Contracting in India (or Asia in general)

[ForBajor]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience of switching from UK contract work to abroad, such as India, the US, or HK? My partner and I are thinking about moving provided we can both find work.

I'm a PM with a decade of experience and 14 years in I.T overall, and interest in my services in the south west of England and the city is generally high. I guess I'm looking for an economy capable of providing the same level of opportunity, so would target cities accordingly. I don't speak another language (yet), and my partner teaches English as a foreign language, so we're thinking about it. If she can get work that could help see us through. We'd rent out our current house, as demand here is very high.

There are a lot of unknowns but I'm guessing the general approach would be a) move, b) wait it out until you get a job. Having the savings for b) is the first step, but unless you're in an area where jobs are going to come up it's not going to work!

A slightly vague question I know ...

Cheers!

[TykeMerc]

I'd assume that investigating work visa requirements would be a priority, along with cost of living, ease of travel, tax regime and cultural fit or flexibility.

You would be best off investigating the ex-pat community in your preferred destination, they will know what you need.

[rich2476]

I contracted in Sydney and Melbourne for almost 10 yrs ... If you want anymore info let me know

[jamesbrown]

I'd assume that investigating work visa requirements would be a priority, along with cost of living, ease of travel, tax regime and cultural fit or flexibility.

You would be best off investigating the ex-pat community in your preferred destination, they will know what you need.

Yep. Along those lines, this is a good forum:

British Expat Discussion Forum

[sal]

Does anyone have experience of switching from UK contract work to abroad, such as India, the US, or HK?
...snip...
A slightly vague question I know ...

Vague is putting it mildly. Many people around here had moved abroad both short and long term. But you do realize that there is a world of difference between India, US and HK right? The only common thing is probably they are all English speaking. Then looking at the title of your post it says "Contracting in India (or Asia in general)" Again how can you put an entire continent in the same basket...

Like others already suggested go to the expat forums and foreign job boards, you will get better and more concrete advice there.

[TheFaQQer]

Does anyone have experience of switching from UK contract work to abroad, such as India, the US, or HK?

Not going to happen in the US, unless you already have a right to work there.

[GazCol]

Not going to happen in the US, unless you already have a right to work there.

Even if you had the right to work there, I believe you need US employment history before you can be engaged on a 1099.

[Fred Bloggs]

It depends. For example, if you worked in the oil and gas industry there's stacks of opportunities to work in the more exotic locations. I don't know about IT I'm afraid.

[FatLazyContractor]

From experience, if you are considering India/HK as a serious option, then cultural fit is the most important factor.

I have friends (British Indians) who "experimented" living in India and hardly lasted 2 months....