Potential Assignment in Manila - OT

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Messages 1 - 29 of total 29 in this topic
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 12, 2013 - 09:53pm PT
Take it? 1.5 year assignment or be out of work for an undetermined while due to slow downs. Don't know the details yet.

Like to get input on life in Manila
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Feb 13, 2013 - 08:21am PT
hey there say, johntp..
here is a bump for you...

will be praying for you trail,
and what to do, that is best...

bump for info, from folks, too...
do not neglect the gut feeling, if you
feel not to go... don't feel quilty, either...

:)
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 13, 2013 - 06:45pm PT
Bump for a thread by one of the ST regulars seeking advice.

John - I would ask....Do YOU WANT to go to Manila






There's your answer....

Not really, but it gets to the heart of things. Best of luck during this time.
ontheedgeandscaredtodeath

Social climber
SLO, Ca
Feb 13, 2013 - 06:57pm PT
I wouldn't give it 30 seconds of thought-- GO!!!!!11111
Reilly

Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
Feb 13, 2013 - 07:18pm PT
Nice people, great birdwatching, a little climbing, near to many awesome places.
I wouldn't think about it more than 15 seconds, unless you really can't
tear yerself away from the OC. ;-/



Oh, yeah, yer gonna














































love balot!
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 13, 2013 - 09:31pm PT
ontheedge- any more details why you would not give it a 2nd thought?

Edit: to be honest, if I were in my 30s or 40s I would jump on it, but am not too thrilled with this kind of an assignment at this point in my life. But I like having insurance and other benefits associated with beng employed.

Edit2: The office is in Alabang.
Guangzhou

Trad climber
Asia, Indonesia, East Java
Feb 13, 2013 - 10:23pm PT
As someone who's been living overseas for the last decade, I would say jump on it. No matter what you read, what people say, or what you think, every place is what you make it.

What's the job?

Most expat contracts offer housing and living expenses too. Tax free. A nice way to save some money. In many cases, you can also get extension on initial contracts.

I don't know you, your personality, or character, but I would jump on it. Even if you get there and don't like it, it's only 18 months. I bet you can tolerate anything for 18 months.

Eman
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 13, 2013 - 10:30pm PT
g-guy:

Mechanical Engineering, specific to water treatment. Asia has never been on of my favorite places. Some dig it, I don't. The food makes me sick because the bugs in my body can't handle the bugs in their food.

Cheers!
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 13, 2013 - 10:45pm PT
Aye....there's the rub.

Start asking the universe to shine the light on your path elsewhere....

How long until you need to make a decision on Manila?
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 13, 2013 - 10:48pm PT
Close of business tomorrow.
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 13, 2013 - 10:50pm PT
Holy crap they sure don't give you much time for consideration!

I'm stunned to imagine you being treated that way.

Bastards!
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 13, 2013 - 10:58pm PT
Welcome to the corporate world. There are a number of candidates, so this is not a shoe in.
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 13, 2013 - 10:59pm PT
Double bastards!!!

Very sorry you have this stressful thing happening.
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 13, 2013 - 11:11pm PT
They are not bastards. There are a number of factors at work in this scenario that I won't get into other than to say it is related to government policy and the need to return investment to stockholders.

johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 14, 2013 - 12:21am PT
Bump for specifics on living as an expat American in Manila
climbski2

Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
Feb 14, 2013 - 12:28am PT
In the current environment at your age do you have a solid fallback if unemployed ? Are you financially ready to retire?

Sucks but is unfortunately a serious question.

If life is good where you are then life is good anywhere you go.

opposite theorem to the grass is always greener on the other side.

If not your kinda f*#ked no matter what ya do lol...
ontheedgeandscaredtodeath

Social climber
SLO, Ca
Feb 14, 2013 - 02:07am PT
Firstly, my reasoning is that you do not want a year and half hole in your resume, especially if you are in your 50s (I don't know how old you are but that's what it sounds like from your post upthread) and need to keep working. Asia is going nuts and your experience there would likely lead to more opportunities. I totally hear you on the Asia thing- I feel the same way. I hate heat and bugs and my butt opens the floodgates upon contact with the food. I got interviewed for a job in SE Asia that I would have taken if I got the offer, but still was sort of bummed about actually having to live there.

Secondly, and notwithstanding what I just said, living in a foreign country is really cool. I lived abroad as a kid and am thinking about doing the same thing with my kids within the next 6 months to a year.

Good luck!
Don Paul

Big Wall climber
Colombia, South America
Feb 14, 2013 - 08:47am PT
Year and a half assignment then .... you're in Manila looking for the next job?
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 14, 2013 - 04:30pm PT
For crying out loud....Did you even look at the date of that, or do you just like making people worry?

Guangzhou

Trad climber
Asia, Indonesia, East Java
Feb 14, 2013 - 11:17pm PT
I remember when I mentioned to People I was moving to China. All I heard was about how the government would control every aspect of my life. I felt my free in China than America.

When I relocated to Indonesia, my mother complained about me moving even further, and lots of people reminded me about all those Muslim Terrorist. Especially the "secret A.Q." training camps.

People see what they want. You can live in Southern California and see all the road rage and gangs, or you can focus on your trips to J-tree and Suicide and bouldering at Stoney Point.

Food, some people take longer to adjust than others. I haven't met any that never adjust.

Eman
mountainlion

Trad climber
California
Feb 15, 2013 - 03:58am PT
I have a friend who coincidentally is in the water treatment field in Manila. He travels to Cantabaco to climb a few times a month. Manila is a dangerous place as are most of the Philippines. There are relatively few pictures that will detail the poverty you will see EVERYWHERE. The climate is hot and humid (which I like), the poverty and lack of basics like trash service...for example I dislike. It is a great adventure for me since I love the outdoors and nature and I like ADVENTURE. I have made an effort to find food I like...and have eaten more coconut, pineapple, guava, guyabano, and jackfruit than I ever dreamed. The local food here I don't like as a general rule but that's probably because they cook it when they want to and it sits in plastic bags until someone buys it- so the presentation of the food isn't pretty. I have found lots of veggies I like with the appropriate amount of hot sauce, ginger, garlic, onions. I would say come if you can climb...but that is just me and my friends know I'm CRAZY!
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 15, 2013 - 09:50am PT
Thanks for the replies. I'm stalling right now while I assess the pros and cons and look for alternatives with other companies. A 1.5 year overseas assignment has a lot of ramifications.
martygarrison

Trad climber
Washington DC
Feb 15, 2013 - 10:00am PT
Great city to live in for a couple of years. All kinds of stuff to see and do, and you are setup for exploring all of SE Asia. Go
Gal

Trad climber
a semi lucid consciousness
Feb 15, 2013 - 10:04am PT
I would be thrilled and feel so lucky to get an opportunity like that... that is just my opinion... I hope you go because it sounds fantastic.
hossjulia

Trad climber
Where the Hoback and the mighty Snake River meet
Feb 15, 2013 - 10:12am PT
I'd go in a heart beat and worry about all that other sh#t as it happens. Better on your resume than a big hole. I'm dealing with that now, and I'm screwed. Not old enough to retire, "too old to train" (bs), got fired from last 2 jobs for not putting up with sh#t, now I clean fancy houses. Meh, GO!
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 15, 2013 - 10:05pm PT
Julia-

Thanks for your post. Just working through the details. On one hand I want to jump on this assignment, on the other it poses some risk. I am the "go to" guy in my office when it comes to water treatment. If I take the assignment and something comes up while I'm gone they will need to bring in someone else.

It is just a really complicated situation with no surety in either direction.

One thing is for sure:



































Wait for it...





















































I'm NOT gonna die!














Well, at least not right now..

That and I really don't enjoy being in Asia.
Park Rat

Social climber
CA, UT,CT,FL
Feb 16, 2013 - 09:16am PT
Hi John,

I missed your thread, as I'm having a lot on my plate right now.

As to whether you should go to Manila for 18 months, my first reaction is that it's probably not a good idea in terms of location. Especially if you have problems with Eastern foods.

Back in the 80s my husband insisted we go to Hong Kong for a long trip. I went kicking and screaming as I was sure I would not enjoy it. Turned out the reverse was true, I loved everything about it, the food, the people. I was shocked at how clean the place was, I had always heard the opposite.

I now realize that Hong Kong is a very sophisticated place and if you can afford a nice hotel your experience will be very pleasant.


I've never had the same feeling about the Philippines. If you're there is a VIP getting the best of everything that's one situation, but if you are not so lucky, I would not expect that you would enjoy an extended stay.

Whatever your decision, I personally wish you the very best for you. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I would think it would be tons of opportunities for people in your field in China as well. We know the Chinese can afford paying for good engineering advice. My husband made a number of trips over there in the late 70s early 80s. Helping them with water treatment plants, when people were still wearing Mao suits.
johntp

Trad climber
socal
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 16, 2013 - 08:52pm PT
Thanks rat.
happiegrrrl

Trad climber
www.climbaddictdesigns.com
Feb 19, 2013 - 03:55pm PT
Any updates John? Maybe no change due to the holiday weekend - but hope this week brings you some unexpected good news and solidity for your situation!
Messages 1 - 29 of total 29 in this topic
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