Looking for a change, possibly abroad

[E30 sam]

Hi, I'm currently working as a construction manager for a large global construction firm but feel there is more to life and working abroad seems to have a lot of positives.

I'm 28, a qualified joiner and have a degree in construction management, fast forward nearly 2 years and I'm commuting 170 miles a day working 70-80 hours a week and not really getting much out of it. I recently asked for a pay rise but got told that out of sequence pay rises don't happen which is a bit of joke as I joined this project on a promise.

So feeling a little unappreciated I've started thinking there is more to life than this, ideally I'd love to go to the states but due to how difficult it is to get a visa I'm thinking the UAE or Australia. I'd say I'm pretty good at what I do but I've got a Mrs and a house that I'm part way through refurbishing.

The Mrs is more than willing to move abroad it's just finding the ideal location where she will be happy and preferably be able to work, she is a hair dresser.

Any advice would be great.

Cheers

[spooderman]

I'm an engineer working for an international construction contractors, and freelance CM's are earning between 300-500 per day (depending on how much they suck on the bosses titty).

Why are you not working for yourself?

[rog007]

Another why aren't you working for yourself?

Being a bit hacked off might not be the best catalyst for what for many is a massive upheaval, physically and emotionally. If it's always been a plan and for good reason, then good luck!

[E30 sam]

spooderman said:

I'm an engineer working for an international construction contractors, and freelance CM's are earning between 300-500 per day (depending on how much they suck on the bosses titty).

Why are you not working for yourself?

Quite a few people have asked me why not and I guess the only reason is the uncertainty with it as I don't fancy being out of work.

[SLCZ3]

To get a visa for the UAE or similar, you need to get a job with a company who have contracts/projects there. Get onto the job sites and stick your cv on there, some jobs will be married status, some will be single status, some you will be able to get the wife over for holidays.

If you live on a camp or accommodation is provided, then the money earned is all yours, Single and married status will be on a rotation of x time on the job and y time on leave, this can vary from 16 weeks work and 2 weeks leave for somewhere like Saudi, or if married status maybe 6 months and I month off or 1 year and 1 month off.

Be aware Saudi is not user friendly for the women; not allowed to drive, advised to wear clothing to cover 90% of the body etc, many people who go overseas fall into the trap of living the high life there and saving sweet FA, or going on the booze, and spending it all.
Do your research before signing the contract and being surprised by the local culture.
Buying stuff in the Gulf countries is no longer significantly cheaper than UK/Europe particularly electronic gear.