Comments on: Cheerio Friends: Relocating Abroad as a Young Professional http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/ Work, life and the pursuit of happiness for the young professional. Sun, 14 Mar 2010 01:07:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » 8 Tips for Successfully Living and Working Abroad http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-24137 Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » 8 Tips for Successfully Living and Working Abroad Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:51:23 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-24137 [...] in a tough economy, the opportunity to live and work abroad as part of a Multi-National Corporation (MNC) is still out there if you choose to pursue it.  [...] [...] in a tough economy, the opportunity to live and work abroad as part of a Multi-National Corporation (MNC) is still out there if you choose to pursue it.  [...]

]]> By: Addie http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-1538 Addie Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:21:29 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-1538 For those who are foolish enough to make the silly mistake of not talking to our company about a possible transfer to another country and found a different ( albeit, temporary) way of working abroad, any suggestions on how to stay longer? I have 4 years of sales experience in consumer food from the States and am now working for an Investment Bank in London in Accounting. I absolutely love the UK and am looking to stay beyond my initial work permit allows ( 1 year). I tried to find a way to stay with my company in the States, but they had very few options in the UK, thus I quit (on good terms) and moved on my own. Suggestions from the expat? For those who are foolish enough to make the silly mistake of not talking to our company about a possible transfer to another country and found a different ( albeit, temporary) way of working abroad, any suggestions on how to stay longer? I have 4 years of sales experience in consumer food from the States and am now working for an Investment Bank in London in Accounting. I absolutely love the UK and am looking to stay beyond my initial work permit allows ( 1 year). I tried to find a way to stay with my company in the States, but they had very few options in the UK, thus I quit (on good terms) and moved on my own. Suggestions from the expat?

]]> By: Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » How to Prepare for a Business Trip (and what to pack) http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-998 Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » How to Prepare for a Business Trip (and what to pack) Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:55:10 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-998 [...] you may have a daily food limit. You may not be able to take money from a domestic ATM (but international money withdraws are acceptable). Some items may not be appropriate for your corporate card but are reimbursable later. There is [...] [...] you may have a daily food limit. You may not be able to take money from a domestic ATM (but international money withdraws are acceptable). Some items may not be appropriate for your corporate card but are reimbursable later. There is [...]

]]> By: Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » Business Trip Preparation Tips http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-972 Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » Business Trip Preparation Tips Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:53:53 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-972 [...] you may have a daily food limit. You may not be able to take money from a domestic ATM (but international money withdraws are acceptable). Some items may not be appropriate for your corporate card but are reimbursable later. There is [...] [...] you may have a daily food limit. You may not be able to take money from a domestic ATM (but international money withdraws are acceptable). Some items may not be appropriate for your corporate card but are reimbursable later. There is [...]

]]> By: Aimee http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-644 Aimee Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:30:12 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-644 In the UK, pre-paid phones aren't nearly as crappy as they are here in the states. You can add minutes from practically anywhere. Last time I was living there, I could add minutes from the store that was literally next door or at the shop across the street. Almost everyone over there has pre-paid phones not the byzantine American contract system. Trust me, you'll love it when you get used to it. In the UK, pre-paid phones aren’t nearly as crappy as they are here in the states. You can add minutes from practically anywhere. Last time I was living there, I could add minutes from the store that was literally next door or at the shop across the street. Almost everyone over there has pre-paid phones not the byzantine American contract system. Trust me, you’ll love it when you get used to it.

]]> By: Employee Evolution - How to Succeed in a Rotational Leadership Program http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-634 Employee Evolution - How to Succeed in a Rotational Leadership Program Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:00:57 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-634 [...] in all areas of business from IT to Finance. These programs satisfy Generation Y’s need for travel, new experiences and training through a number of four to eight month rotations in different [...] [...] in all areas of business from IT to Finance. These programs satisfy Generation Y’s need for travel, new experiences and training through a number of four to eight month rotations in different [...]

]]> By: Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » How to Succeed in a Rotational Leadership Program http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-480 Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » How to Succeed in a Rotational Leadership Program Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:15:36 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-480 [...] in all areas of business from IT to Finance. These programs satisfy Generation Y’s need for travel, new experiences and training through a number of four to eight month rotations in different [...] [...] in all areas of business from IT to Finance. These programs satisfy Generation Y’s need for travel, new experiences and training through a number of four to eight month rotations in different [...]

]]> By: Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » Making yourself Indispensable: Volunteering http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-356 Newly Corporate » Blog Archive » Making yourself Indispensable: Volunteering Thu, 13 Dec 2007 21:02:55 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-356 [...] willing to relocate.  Of course this isn’t for everyone.  But often, just working in another location for a finite period provides an employee with perspective and ideas that they can bring back to a [...] [...] willing to relocate.  Of course this isn’t for everyone.  But often, just working in another location for a finite period provides an employee with perspective and ideas that they can bring back to a [...]

]]> By: Christina http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-290 Christina Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:28:26 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-290 I came upon this site today (from Employee Evolution, I think?). I made this move last year (although am in Brum, not London). Here are some other things I've found while making the journey: <i>Taxes</i> - my company is doing my US and UK taxes for two years (and NL as I lived in Amsterdam as an expat for the year before making the "permanent" move). There are a whole lot of fun things like Tax Equalization and things to take into account as the US is one of the few countries that makes it practically impossible to renounce citizenship because they tax their citizens' foreign incomes. <i>IP Phone</i> - I've had Vonage for years and years and it has served me well. Also, the stress of keeping in touch is lessened by having a "local" US number - people aren't confused about how to call you, and it doesn't cost the earth for either party to take a chance and call like you would have if you were in the same country. (Although, be warned about people "forgetting" (i.e. drinking away or sales calls) the time difference. <i>Relocation Allowance</i> - Are they going to ship any of your stuff for you? Although be warned, things are simply smaller here. And, unfortunately, the Brits didn't figure out the "open stair cases and big window" thing like the Dutch did. Some American just just Won't Fit. <i>Buy US!</i> Often I could get KLM flights from nwa.com for 1/2 of the price I could for the same flights on KLM.com. As long as you still have US credit cards (and and address you can send mail to), you can too. I'm sure there's loads of other things, but rather than post a blog entry in response to yours, I'll end it there. You can email me if you have any thoughts/questions! (Also, I have a friend that have a spare room in a 3apartment in Shepard's Bush, if you're interested!) Things are expensive here, and you feel far away sometimes (although AMS/BHX flights were only 50 minutes!), but there are loads of perks - the consciousness of quality local produce is amazing (almost all foods have "country of origin" identified), the wine is cheap ($6 will consistently buy you good, drinkable wine), and the place just has so much damned character! Good luck! I'm sure you'll enjoy it!! I came upon this site today (from Employee Evolution, I think?). I made this move last year (although am in Brum, not London). Here are some other things I’ve found while making the journey:
Taxes – my company is doing my US and UK taxes for two years (and NL as I lived in Amsterdam as an expat for the year before making the “permanent” move). There are a whole lot of fun things like Tax Equalization and things to take into account as the US is one of the few countries that makes it practically impossible to renounce citizenship because they tax their citizens’ foreign incomes.
IP Phone – I’ve had Vonage for years and years and it has served me well. Also, the stress of keeping in touch is lessened by having a “local” US number – people aren’t confused about how to call you, and it doesn’t cost the earth for either party to take a chance and call like you would have if you were in the same country. (Although, be warned about people “forgetting” (i.e. drinking away or sales calls) the time difference.
Relocation Allowance – Are they going to ship any of your stuff for you? Although be warned, things are simply smaller here. And, unfortunately, the Brits didn’t figure out the “open stair cases and big window” thing like the Dutch did. Some American just just Won’t Fit.
Buy US! Often I could get KLM flights from nwa.com for 1/2 of the price I could for the same flights on KLM.com. As long as you still have US credit cards (and and address you can send mail to), you can too.

I’m sure there’s loads of other things, but rather than post a blog entry in response to yours, I’ll end it there. You can email me if you have any thoughts/questions!

(Also, I have a friend that have a spare room in a 3apartment in Shepard’s Bush, if you’re interested!)

Things are expensive here, and you feel far away sometimes (although AMS/BHX flights were only 50 minutes!), but there are loads of perks – the consciousness of quality local produce is amazing (almost all foods have “country of origin” identified), the wine is cheap ($6 will consistently buy you good, drinkable wine), and the place just has so much damned character! Good luck! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!!

]]> By: Blake http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/comment-page-1/#comment-278 Blake Thu, 06 Dec 2007 10:07:40 +0000 http://newlycorporate.com/2007/12/03/cheerio-friends/#comment-278 Wow, 6 weeks! After living abroad for 3 months now, I know this is a huge decision. But if you're going to do it, now's the time. I'm glad to see you're paving your own way instead of getting in line. Wow, 6 weeks! After living abroad for 3 months now, I know this is a huge decision. But if you’re going to do it, now’s the time. I’m glad to see you’re paving your own way instead of getting in line.

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