IT professional struggling with relocation

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Member since 03 October 2019

ShahbazAhdiMember03 October 2019 08:18:05

Hi All,

My name is Shahbaz and I am based in Manchester, UK. I am a British national with a Thai wife who is in Bangkok. I am going to relocate to Bangkok as we are expecting and I want to be around for the birth of my child.

I am a highly experienced IT professional and have worked in the Financial Technology sector for the past 5 years.

I have applied for lots of suitable jobs in Bangkok from the UK, did a new resume and wrote a covering letter etc. I have had literally no response, not so much as even a telephone interview. In England I would have had lots of response by now as I have a well sought after skill set.

Is it because I am applying from within the UK? Would I be better off applying when I arrive in Thailand?

My concern is that I will still struggle after arriving in Thailand, which I can deal with but I will have to get a different job e.g. teaching or something.

Any advice would be massively helpful.

Thanks

ladivo779 Guest

ladivo779Guest05 October 2019 22:55:19

214245

My thoughts are that these days you must be prepared to take a different direction in your career if necessary in order to take you where you want to be. Perhaps being in Thailand will help, I do not know for sure. And yes, perhaps initially becoming an English teacher would at least allow you to get established in Thailand and then make it easier to apply for jobs more relevant to your experience whilst already having some income.

Actually, if I were in your situation, I would also be looking for jobs in other major cities in Asia such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Jakarta etc.

stellious123 Member

Member since 16 October 2019

stellious123Member16 October 2019 04:08:32

Yes Shahbaz,

it seems to be extremely difficult. I have moved here 1 week ago as an IT professional. I am lucky enough to have a secondment here so did not need to job hunt, however, my wife is finding it extremely difficult to find a job.

It seems most jobs prefer Thai Nationals due to the costs and complexities of Thai Visa and work permit,

thanks

JWNYsg Active member

Member since 30 January 2017

JWNYsgActive member17 October 2019 06:02:12

What about engaging a headhunter. That should take care of the running around

Good luck

atomheart Serial expat

Member since 01 April 2016

atomheartSerial expat24 October 2019 19:34:24

614

What kind of "highly experienced IT professional" are you, the one that changes printer cartridges and hooks up UTP cables, or are you a software developer, project manager, business analist? If the latter, consider working remotely for clients from wealthier countries.

beppi Germany - Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany - Singapore Expert19 November 2019 09:46:25

15379

stellious123 wrote:
It seems most jobs prefer Thai Nationals due to the costs and complexities of Thai Visa and work permit,

THAT is the point!
Are you prepared to work for Thai wages - which would be far below your current UK earnings and almost certainly also below your living expenses in Thailand?
There is a downside to moving to a "cheap" country!

RobMcThai Member

Member since 10 December 2019

RobMcThaiMember10 December 2019 11:59:51

Firstly you need to be here for people to take you seriously. There are lots of beach dreamers in the west who send emails but are never going to travel. Obviously you have a wife and child here but most HR wont get that far or will dismiss it out of hand.

If you are here, with a visa based on your need to provide for your wife, doors will open more than if you are in Manchester.

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