Finding work in Bali; Success stories

I'm pretty sure it's possible to find legal work in Bali.
You'll need skills unavailable from the local workforce and an employer willing to pay the costs of hiring a foreigner.

What sort of work are you after?

I am aware at least two supermarket chains used to hire expats in management so that leaves a possibility, but I have no idea about the music business on the island and if there are any possibilities for expats - maybe with some creative and/or lateral thinking.

Think happy thoughts and get onto the net for some work hunting.

Fred,

I have been browsing this and many other forums relating to the subject of finding work as an expat. As much as I appreciate you and some of your friends on this forum trying to keep members with a dream out of prison, I still have (in your eyes utopian) confidence in finding a job here. Even without brain surgery or quantum physics degrees.

The reason I asked about success stories is because I know it is possible. Unfortunately, Facebook Expat Groups or message boards like these always have two or three 'voices of reason' who seem to reply within 5 minutes to stomp on the dreams of people.

Whilst you may have the best intentions with this, it is not always the truth though. I say this because my girlfriend managed to find a job in a hotel without any mindblowing qualifications back home. Two of my friends also managed to land themselves jobs with the proper paperwork.

I firmly believe that, if you have real dreams plus the determination to make them happen, everything is possible. Even in Bali. Without getting deported. For example, the guy who asked to teach English here a few months ago. Against all the odds and your endless "it is never going to happen", he managed to find himself a job.

I knew you would be the first to react to my post. And if I now tell you that I would be looking to land a teaching job, or a job in a 5-star resort, being a Dutch citizen, you would smear all the reasons why it won't and can't happen in my face. Yeah, I am not a native English speaker so it's impossible. Yeah, hotels and resorts are hiring Indonesians because of unemployment and it being a job a local can do to.

So to disconnect from all the standard answers and negative spirals all expat forums seem to adopt these days, I would think it be fun to hear stories from people who actually managed to land jobs. Because it is happening. And it is happening every day. You just have to believe and try.

EDIT: btw, no hard feelings though. Nothing personal against you. Just my 2 cents.

The guy with the English job is probably working illegally as it should (yer, rules are rubberised out here) be impossible to find legal work.

I know of at least one Dutch guy with a job as an English teacher - he was definitely illegal but never nabbed.

Your business experience won't hurt your chances any, even if it was in an unrelated trade as it shows a get up and go a lot of people don't have.

I try to reply within five minutes when I'm at home but that's difficult when I'm out and about, that including a trip to Bali in the near future - for work.

Of course local hotels are hiring Indonesians, this is Indonesia, and it costs them a fortune to hire foreigners, but it isn't impossible to find legal work in one, especially in the big international hotels.

The staying out of trouble bit is easy - Don't accept illegal work and there isn't a problem, but I think you've already guessed that much.

Negative spirals come from posters, usually the ones trying to be hairdressers and lifeguards - that set of dreams ain't happening in this reality. Reality can be a real bugger at times.

However, if you want a success story, read my profile. Of course you have to work out what's true and what's a lie before you can get anywhere, but a bit of brain exercise never hurts when you're in a difficult situation and looking for solutions.

More lateral thinking

First, let me start off by stating that it wasn't a personal attack on you. Although I can imagine you felt as it being one. So thanks for your mature reaction.

I just read through your profile and your interview. I guess I am not really that smart because I still can't figure out what you are doing here, except for visiting Alfa Marts and taking your wife shopping.

Now I am talking like an oracle, as if I know everything, but I obviously am not a success story myself (yet). I regarded my first months here as a holiday, but am now determined and on the lookout for jobs in every branch I feel I can be of importance here. Albeit in the hospitality-, education- or retailbranch. And even if I don't succeed, leave Bali as a boulevard of broken dreams, and hop back on a plane back to ze nezzerlands; I will not give up and at least can die proudly knowing that I tried to chase my dreams.

If that happens, I will work for a year in The Netherlands again to build up some new funding, and I would then be stupid enough to make the same mistake twice.

Anyway, if you could let me know (even if it is a private message) your story (and maybe the names of the retailers hiring expat staff) I would be forever in your debt and might even buy you a pint or two when you come to Bali for work.

X

The pint is out because I don't drink, but thanks anyway.
I no longer need permits and all that other rubbish because I'm Indonesian now (Told you I love the place)
Better not to mention names and bribes in the same sentence - Hope you never find out why. so I suggest removing the name from your post on the off chance.

Done

Path A. Work permit 1st? With job in hand.
Versus
Path B. Land safely 1st? Then job scout.

Both will land you a job (more likely the former).
Countries do have similarities in immigration laws.
Indonesia is of no exceptions.
If you have TIME to spare then (even better if you are an avid surfer) then go Path B.

An English teacher may earn up to USD 1k.
A hotel GM may earn USD 6k +.
Path A usually do not require you to produce (upon entry to Bali) a confirmed flight return ticket.

You may want to consider (not obliged).
This thingy incubator places popping up on Bali.
Should be good place to get useful info.
On what OTHERS have tried to do in the last 20+ years.
Which is arriving in Bali and never ever leaving.
Been there. Done it.
PS Hope not sound like "keep away"