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Originally Posted by Spiffav8
Yeah it would be a big move and a new company. I would be a contract 737-900 pilot working for Shenzhen Airlines. The pay is about three times what I make now and that's the drive behind CONSIDERING the offer. Laurie is all ready to leave tomorrow...lol. There is also the possibility of moving to Japan and flying 747-400s after I finish up the three years in China.
Call me spoiled but I like living in the U.S. and I'm not to fond of Chinese food. Sushi wold be ok though. We'll see what happens. I'm not really excited about it just exploring the idea at the moment.

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Curtis:
Some things to check into other than the storage of your Camaro:
1. Make sure your home owners insurance will stay intact while you are gone. Many policies DO NOT COVER YOUR HOUSE AND VALUABLES when your house is unoccupied for any extend length of time.
You might look into having a very trusted friend live here for cheap to look after the house and pick up your mail and make sure your BILLS get sent to you and/or paid. You don't want everything shut off and your credit ruined when you come back.
2. Go talk to a good TAX ACCOUNTANT for TAX PLANNING. While being overseas for any length of time, you will become, "ex-patriot", in your TAX STATUS. Last time I checked you would probably be allowed $75,000 Tax Free before paying any income Tax. You need to get VERY GOOD TAX ADVICE. Proper planning while your gone, and prudent spending during that time, might have you set up for life financially in a fairly short amount of time. You'll possibly have the opportunity of a lifetime, "Knocking on your Door", if you plan ahead and work the plan.
3. Be prepared to be very homesick for the first couple of months. Embrace the culture, make friends, learn your way around and make sure your wife has things to do that are fun for her. Remember, "Happy wife, Happy Life".
Try to learn some of the language and practice with your wife. While you are working, English is the Language of Flying as you obviously know, she however may not have many English speakers around her. There should be American Clubs of several types you can go to. The local American Embassy can help you with that if you haven't found anything before you leave.
Find the American Embassy, and sign in so they know you are there. In the event of, "All Hell Breaking Loose", given you will be in a Communist Country, it never hurts to know where it is and let them know your there. They are really good at getting Americans out in the event of problems.
I hope you will give this Job a shot personally. It will be life changing for you and your wife, and kids if you have them. If you do there are probably really good American Schools for them where they will be taught the language and culture of China. This is something that could be a "Leg Up" for them in their life as an adult especially if they learn the language.
You and your wife will change as people. Once you emerge yourself in another culture, your learning curve and perspective of the world will change dramatically. I was fortunate to be able to do business overseas for a number of years and have done business in or traveled to 58 countries. (So far);-), and I wouldn't give anything in the world for it.
At first it is a Challenge, however if you relax and melt into it, you will have a wonderful time and grow more than you can imagine as a person. I promise this is true. You should be able to write us while your gone (Something I wasn't able to do, internet was very young) so that aspect of your life will make things much easier for you.
The Orient is a wonderful place to explore. Many of the different cultures in the area are rich in traditions and heritage. Whether you like the food or not when you get there, you will find things you like, and once back in the States you will find yourself sad you can't go to the local market or restaurant and get it. (I know this sound strange but it is very true)
When and if you decide to retire or change occupations, you will have contacts and the possibilities to be involve with potentially great business opportunities. I know this sounds like something out of a fortune cookie, but China is going through it's, "Industrial Revolution", and there are many jobs that you could make a hell of a lot of money doing as a pilot, and most of them are even legal.
Just don't wander off your initial plan set before you leave. It will ALWAYS Guarantee you a decent retirement no matter what. It will give you some personal comfort to know your financial future is set no matter what happens, so don't touch it.
Anyway, if you are interested, feel free to contact me anytime. I have really enjoyed my experiences, and whole heartedly encourage you to give this a shot for at least 3 years. Looking back on your life, you don't want to look back with the thoughts of should of, could of, would of, you will regret not taking adventage of this opportunity.
Opportunity IS Knocking! Just answer the door and go.
I've probably bored the hell out of everyone on this forum by now, so I'll sign off.
Good Luck. (and Have Fun!)
Sincerely,
Ty O'Neal
P.S. Please remember to REALLY explain this email to your wife as far as being home sick or lonely at first. If she has not traveled much before, staying for an extended time away from what you are used to can make you very depressed and lonely. (I'm really serious about this) Believe me after six months or so, IF YOU WORK AT IT, you will start to settle in nicely to your new home.