I am going to work overseas (Thailand) on my first job, what are some pointers that I should take note of?

Question

Ayutthaya is where I'll be working, and its the first time I'm going overseas to work, I'm a little nervous since its my first job and I'm going to work overseas, but I'm also excited about the upcoming experience. I'm not quite sure what to bring there or what to prepare for... any pointers?

Answer 1

Well you didn't say what sort of work you will be doing or where you will be working.

I have been working in Korea and China for a number of years and at a number of places, and where you are working affects the advice that is appropriate.


Firstly, I did it when I was older and more experienced, and I think this makes a big difference. There are few people my age around, and we tend to be harder working and more professional.

Young people like yourself (sorry to sound patronising but I am too lazy to try and figure a nice way to write it) often start out wanting to do a job then get discouraged and just end up clocking time.

Here are some things to take into consideration.

it is not your country, they do things differently. Not better or worse, just different. Accept it, you don't have to agree with it, but you have to accept it.

You need to get to know locals. Too many people hang out with foriegners and end up unhappy. But try and make real local friends, not just those trying to practice their English.

Don't take B.S. from people. A lot of times foreign workers are cheated. I am an Australian, and Australia also cheats workers coming to Australia. It is not about Thailand, it is about the fact that you are vunerable.

Be safe, have enough money to leave if you have to, and if they try to not pay you or meet the terms and conditions of your contract, just tell them goodbye (which usually makes them change their mind quickly)

In the end, set your goals. If your job is not meeting your goals (whether it is career advancement or getting laid a lot) then leave, don't sit around being bitter, there are many other places to work (Japan, China etc etc)

Answer 2

Here are some links to help you out: