Option?

[ZMAXK]

Hi,

Just like to know people opinions on whether thye think to "get ahead" for work / career progression - would people take up a good offer in Dubai / Middle East & regulary commute (every 2/3 months) back to their home country to see wife / kids / in-laws etc

there are pros & cons - what would it take you - in terms of $/package & career progression (if given this option?)

Thanks
Z

[flossie]

Well, if you're Australian, it's not an option because if you do that, you would still be considered a resident for tax purposes. You'd want to check out the tax laws of your country carefully.

[ZMAXK]

I'll be going to & from Malaysia , thanks

[DmE]

that's the decision I'm faced with right now! Taking it means it will progress my career and when i come back after 2 years my UK salary will have jumped more than £20k (40%) and I'll have been able to save more than that amount whilst I've been away.

Put it is hard to put a price on seeing/not seeing your wife/kid/family/friends.

Modern technology will go along way to making it easier but you can't gives cuddles, wipe away tears, take the kids swimming etc etc from a computer.

decisions, decisions

I could just stay in the UK with a job i hate, and not much chance of progression in the next 2 years!

[Ogri750]

Originally Posted by DmE

that's the decision I'm faced with right now! Taking it means it will progress my career and when i come back after 2 years my UK salary will have jumped more than £20k (40%) and I'll have been able to save more than that amount whilst I've been away.

Put it is hard to put a price on seeing/not seeing your wife/kid/family/friends.

Modern technology will go along way to making it easier but you can't gives cuddles, wipe away tears, take the kids swimming etc etc from a computer.

decisions, decisions

I could just stay in the UK with a job i hate, and not much chance of progression in the next 2 years!

Daft question, but why not bring your wife and kids with you.

Mine are coming out to join me 30th July, and I can't wait.

[DmE]

Cause she's not too keen and has a job here that she loves. They'll still come out to visit for extended stays and I'll go home a couple of times.

If she came out permanently then she wouldn't work and that would take the appeal away from earning my salary as we wouldn't be able to save as much money...

[sgilli3]

I believe though just traveling back and forward to the UK means you may still be classed as a resident of the UK for tax purposes though.
You will need to speak to an accountant who specialises in overseas tax laws.

Also , you will need to weigh up the costs of living here for yourself...costs here are escalating at an alarming rate, and whether the money earned here outweighs cost of living here ( not just financially) and what the tax implications will be for you.

[flossie]

I agree with Sgilli. You really need to check out the tax implications. So many people just presume that working overseas entitles them to a tax free income when it's actually alot more complicated than that.

[Ogri750]

If you spend more than 89 days in a financial year in the UK, you will still have a tax liabilty there (I think)

[DmE]

i've looked into the tax situation (and it helps that my dad is an accountant!). You need to be out of the UK for at least a full tax year i.e. 6th April to 5th April the following year. Duing this time you are allowed back into the UK but for no more than 89 days. I'll be staying out in AD for about 2 years so the tax-free status will be cool.

I will be put up in company accomodation for my duration with only telephone, grocery & living costs to pay myself. I'm hoping to live off approx 6.5k AED per month - does that sound OK?