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Eight
reasons not to apply
It's perfectly
normal to feel a degree of uncertainty about making any big change in your life.
That includes the possibility of moving overseas to work in Bermuda or the
Caribbean.
And for every
candidate who has the courage to try something new, there are undoubtedly many
others who will be content to let life pass them by.
But it’s also
true that the excuses you make to yourself are often not “real”. They are simply
a way to rationalise a fear of change.
We’ve compiled
a list of the eight most commonly mentioned fears below:
#1:
It's not the right time in my life or career to make such a move.
Take it from us
that the best time is any time once you are qualified.
The lifestyle
and financial benefits are superb, no matter what stage you are at in your
career. For newly or recently qualifieds, it’s ideal timing.
Similarly, more
experienced candidates should know that many accountants will opt to leave
"higher level" jobs back home to take up “entry-level” positions in financial
services offshore. In the right situation it makes perfect
sense to take half a step back in order to take a full step forward. Such
applicants
realise that the opportunity to gain access to this dynamic business sector will
open up many more doors than it will close, and that “star” employees the world
over will always be rewarded accordingly.
Besides, most
people relocating to live and work on the Islands these days don't do it just
for the money and career experience… when you live and work here, as soon as you
step out the office door, you're on vacation in the Caribbean!
#2: My
home office has promised me a promotion.
Look around you
at the managers in your office. Be honest: Do they really have such great lives?
You don’t have to live your life as they do.
And even if
this promotion does materialise, the tax man will be very grateful to help himself to a big chunk of
anything you may hope to squeeze out of your present employer.
You're lucky - you have a choice.
#3: It
might harm my career in the long term.
This is a
"line to take" which is sometimes adopted by firms onshore to convince you to stay where you are.
There is no evidence whatsoever that a few years spent offshore will harm your
career in any way.
In fact, your career will benefit in the long term from the
international reporting experience, financial services exposure, professional
contacts, personal development and the additional leverage that a higher,
tax-free salary will give you in future contract negotiations.
With added
experience of US GAAP under your belts, the Islands can also be a useful route
to eventually moving to the States (your financial services skills would be in
great demand in New York, for instance).
Harsh though it
may sound, always remember that
your employer has a vested interest in keeping you exactly where you are!
#4: I'm
worried that I’d be homesick.
The unexpected
thing about living away abroad is that most people actually end up spending
more quality time with their family and friends, not less. How can this be?
It’s simple: As
soon as your friends and family know that you are moving to the Caribbean or
Bermuda, you can bet they'll be trying to figure out how soon they can come and
stay with you. And when they do visit (or you go home), you'll be spending a
week or two together. That probably rarely happens even now.
Aside from
this, it’s so easy to stay in touch nowadays with the Internet, webcams, email,
instant messenger services and cheap international telephone calls. Keeping in touch with loved ones
has never been so straightforward.
#5: The
idea is attractive but I wouldn’t know where to start with everything.
In reality, it
couldn’t be easier.
We work closely
with you to identify the role that best suits you and meets your competitive
salary expectations. We also ensure you are fully briefed on the company and the
Island before you have any interview.
Once you have
found the right job, you have the comfort of knowing that you’ll be going to
work for a blue-chip employer with a guaranteed package which includes a
tax-free income, free flights, paid vacation and medical/insurance benefits.
On arrival,
your new employer will welcome you at the airport. They’ll sort out your work
permit and arrange free accommodation for your first few weeks, giving you time
to get settled. They may throw in use of a free car (or scooter in Bermuda) for
the first few weeks too.
They will also
point you in the right direction when it comes to opening a local bank account,
registering with a local doctor and finding somewhere to rent (perhaps by the
beach, often sharing with other expat accountants). Remember that these overseas
offices are staffed primarily by expats so they can relate to what you're going
through and can advise you from personal experience.
Short of having your bags packed
for you, that's all there is to it.
#6: I
have a property at home.
So do quite a
number of people who live and work on the Islands. In due course, many
accountants will decide to invest some of their tax-free remuneration in residential property and arrange for it to be let out whilst they are away. It’s not
difficult, especially if you use a real estate agent to handle it all for you.
#7: I
wouldn't like the heat.
To be honest,
this is rarely a complaint!
That said, if
it does get hot out at the height of summer, you will normally be near a pool or
the sea should you need a quick refreshing dip.
And, as
you’d expect, every modern apartment, office and car is properly air-conditioned.
#8:
This all sounds too good to be true.
It’s all true:
That’s why most people will choose to stay longer than the initial contract
period. Now’s the time to find out for yourself...
it's a simple click away.
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Apply for our free service and
we'll contact you in confidence to arrange an informal, no-commitment talk. We'll
be pleased to guide you every step of the way to a great new life and career abroad.
Simply ask for our help and we'll do the rest!
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