Big decision Som.
I had a similar decision to make and thought long and hard about it. You are a clever lad so you have probably considered these simple things already but this might help you.
Finances:
Is the move going to make you better off? From a living expenses point of view my move made me have no living expenses, car expenses etc etc so immediately I was up financially.
Where will you be employed, are there tax implications and is the exchange rate stable? I remain employed out of Ireland meaning I get paid in Euro in to my Irish bank account and pay Irish tax. The dollar has been all over the place since I moved here but luckily it has performed poorly against the euro meaning my money is worth on average 30 - 40% more here. If the dollar picked up significantly tomorrow my money would not be worth so much, its a gamble.
Standard of living:
Will your standard of living be equal to, less than or greater than what you have now? If it will be less than dont make the move as you will resent your job every day you are there. If it will be equal is it worth doing? if it will be greater (have a swimming pool, more money, cost of living is cheaper, lots to go and see and do etc etc ) it will be easier to stay there.
Relationship:
Could your girlfriend work there? Mine is happy to soak up the sun and hang out here as her visa does not permit her to work but she has significant money in the bank so its not an issue. If she didnt and had to work it would be an issue. Just make sure it is something that wouldnt hold her back in any way as that could cause resentment.
Commitment:
Can you commit to a defined period of time? I decided to commit to 6 months. I said I would give it at least 6 months before I left, even if I hated it. Nearly 2 years and 6 months have passed and I am still happy.
Travel Home:
Will they provide it for you and how often? It makes things a lot easier knowing that I can go home to visit whenever I want, it makes home feel less far away.
Opportunity:
Are you ever likely to get this opportunity again? This was the clincher for me. Not many times in your life do significant opportunities present themselves, when they do you should take them. If it all goes wrong it was an experience, if it all goes right it was a great experience.
Return Home:
Will you have trouble finding work if you hate it and have to come home? If yes... maybe its a risk... if not then there is very little risk.
Test Run:
Would it be possible to fly out there and have a look before you move there permanently? I went to Florida for 2 months and had a look around and made sure it was somewhere I wanted to be before my girlfriend came over. It let me find somewhere nice to live and get everything settled before she arrived.
As for India dude.. I have no idea but I suppose the questions I raised above would be relevant regardless of where you were going.
Thats some sound advice dylan!, I need that kind of input as I know you have moved away and you seem to be enjoying yourself!
Basicially, they have asked me to send them criteria as to what I want and they will try to match it.
I've have enquired about a test run, and they invited me over for the summer, as in june-sept to see can I get my groundings there.
I really am at the point in life where if I don't go for something like this, I know i'll be sat here in Belfast in years to come thinking about what could have been.......
I've been told that as long as my rent comes in at under £1000 pcm that it will be all paid for regardless of location and that I will have private transprt to and from work each day.
My girlfriend has a PhD in political studies and has already stressed that she wont have trouble finding a job, and in the event of not finding one, she has the savings to back her....and i've got a few quid too....
It really does sound good in writing, but its things like the language barrier etc that get me, and sad as it may seem, if I leave here, will I have the comforts I'm used too?
It's a hard choice really, but i need to make it soon and I appreciate your inputs
Som.
