How should I
budget for the transition and move Overseas?
How much money should
I take with me?
Plan for enough to get you set up, deal with any
possible major problems, and even enough to get yourself
back home and set up there - just in case. Figure out
how much that will cost you - and set that money aside.
Don't spend it. It is your safety net.
Plan Conservatively
I
am a financial conservative, so I will suggest that you
plan for the very worst scenario - then you won't have
to worry at all. I know that people sometimes head
overseas with only a couple hundred bucks and somehow do
just fine. And, in fact, most people really do just
fine. Only a small minority have any real trouble, and
even then people who are willing to tough it out -
usually survive.
Plan Optimistically
You
are not probably going to get paid until the first day
of the month after the first complete month you work.
Sometimes sooner, but that is most common. Plan on
needing to buy basic foods and maybe a towel, soap,
toilet paper and other basic necessities. A good guide
would be to take with you - at least what you
will earn the first month on the job. If you can, take
two months.
Plan your Return
Make sure to set aside, or save as soon as you can, the
funds you would need to completely set yourself up at
home - should you find you hate working overseas.
Check this page:
How do I budget the transition back home?
