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.
Be prepared to develop a new support system. All of my family and friends back home contantly put pressure on me to leave due to the dangers.
Working overseas has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It has given me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I now have a better understanding and appreciation of other peoples beliefs and cultures. The experiences that I have encountered overseas has made me appreciate the freedoms and the way of life that we take for granted in the US. The more simple lifestyle that other countries enjoy is like the US was 50 years ago when people had time to know the neighbors and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Before coming over make sure that you can deal with being away from your family for long extents of time. You need to have alot of patience. I think prior service personnel are the best fit for the positions overseas from my experience working overseas. They are more disciplined and know how to deal with people and the different type of reactions and living conditions.
I would suggest applying to the company website and remembering to include ALL of the skills sets that you may have. I would suggest that you use various resumes and hihglight the skill set required coinciding with the type of job you are seeking. Remember even a temp job with skills of 'sorting & delivering mail' could land you a position as a Mail Clerk making 5 figures. Apply for various positions based on what you have done or are willing to do. No job in the US will closely resemble anything in Theatre, so don't worry about the unknown...you will be trained. Also be willing to take an entry-level opportunity, knowing that in most companies you can "move-up" or even switch companies once you are over here. Good Luck!
The money is great! But for me its seems that who you work with is more important than the money. I wish everyone good luck and hope they work with great team mates but dont ever put money ahead of keeping your pride and doing the right thing.
Get in, stay at one company and not jump ship every month...Be a quiet Proffessional. No one cares what your background is, The only thing that the guys care about is what you can do now. Thanks
