|
Job search advice taken from our survey: Current State of Overseas Contracting Jobs, Part 3
By William Beaver, editor, DangerZoneJobs.com
Friday, July 18, 2008
|
Email this article
Printer friendly page
|
We have compiled some of the comments taken from our survey, which includes some interesting advice about working overseas as a contractor.
You can download the complete report here (it's in pdf format and needs something like Adobe Reader to see it): http://www.dangerzonejobs.com/dzjreport.pdf
- Bill
Please feel free to email this to someone who would benefit from the information.
The person who submitted the 30 points of advice did an excellent job of informing. I have only 1 thing to add: NEVER give your notice and leave your current job until you have AT LEAST a signed contract for your new position, if not a plane ticket in your hand. You just never know when the tables will turn.
Potential contractors have to understand one thing...there are no labor laws that will protect you while working as a contractor. You can be terminated or released without cause.
Be careful not to jump on the first offer you get.do your research.be aware that some depts.within a company have less ammenities and are treated with different levels of respect than others.
Here's another long contribution from someone taking the survey:
I've encountered a broad range of contractors. Some are great workers in great jobs, others just the opposite. Make sure you research the company you will be involved with, what is expected of you and if possible the people you will work with.
I have to say I have been quite lucky so far in all regards. The whole pay issue is a load of BS. Yes it pays well but how many jobs in the US will work you 12 hours a day 7 days a week for extended periods of time, and don't forget it's in a dangerous place.
We know all about the military pay and the hazards and risks faced by our military. Many of us used to be military. If you want to make a comparison to pay make it with government employees who go places, not military. When I compare my pay to what I made while working the same job as a federal employee, the pay is very, very close.
As a federal employee I received the same danger and overseas pay, overtime pay (168hrs a pay period vs 80 at home!), all the normal benefits of health, dental, life insurance, etc. and I had job security of knowing if I wanted I could stay till retirement. My pay my have gone up marginally but I lost the job security. Retirement is now based on whatever I set up as investments.
Anyway, don't let me drag on about pay. If you are looking for a job that might pay more, likely to have some exciting moments and risk involved, and you have the skills needed, then I wish you the best and hope to see you in one of the Danger Zones. Also, great site guys! Keep up the great work.
