Would you go work overseas for big $$?

quichebradford
quichebradford Posts: 327 Member
edited October 1 in Chit-Chat
A friend of mine shared with me that she's considering applying for a contract position overseas. Apparently she can make about 90k a year and she's thinking of staying 2 to 5 years. She has two small children (3 and 5) and a husband. I just don't understand how that's even an option for her. Her reasoning behind it is so that they can get out of debt. She wants to pay off their cars and pay their mortgage down to half. I get that, and I'm all for trying to get out of debt, but I don't feel that there is any amount of money that can be offered to make me leave my family for 2+ years. Not to mention, it's dangerous! I am just stunned.

Am I being a prude?

Replies

  • brattyworm
    brattyworm Posts: 2,137 Member
    Military people do it all the time without the pay.
  • hroush
    hroush Posts: 2,073 Member
    Define "overseas". I would do it, though I I'm young and don't have children.
  • tarazena
    tarazena Posts: 93 Member
    Keep an open mind to other people's life choices.
  • beautybrainsbooty
    beautybrainsbooty Posts: 122 Member
    Depending what type of 'overseas' I'd do it. With the pay. And they could always visit!!!!
  • GabriellaMaria
    GabriellaMaria Posts: 150 Member
    i would do it too, as i would only really leave my cat behind, and he wont miss me as much as his food!!! in her situation, i would try and take my family too, or make sure i got home regularly
  • stephaniezoundi
    stephaniezoundi Posts: 1,148 Member
    I moved overseas for work 9 years ago and its a great experience....however I was single at the time and wouldn't do it now as I have a hubby. That said though, depending on the contract, some of them are very accomodating and will pay for plane tickets etc for family to fly back and forth. I imagine she is thinking that a couple of years of sacrafice for a much easier lifetime might be worth it. I couldn't do it but I know those who do. I suppose unless we are in the persons shoes, we aren't in a position to judge.
  • WifeMomDVM
    WifeMomDVM Posts: 1,025 Member
    Def. not for me - but to each their own.

    I get the whole getting out of debt thing. I have student loans higher than most people's mortgage. My husband and I are big Dave Ramsey fans.

    While having a healthy income is important as a debt reduction tool, there are other ways to reduce your debt with your current income. Mainly, stop spending more than you make.

    But again, to each their own.
  • vim_n_vigor
    vim_n_vigor Posts: 4,089 Member
    Maybe not for 90k. But there are other amounts I would consider to make a better life for.my family.
  • mlemonroe2
    mlemonroe2 Posts: 603
    i couldn't do it. i have a hard time leaving my 19 month old over night!!!
  • kaaatielove
    kaaatielove Posts: 248 Member
    i see where you're coming from. I couldn't leave my kids.. They money is great, but sometimes there's more to life than $. Life is short, everyone should be around to watch their children grow throughout their childhood. that kind of thing is irreplaceable.
  • Bella1hud
    Bella1hud Posts: 530 Member
    We have cousins in Scotland whose husbands worked in Saudi Arabia with the oil companies, making big money. 6 weeks gone, 6 weeks home. None of their marriages survived. I'm just sayin'...
  • AmerTunsi
    AmerTunsi Posts: 655 Member
    Like someone said people do it in the military frequently. But, I don't think I would do it under those circumstances. It seems like she is going to apply to be in a hostile area because most companies would allow you to bring your family? Maybe there is more to it than just that. If I had 2 children I certainly would not do it unless our lives somehow depended on it ... and even then ... I would figure something else out! But on my own, I would take a job overseas without even big money in a heartbeat!
  • anamikaraks
    anamikaraks Posts: 59 Member
    That is really tough one. It's great that you care about her enough to be concerned. All I can say is that it would be a very personal decision. I can think of circumstances in which I would go for this. If I felt that my husband had the family support he would need and he agreed that this would be a viable path for our family then being debt free, starting college funds, the professional challenge, and the potential for increased opportunity upon return would do it for me. That said, I come from a military family. I hope that your friend and her family are able to weigh both the bad and the good and make the best decision for them. It sounds like they will be able to count on you no matter what they decide.
  • quichebradford
    quichebradford Posts: 327 Member
    You guys are right...I guess I'm just a big sissy! :o) She says the positions are in Afghanistan, some in Africa, etc. Not all in war zones, but some are.

    And I'm not trying to pass judgement, I understand that my way is not THE way. Just wanted to hear what other people thought. :o)
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    If I were single, I'd do it, as much for the experience as for the extra money. But to leave my young kids at home and miss some of the most interesting years of their development? Not for twice that much money.
  • sherrillg
    sherrillg Posts: 317 Member
    My husband retired from the navy (after 20 years) 5 years ago. While he was never stationed overseas he was on a submarine and basically gone 6mo out of every single year. When he retired he took a local position and at the 4 year point we decided an opportunity to go to Japan for 3 years was a viable option. He has been over there for 13 months now and all is good. That said, we had the experience to know that I could handle anything that came up with the house, kids, and life in general. Our kids are all grown (21, 23, and 25) but we do have our 3 yr old twin granddaughters that live with us.

    I would say based on our experiences that as long as her husband and rest of local support team are on board with her, then it's definitely a chance to get ahead. (you didn't say HOW much more she would be making...that would be a sticking point) With today's technology it's very easy to stay in contact...sometimes even too much :-)

    We all make choices and they all have consequences. I guess what I'd say is don't judge too harshly or too quickly. If she's willing to do this to help her family's finances, there may be things you aren't privy to.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,035 Member
    A friend of mine shared with me that she's considering applying for a contract position overseas. Apparently she can make about 90k a year and she's thinking of staying 2 to 5 years. She has two small children (3 and 5) and a husband. I just don't understand how that's even an option for her. Her reasoning behind it is so that they can get out of debt. She wants to pay off their cars and pay their mortgage down to half. I get that, and I'm all for trying to get out of debt, but I don't feel that there is any amount of money that can be offered to make me leave my family for 2+ years. Not to mention, it's dangerous! I am just stunned.

    Am I being a prude?
    Hell work on the pipeline in Alaska. At least you come home for 6 months.
  • Ashley_Panda
    Ashley_Panda Posts: 1,404 Member
    No. Unless I can bring my hubby, kiddos, pets with me. :D
  • outersoul
    outersoul Posts: 711
    A couple of things to remember...a lot of times this money is tax free. That really adds up. It's definitely not for me though, especially at 90k/year. I'd miss too many events in my kids' lives but I do know people that have done it or are doing it. So far all their marriages are doing well and they've paid off their bills.

    I've had/have similar opportunities in my field as a consultant for slightly more money. I would travel to the job every week. I would be on site Mon-Thurs and fly home on Friday. In the end I just couldn't do it. My kids are that awesome.
  • shiggyshane
    shiggyshane Posts: 215
    if I didnt have kids hell yeah i would..
  • Heatherbelle_87
    Heatherbelle_87 Posts: 1,078 Member
    Military people do it all the time without the pay.

    Exactly, Military members with more then 2 kids are gone for a year straight with a puny 2 weeks home for R&R on top of that the 6 month prior to them leaving are filled with training weekends, weeks and months away from their families where they are gone more then they are home. Its a very hard life style and takes a very strong spouse (husband OR wife depending on the family) they do it for less pay but pride in defending their country. And not all deployments for them are war zones, they typically can not take their family to Korea, many soliders.sailors/marines will choose to go to Japan alone for a year because their families do not want to move their for 3 years, and Kore or Japan isnt a war zone so they must PAY to travel home. Civilian contractors (or the company's employees like your friend) are typically gone for a few months then home for a few weeks. Its not ideal, btu there are plenty of Mr. Mom's and if it works for them then it works for them. And I would have an easier time living within my means if I could pay all my debt off in a year or most of it!
  • squishyjenn
    squishyjenn Posts: 245 Member
    I would do it in a heartbeat but my kid would have to come with me as well.
  • La_Amazona
    La_Amazona Posts: 4,855 Member
    No kids, yes.. but with kids that all changes.

    i have a friend whose husband is working away. He does get to come home every 3 months I believe. He makes a buttload of cash too. I'm not sure how I'd feel about that if I were the one staying behind.
  • aoifebr
    aoifebr Posts: 92
    Hell yes!!! I relocate people for work the whole time most come with their families for 1 - 3 years depending on the individual/kids.

    I guess it would depend on where you are going i.e. personally I relocated to Australia for work & it was THE BEST DECISION I ever had however if you asked me to go to the middle east where I would have to live in a gated community with limited local interaction I would properly say no to...

    Maybe its the right decision for her right now she doesnt need to know if you approve or not provided you support her.
  • calibri
    calibri Posts: 439 Member
    As long as it wasn't in Africa, I absolutely would. Africa is too hostile, in both nature and politics. I have a boyfriend but if he didn't want to go with me... c'est la vie.
  • Scott613
    Scott613 Posts: 2,317 Member
    It's simple really, some people will do it and some people won't. You're one or the other! I would.
  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    I wouldn't even work out of state for 90k. I love my house, and I would hate to have to pay for two homes at once. I plan on having this one paid off before I retire, and buying and selling certainly delays payoff.

    Now, if it were 500k, I'll go where ever I'm needed as long as it isn't life threatening.

    My heart does go out to our military personnel. Obviously they do a lot that I'm not willing to do.
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