MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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I have been presented with an opportunity. Its a position working in India, nr Mumbai, full relocation of family. The package is good, accomodation included etc, so looks good on paper, but just wondering if people have good/bad experiences to help me make my mind up.
One point to note, I have a 2 yr old son, so I have to consider schools etc in the near future.
Any help or stories appreciated...
Take plenty of bog roll!
In all seriousness India has a real charm about it and working there for a time would be a great experience.
Work ethic is very strong so depending on position expect to put the hours in.
I moved to Singapore as a kid for just over a year, I've got to admit if it was going to a country with worse schools and lifestyle then I wouldnt, Mumbai isnt all that is it.
Definitely get a plane out there before making any major decisions
What would the weather be like with the wee one?
My brother in law worked out there for about 2 years, had problems with getting paid, contract stuff leave etc. Was treated quite badly. Changed him quite alot.
Alexx - Yeah, weather is a consideration...especially with the lad.
I have travelled in India, mostly up North, so am aware of what its like culturally etc, but living and working there is entirely different.
I love India. Absolutelty amazing place. But I wouldn't work there and I wouldn't move my family out there either. Not exactly sure why - maybe because it's such an extreme, full on country. Maybe thats what youre after though?!
After my last trip there, I was ready for home after 6 months, although admittedly I wasnt working then....
Boobs - treated badly by whom? The company, as in pay etc? Or by the other workers?
Mumbai suffers flash floods in wet season.
Have worked in Navi Mumbai for a few weeks so only stayed in hotels. People friendly but not sure I could live there for any great period of time (mind you I was only 26yrs old when I was there and I'm 30 & still single now so have a different lifestyle I'm guessing).
I was out there for three months, and it's an amazing experience. The way of life is different, the attitude and cultures are all very different. You need to also learn how to work with people there.
I was in a hotel for three months - and a pleasant one at that - and along with my colleagues we ended up eating at posh restaurants (Struggling to ever spend more than £13 a head) and posh shops (Hand made suit? £100 Sir...) because we could. To live on an Indian wage would be a very different experience indeed. If you continue on a Western wage though, then house keepers, cleaners and so on are ludicrously cheap.
The food is amazing (if you like Indian food), the culture is immense, and after three months I was ready to go home.
I'm glad I went, and some of the people I was working with stayed for six or even nine months, but it wasn't for me. It's the little things you miss too. A trip to Singapore (Flights about £150 return!) was an ultra-modern utopia in comparison. Green grass, raspberries (Like I said, the little things...) and tarmac everywhere.
I don't know what schools are like either BTW. Clubs are good though, and vodka's cheap. Oh, and Amrut whisky (made in Bangalore, so not subject to import taxes) is very highly regarded around the world, especially the Fusion expression. The rum's a bit weird though.
Go out there, meet people, work with people, and if you choose to go ahead with it, make sure you have the opportunity to come back quickly and cleanly if needed.