Urgent Inputs needed for Corporate vs Expat Contract

[SoundBarViolatr]

Hey Fellas,

Wanted to get inputs on a career decision.

I currently fly a light jet for a stable corporate outfit that pays in the low to mid scale and the work schedule is pretty consistent and predictable with most weekends and holidays off. Non flying duties include flight planning, itineraries, aircraft and hangar logistics, cleaning the jet and the hangar and the occassional reporting to work just because someone wants to remind you who the boss is. Co workers are good to work with but the airboss can often times be very difficult which explains the high turn overs. All in all, a good stable corporate job with ok pay and great schedule perfect for someone who is on the trailing end of his/her career.

An opportunity has been placed in front of me to fly a large jet based in a third world country for a US charter company as a contract pilot. The jet is under contract for 2 years and has been in progress for 1 year. Monthly pay is almost 3x more than what I make and will render me debtless in less than a year, hotels and food paid for, airline tickets paid for (including 3 roundtrip business class tickets for leave) and any recurrency requirements will be provided by the company. Biggest disadvantage is separation from family and having to look for another (hopefully corporate) job upon my return. The family is 100% supportive of either decision.

Also does anyone have any inputs or leads to where I could go for information on being an overseas contract pilot? Info on constructing an agreement/contract, taxes, industry standard monthly rates for G3 Co-Captain, incentive or retainer fees for extended coverage of 11 months, etc. Also, how much does a Class 2 medical affect job hunting capabilities in p91/p135?

Thanks guys!
SBV

 

[JP4user]

Third world country-Contract pilot-Seperation from family. I'd have to reevaluate that opportunity. Don't let the money be your guide.

 

[SoundBarViolatr]

Semper Per Diem

Third world country-Contract pilot-Seperation from family. I'd have to reevaluate that opportunity. Don't let the money be your guide.

I've spent TDYs in worse locations and been separated from the family for duty to country. Only difference is this time it's to get paid and provide better for them. Only thing that worries me is "contract" and finding another corporate job when I return. Thank you for your input, please keep em coming.

 

[JP4user]

I've spent TDYs in worse locations and been separated from the family for duty to country. Only difference is this time it's to get paid and provide better for them. Only thing that worries me is "contract" and finding another corporate job when I return. Thank you for your input, please keep em coming.

Understood. I know where you are coming from with family seperation for military service, but there is a big difference both from a pyschological and support network aspect stuck in a third world country as a civilian.

The contract would also be a major concern to me as well. I know the money sounds good but ask yourself why they are willing to pay so much to begin with? Are there physical dangers or health risks involved? Some of these third world cacaholes are not worth it.

I would also be a little concerned knowing the job is going to end and being out of the "network" so to speak for job hunting upon your return.

Good luck either way.

 

[b757driver]

All excellent points and need to be further evaluated.
Usually in the less desirable parts of the world (less desirable does not necessarily mean high risk), the ONLY incentive to get qualified guys there is the money aspect.....money talks.
I have a friend flying heavy iron in a certain part of Africa and he makes makes more than a Captain as a F/O at his previous job. His routes and layovers (all international) keep him busy. Basically, he's pulling in $12,000 a month TAX-FREE plus a per diem allowance of $1200 month. He hardly spends any money while he's working and he meets up with his wife in places like Rio or Lisbon. His vacation period is about 3-4 times what he would get in the US. Yes, it's contract and not forever and there are worse places in teh world.
It will be an individual decison to make with the family and may not be for everyone.
Having been in the military and knowing a thing or two about separation, gives you a step up.
FYI, I've been "outsourced" for the past 3 years since my US employer went bust and then I was unemployed for 15 months with not a single interview anywhere. This overseas job saved my butt and although it's not perfect, it's flexible enough for me to work for the time being. I'm on a yearly ad-hoc contract and have flown three types within three years. Indeed, as things worked out, my employer payed for me to get a 747 type rating on my FAA ticket and I ask for time off whenever I feel the need. Usually 2 weeks off minimum and 1 month off maximum.
When you do get a contract, read it over carefully. Not all agencies and contracts are the same. Some are definitely better than others.
Good luck w/your decision!

 

[SoundBarViolatr]

Expating..

The job pays even better but is taxable. Im asking for 1k more/month than what they are paying, a paid recurrency, and a guaranteed full time job paying industry standards at the end of the contract. Nice people but they seemed to want to shoot from the hip through verbal terms so I had to stop and turn in a written proposal not only because of the big step and sacrifices involved but because the decision to pursue had to make sense. I'm not sure if they'll come back with a rebuttal or just shred my file. Anyone have any idea how this two step works? We'll see.

I'd appreciate inputs on how everyone else is drafting their contracts. I think I covered everything, but there's not much guidance out in eWorld.

Thanks!
SBV

All excellent points and need to be further evaluated.
Usually in the less desirable parts of the world (less desirable does not necessarily mean high risk), the ONLY incentive to get qualified guys there is the money aspect.....money talks.
I have a friend flying heavy iron in a certain part of Africa and he makes makes more than a Captain as a F/O at his previous job. His routes and layovers (all international) keep him busy. Basically, he's pulling in $12,000 a month TAX-FREE plus a per diem allowance of $1200 month. He hardly spends any money while he's working and he meets up with his wife in places like Rio or Lisbon. His vacation period is about 3-4 times what he would get in the US. Yes, it's contract and not forever and there are worse places in teh world.
It will be an individual decison to make with the family and may not be for everyone.
Having been in the military and knowing a thing or two about separation, gives you a step up.
FYI, I've been "outsourced" for the past 3 years since my US employer went bust and then I was unemployed for 15 months with not a single interview anywhere. This overseas job saved my butt and although it's not perfect, it's flexible enough for me to work for the time being. I'm on a yearly ad-hoc contract and have flown three types within three years. Indeed, as things worked out, my employer payed for me to get a 747 type rating on my FAA ticket and I ask for time off whenever I feel the need. Usually 2 weeks off minimum and 1 month off maximum.
When you do get a contract, read it over carefully. Not all agencies and contracts are the same. Some are definitely better than others.
Good luck w/your decision!

 

[surplus1]

I worked as an ex-pat for a long time; it has both advantages and disadvantages like any other gig. Some things for you to think about:

1. The foreign country itself. What are their laws with respect to foreign workers? Will you need a work permit? Who will get it and how long does it last?

2. What currency will you be paid in? What if any restrictions does that country have on currency exchange and your ability to get your money out of the country (without smuggling)? This is very important; it doesn't matter what they pay you if you can't take it out of the country without restrictions. Be certain you know the laws of the country you're going to before you sign anything.

3. Never make a verbal contract to work in a foreign country.

4. US tax law varies depending on who owns the company you work for, whether you're a legal permanent resident of the foreign country or you remain a legal resident of the US. Be sure you understand the nuances.

5. What are the tax laws of the foreign country? Most third-world countries have tax rates that can be confiscatory for very high income workers. In considering this, compare your wages to the wages in that country, not to US wages. The tax implications can be enormous. If this is a problem, consider getting some of your pay in "perks" that are tax-free.

6. Will you be working through a US agent or directly for the employer. It makes a big difference; know those differences with respect to the particular country.

7. What are the "rules" in that country with respect to priority for nationals that are qualified? You could find your work permit canceled overnight if a qualified local (citizen) suddenly turns up. Be sure your contract covers this and provides you with some kind of "severance pay" should that happen.

8. Consider the possibility of travel restrictions that could or might be imposed on you by the laws of the particular country.

9. How compatible are you with the culture and ethnicity of the host country? Can you work with "locals" as an "equal" and are you comfortable with that personally? If you have any doubts about that don't do it.

10. Have you been to the particular country before? Do you "know" anything about it and the people on a first hand basis (not textbook)? That's really the only way you can "understand" the different culture.

Those are a few things that you should think about before you decide.