Big decision time- Non Cas-"OH BUGGER".

[Dai.S.Loe]

Just sounding out here.

I dont have anyone near that I can discuss important matters with so I have turned to my mates online

After living in the UK for 25 years I came home to NZ 3 years ago with the express idea of rebuilding my life again after it had gone "belly up" in the UK.

Everything has settled down over here and I have found work, a place to lived and a new sport.

The job is dead end as there is absolutely no chance of promotion. Desktop Support for a small airline, only 5 IT staff total, each in their own field. In the UK I worked as a computer network engineer in a major ISP.

A big come down from what I was used to but at least it is a living. Just.

Earnings of about 45,000 NZ pa.

Now comes the crunch.

I have been approached and offered a 5 year contract in Japan doing the sort of work I used to in the UK, server builds and network design and configuration.

Massive salary increase. Offered US$100,000 in my hand a year with accomodation paid and free car. Very, very tempting.

Now for the problem.

I have to once again uproot myself and leave my home. This time for a much shorter period but as I am now 49 not 20 there is a big difference.

I was planning on finally settling down in my own country and building a life that I could enjoy when I finally do decide to retire.

Do I take the jump and go (its only 5 years) or do I slug it out here?

Also as far as I know there is no shooting in Japan. Have to save my CAS for the 6 weeks holiday they have offered me.


I really need a good friend that I can sit down and talk this over with. My family are no help, as they have all told me it is time to stay here in NZ. My kids are all in the UK with my wife (seperated) and I had hoped to bring them all out here to live.

I know none of you can really help as it is ultimately my decision but it does help putting things down in writing. I have some heavy thinking to do. I am meeting with the recruiter next week in a social environment (the pub). he is going to do his best to convince me to take the contract. I've already been told that a drawn out contract will be delivered to me and the NZ office of the Japanese company, by the end of next month or the beginning of Feb. I have a month to decide.

I dont expect many of you to reply to this. Just sounding off.

The "horns of a dilema" seems to sum up my situation. Going will be good for me financially, but I will probably hurt my siblings and mother. Staying in my own country would be good for me as it is great to rediscover my national identity,but finacially I will struggle.

Using a local phrase that seems to sum it all up

"OH BUGGER".

Dai.

[Birdgun Quail]

Dai, I'm a religious man, so for me, I put this kind of situation to a lot of prayer.  I'll pray for you that God opens or shuts doors for you and gives you a sense of peace at what is the right decision.

You mentioned your children.  How old are they?  Children who are still growing need to be near their father.  Where will they best be able to get to you?  Good money is great.  Good jobs are great.  But family...your children...they are no comparision to money or jobs.  Money, jobs, family...it's all a balancing act.  Keeping the things that are important in mind, you will know if you can take the job in Japan and still be the father you desire.

Dai, Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Lucky Irish Tom]

Birdgun gives sound advice.  The other thing to consider is what makes you happy.  Higher pay usually means higher stress and greater demand on your time (you don't have a personal life we didn't issue it to you).  You mention not being able to shoot except when on Holiday, how often do you shoot now and how much added stress would you have by not being able to shoot.  As you said its a personal decision.  I left a high demand job, and took a slower pace to life at the sacrifice of pay, but I don't regret the decision, I'm not sure I would still be here for family if I hadn't made the change.  CAS is my stress relief, i shoot whenever i get the chance too and would not go somewhere that would comepletely deprive me of it, its not just the sport, but the friendship and support from my shooting pals that gets me through the days.  I'm 54 and I walked away from the high stress lifestyle at 44, remember money isn't everything.  Hope this helps, and just know that your frinds will support you whatever you decide.  Have a Merry Chrismas and a Happy New Year Dai.

[Wymore Wrangler]

Are you happy with your life right now, if you are, money isn't everything except to the bill collectors.  If I read right, the job is only for five years, at 54 years of age, are you going to be able to find another job in New Zealand that pays enough to save for retirement.  The home range doesn't sound to bad to me...

[Buffalo Creek Law Dog]

One of the things to consider, is future security.  Not sure what the cost of living is in Japan, but $100,000 US plus free accomodation and car sounds good.  You could have a chance to save up a good nest egg for when you return to NZ. Age 54 isn't old anymore so you will still have quite a few years to enjoy your family and country.  Just a thought.

Merry Christmas

[Big John Denny]

Having been separated from my family by military service before, I know your problem. They do have a small SASS contengent in Japan. It was highlighted in a past issue of the Cowboy Chronical. If they're offering free housing and a free car, think what you could save up from the salary offered to make your retirement that much better when you return home.

[Blondetta]

Evening Dai,
    I hate to say it but $ like that is good.  In 5 years, you'd be able to save alot.  Like my Uncle used to say to me- get a sheet of paper- put the good things about it in one column & in the other column, put down the drawbacks.  It's helped me, with alot of my decisions over the years.  Regret is a terrible thing & I don't have any.  Life is too short to keep saying should've, would've, could've.   

[Dai.S.Loe]

Sat down with my brothers and sisters yesterday.

Left the mother out  for the time being.

We discussed this matter at length and they all reckon I should give it a shot.

My mother would say to not go. She is very happy with me being here after such a long absense and its been 6 years since dad died.

Brothers and sisters al agreed that mum would be fine. They are all reasonably close and I would still be payhing half the rental on the house for her.

Telephoning the wife and kids tonight and will be asking their opinion.

Been doing some serious introspection over the last 2 days.

Chris

[Forty Rod]

What a chance for a new adventure.

Go for it, Cuz.

I regret not taking a job in Japan with SKB to translate and write manuals into English.

Regrets ain't fun.

[Silver_Rings]

If you are doing it just for the money, then I say forget it.  As someone said how hard will it be for you to find another job in NZ in 5 years?  How important is it to you to enjoy time with your mother while she is alive and healthy?  Yes you may live another 40 years but you could also die or become crippled tommorow, god forbid.  I chose to semi-retires at 50 after looking at the people I was working with who were in their early 50's.  Many of them had health problems that prevented them from doing what they enjoyed doing.  I decide I wanted to enjoy my life while I could and worry about money later.  Its been 5 yrs now and I still glad I chose fun over money.  I still have twangs from time to time about the money I could have earned but then reason returns and I'm glad that I cohose to enjoy life instead.  Maybe for you the fun and enjoyment is in Japan, but if its just the money don't be one of those people who are in their latter years and wish they had spent more time living and loving than getting money.

Just my 2 cents,

SR