded here . fuck!

[SynRG]

What are local Shanghai wages for software development ?

Too low to live comfortably on... my guess would be around 2-3000 rmb/month. Local developers are incredibly cheap as it's easy to train people to code, thus the demand for foreign developers is very low, simply because they cost more.

People with software development experience, coupled with management and business skills, on the other hand, are in higher demand.

One of the searches my company is doing right now is for a company looking for an Online Operations Manager (for online games). It's a nightmare search, because the local candidates aren't at the quality level (in management, strategic planning and language ability) to work for an MNC, but the big boys working at companies like IBM Consulting don't have the relevant hands-on tech experience. It's really difficult to find a combination of the two.

i dont know the language... i am stranded here . fuck!

Hey man, don't feel so bad. I lived in Taiwan for 12 years before I started (officially) learning Mandarin. Now I speak it (although I wouldn't say I'm fluent, I still can't really express myself in Chinese). You're still young.. it's not too late to pick it up! :biggrin:

[FrankieY18]

maybe...tokyo or Hong kong!

[yoMAMA]

Heh, I *do* work in Asia! :biggrin:

I can't really say much about working (professionally) in the States, since I never have. My impression of the U.S. though is that it's alot harder to get a job there if you are not in a specialized field and super-good at what you do. Also nobody gives two sh*ts if you speak an Asian language in the U.S.

I would now like to take this opportunity to "sell" Shanghai a bit for anyone here thinking of working there (yoMAMA? :wink:)

So far, I've worked (briefly) in Taipei and now in Shanghai. When I first moved to Shanghai, the intent was to build up my experience in a city with more opportunity and then eventually return to Taipei, where I grew up and despite that fact that I'm American is still where I consider "home."

However, the longer I stay in Shanghai, the more I like it here and the more I'm thinking of settling down here. To be honest, there's very little for a guy like me in the States. Even if I were to go back and work in my industry (Executive Search), it's a completely different market with a different set of rules, not to mention a completly different culture. Plus, I completely lose the advantage of being able to speak Chinese. Basically, going back at this point would be a step back in my career, so I don't foresee myself going back to the States (permanently) anytime soon, if ever.

Allthough Shanghai is said to be the "next big thing," there are lots of disadvantages to living here. Shanghai, for instance, is at this point by no means a developed economy, or furthermore society, like that of Hong Kong, Sing or Taipei. While Shanghai is "catching up" quickly, certain industries are developing much slower than others.. and there are still many of the inconveniences of working in a 3rd-world country- basic things like setting up a bank account, recieving a package, looking for a good apartment, or getting a cab when it's raining, can be a royal pain in the ass, even if your overseas Chinese and speak the language fluently. If you do plan on coming out here.. just remember that at least for a while, there will be alot of day to day things you take for granted in the States unavailable here, and you might not even realize that until you get here.

That being said, if you can hack a lower standard of living (but at the same time a bigger bang for your buck as far as housing goes), and are enjoy living in fast paced societies and witnessing progression and change around you, then Shanghai is your city. This place is the future. How near of a future is debatable, but it's definitely the future.. and if you want to be on top when that all happens now is the time to be getting your foot in the door.

There are a few issues with getting a job in China, however. First off, if you coming here planning on making a boatload of money straight out of school, it ain't gonna happen. Right now the only people making big bucks are expats with the words "Director" or "Asia-Pacific" somewhere in their titles.. and it takes awhile to work your way up there. Expect a pay cut if your coming from a job in the states, but at the same time recognize that your money goes alot farther here. Furthermore, wages are only expected to increase in Shanghai over time. The main reason to be here is to get China business experience, which is going to be increasingly valuable over time.

There are also lots of entrepeneurs out here as well. I would suggest though if you are coming out here with an idea, hang out here for awhile and get to know the players in the market *really* good before you start any project. Also, starting up a business here, at this stage, is pretty difficult unless you have a local partner.

Finally, if you are in an industry that is very easily localized, like software development, this market is probably not for you (unless you want to make local wages). The best jobs (IMO) for young expats are probably in business development, or any role that requires interaction between local and International companies.

Anyways, if anyone has any specific questions about working in China, feel free to shoot questions my way. If i can't answer them off the top of my head I'll try my best to hunt an answer down for someone.

Wow, cool, thanks for you informative and deep insights of working in China....[espeically Shanghai]. :smile:

My goal is to sometimes in the future working in hong kong or shangai as an attorney.....I know a Minneapolis based law firm-Dorsey and Whiteny has a large Asian presence....it has offices in tokyo, hong kong and shanghai......with former vice prez walter mondale as one of the partners......

Man, I would love to work at the shanghai office one day........ :biggrin:

[moJo]

i haven't visited HK and China in 14 years, so I can't say that I'd want to work there, just yet. That said, I still don't think I'd want to settled down there, long-term. We'll see if that changes after I take a trip there later this year.

As for the rest of Asia, I have never been, so I don't know.

Is it true that just having a degree (or a graduate degree) from a US university is a huge asset in Asia, or at least in certain parts of Asia?

[kboy75]

Maybe Seoul when I was like 4-5 years younger. not so much now. i need to settle down somewhere...

[AngryABCGirl]

Taipei, HK, or Mainland maybe to get some exeperience and get the language back I'll probably lose/am losing in college and to be with my peopels. Setling down is another issue though, I'm starting to really like this diversity thing.

[iris]

I already did. I worked in Hong Kong. It was fine and a good learning experience. I now know I like working in the US better.

I would love to spend a couple years abroad in London though.

[Mr.Lum]

not in Asia. in Europe or NZ maybe. or Fiji.

[SynRG]

I already did. I worked in Hong Kong. It was fine and a good learning experience. I now know I like working in the US better.


Hey Iris- was it the cultural differences, the work-style, or maybe just the city? Like what where the big differences (working-wise)? I'm curious because I've never worked a "professional" job in the States, so I don't know what it's like.

I do know that working in HK can be a pretty high-stress environment, I mean, the reason they have barriers between the platform and the trains on the MTR is so people physically cannot throw themselves in front of trains. I also know the HK has a very money-oriented culture. Shanghai is not quite there but in the future I can see it becoming alot like HK, at lease business-wise.

I also heard Japan is the most stressful place to work on Earth.

[Mr.Lum]

^I heard that too. I heard people kill themselves and have clubs for it and stuff. insane.

[iris]

Hey Iris- was it the cultural differences, the work-style, or maybe just the city? Like what where the big differences (working-wise)? I'm curious because I've never worked a "professional" job in the States, so I don't know what it's like.

I do know that working in HK can be a pretty high-stress environment, I mean, the reason they have barriers between the platform and the trains on the MTR is so people physically cannot throw themselves in front of trains. I also know the HK has a very money-oriented culture. Shanghai is not quite there but in the future I can see it becoming alot like HK, at lease business-wise.

I also heard Japan is the most stressful place to work on Earth.

I really did like Hong Kong but the pollution is so high there I couldn't go running outside. Plus, you work 6 days a week in Hong Kong as opposed to five. The hours are very very long. They think you're a slacker if you don't stay way overtime and I hated that. I used to finish my work so fast because we did alot of work with American companies and I'm a native speaker, I'd have to pretend to do work and that is just so tedious.

I cannot say I was without bias though because a factor that I attribute to disliking my work environment is the job itself. I was working at an huge American investment bank as a strategic marketing consultant. Even if I had been in the US, I would have been working 100 hour work weeks. I just happened to be in Hong Kong.

I like the city itself, the shopping, the food, it was really the work environment I didn't like. The cultural differences were fine. I'm fluent in Mandarin and have been to Taiwan and Hong Kong several times for vacation.

Another thing was that I loved my city back in the US. I live in New York City and like most New Yorkers, I think it's the best city in the world. I live in LA now. I moved to LA in December and it's killing me to be away from New York. So that was another factor, I already found home and so Hong Kong couldn't ever be home to me.

[Chester]

Another thing was that I loved my city back in the US. I live in New York City and like most New Yorkers, I think it's the best city in the world. I live in LA now.
Ouch. My condolences.

[yoMAMA]

I really did like Hong Kong but the pollution is so high there I couldn't go running outside. Plus, you work 6 days a week in Hong Kong as opposed to five. The hours are very very long. They think you're a slacker if you don't stay way overtime and I hated that. I used to finish my work so fast because we did alot of work with American companies and I'm a native speaker, I'd have to pretend to do work and that is just so tedious.

I cannot say I was without bias though because a factor that I attribute to disliking my work environment is the job itself. I was working at an huge American investment bank as a strategic marketing consultant. Even if I had been in the US, I would have been working 100 hour work weeks. I just happened to be in Hong Kong.

I like the city itself, the shopping, the food, it was really the work environment I didn't like. The cultural differences were fine. I'm fluent in Mandarin and have been to Taiwan and Hong Kong several times for vacation.

Another thing was that I loved my city back in the US. I live in New York City and like most New Yorkers, I think it's the best city in the world. I live in LA now. I moved to LA in December and it's killing me to be away from New York. So that was another factor, I already found home and so Hong Kong couldn't ever be home to me.

yeah, i heard that investment banking is really stressful....although the monetary compensation is quite good.

[SynRG]

I really did like Hong Kong but the pollution is so high there I couldn't go running outside. Plus, you work 6 days a week in Hong Kong as opposed to five. The hours are very very long. They think you're a slacker if you don't stay way overtime and I hated that. I used to finish my work so fast because we did alot of work with American companies and I'm a native speaker, I'd have to pretend to do work and that is just so tedious.

I cannot say I was without bias though because a factor that I attribute to disliking my work environment is the job itself. I was working at an huge American investment bank as a strategic marketing consultant. Even if I had been in the US, I would have been working 100 hour work weeks. I just happened to be in Hong Kong.

I like the city itself, the shopping, the food, it was really the work environment I didn't like. The cultural differences were fine. I'm fluent in Mandarin and have been to Taiwan and Hong Kong several times for vacation.

Another thing was that I loved my city back in the US. I live in New York City and like most New Yorkers, I think it's the best city in the world. I live in LA now. I moved to LA in December and it's killing me to be away from New York. So that was another factor, I already found home and so Hong Kong couldn't ever be home to me.

Yeah, we don't have the 6 day workweek here in Shanghai, at least not in my industry. I seriously don't think I could hack that, but then again, I don't think I could hack i-banking either. I think only certain people in this world are truly cut-out for i-banking.. there's a reason why it pays so much. :wink:

A-ways thanks for answering my question. :biggrin: