[sfguy]

Hey everyone: I'm currently exploring an opportunity to transfer within my company from San Franicsco to Hong Kong. I'm trying to evaluate whether it's something I should seriously explore on a number of levels: career, quality of living, financial cost/benefit, etc. Any information would be helpful.

My key questions involve:
1. Career: what's the real career advantage in going to HK over staying in SF or transfering to another market, such as Europe or Australia?

2. Salary: what is required to be able to be live comfortably in HK and be able to save whilst there. As a reference, current base pay in SF is $70-80K US.

3. Quality of living:
- What would it cost of for "nice", comfortable apartment-- meaning relatively quiet, good views, good water pressure, clean, secure, neighbors in similar socio-economic level, etc.
- What area is best to live in? (I'm noticing mid-levels and Happy Valley are popular.
- Is it easy to meet new expat friends for social and career networking

THANKS!!!!

[KnowItAll]

>> current base pay in SF is $70-80K US.

It would depend on the market you're in. If you're a longshoreman I'd suspect your opportunities would be ... err .. negligible.

[whiskey1082]

1.) Well....eerrr...depends on what kind of career path or industry are you in. But definitely if you somewhat in mid management/senior oficer, sen. mngt. or a professional...I guess maintaining your career competency won't be a problem here in HK

2.) hhhmmm...your question here sounds too vague man. There are other dimension of you here to assess about like...you lifestyles? your status? how many children if married?

ok ok...just to giveo you an idea.....lets say your single and you want to have a "SO COmFORTABLE LIFESTYLE" and "BE ABLE TO SAVE ALOT"...lets say HK$38k-50k will do....or at least HK$50+ if married. Take note that the suggested wage here will give you the best comfortable lifestyle (living expenses, nightlife) while being able to save substantially. Of course this is why its still depends on your lifestyle and wants since having a salary lower than suggested above will still able to give you a happy living here in HK.

3.) Another vague one dude. HK Real estate has different kinds of products that caters to different kinds of market segments. Let's say Discovery Bay or Gold Coast for those family oriented who wants to live far from the city but still wants to be attached to the community. Stanley or Repulse Bay for those family oriented or single ones who just wants to live right across town but the environment of an rural suburbs. Mid-Levels or Happy Valley for those who want to live right IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY. And the list goes on............ and of course it also depends on you salaray range too.


well...hope this still helps SFGUY and good luck in your prospects........CHEERS!!!!

[sfguy]

I didn't think that my inquiry was so vague, but I can easily clarify...

1.) Q: "Depends on what kind of career path or industry are you in"
A: Mid-to-senior level managment in creative services (i.e. advertising/marketing/PR/design). It appears that he role would be a jump in responsibility and would require regular travel to other markets in Asia. The clients and projects would be fairly big and recognizable, but probably not the caliber of those I get out of SF. To be honest, I did not have a strong desire to relocate to HK prior to this opportunity being presented, but I am intrigued and willing to seize the opportunity if it looks good on a number of levels (good career advancement, smart financial decision (i.e. not taking a step back), and not too alienating). I'm a firm believer in fate and being open to new possibilities as opportunity presents itself. I'm also a believer in looking out for what's best and gathering information to make an informed decision....

2.) "There are other dimension of you here to assess about like...you lifestyles? your status? how many children if married?"
A: I like to go out to stylish high-end places (i.e. Felix, Antidote look cool in the guides...) as well as less expensive hip/trendy places for drinks and dinners with friends, go to the cinema, do theatre occasionally, travel internationally about twice a year, etc.
A: Single. No kids. Around 30 y.o.

(I'm assuming the HK$38k-50k figure was monthly, correct?)

3.) "And the list goes on...and of course it also depends on you salaray range too."
A: This question is thus related to number 2-- assuming that 38-50K is the range, which areas could I afford? Are there certain areas that are notorious for having better facilities than others? Cheaper areas? Hip/trendy places? That's what I was going after... I have always lived in the better areas of major cities like London (Highgate, St. Jame's Park) and SF (Pacific Heights, Castro). I would want something that I can come home to and feel like it's comfortable, safe, healthy, and stylish.

Am I still being terribly vague? I gave it a go anyway...

Thanks for your further help in advance.

[KnowItAll]

Got the right person in mind who should be able to help you with your questions.

// sending an email or two out.

===

>> creative services (i.e. advertising/marketing/PR/design).

What I gather from two or three good friends in this business, the market is fairly exploitable. The HKers lack creativity and the Singaporeans lack humility ... people tend to do what they do day in and day out and have few 'lateral thinking moments'. At the lower levels, you do need to micro-manage (like many businesses here) and give precise marching orders...

Will it be a good decision? Depends, if you're moving back to the US, Asia Pac experience (specially on the west coast) is pretty important. If you're staying... well, you're the master of your own destiny. Bet you knew that ...

>> stylish high-end places (Felix ...

Budget about US$100 - 200 / person per night out at any of the six star type establishments here in HK. Even more if you're into the 'I only drink fine vintages and need my beluga every night'. The high end in Hong Kong is actually more expensive than most places in the US including San Francisco and perhaps on par with Manhatten, Tokyo etc.

The middle end of the spectrum is reasonable. There is an amazing variety here in Hong Kong in the US$25-50 range in terms of international cuisine, quality of service and variety.

The lower end is even better, if you get into the spirit of things, accept that you're not living in the US and have an open mind.

>> certain areas that are notorious for having better facilities than others

Yes, there are. And they're also notorious for being expensive. An average apartment in HK is about 6-700 sq ft and will cost anything from $10K - $20K depending on the location. The top end is .... well, astronomical.

>> current base pay in SF is $70-80K US

Not sure about advertising, this sort of salary would be normal in HK for a senior sales person in IT with about US$800K-1M quota.

[GraemeK]

OK. Well as a recently arrived mid 30s gay male expat in Advertising, I can see why I was considered relevant to answer your questions:

- Sounds like your role will have some travel around the region. This is good if you like planes and hotels and being away from your new found buddies in HK. Best to check how regularly and how far away they expect you to go.

- This is a great region to explore and is certainly going to develop in the Marketing sector, notably in Mainland China. So being involved with a success story here won't hurt your career. The European advertising marketplace is still in recession. If this is a regional role it could be a great opportunity. If it is an HK agency, well the size of this market is declining in favour of the Mainland, but still not worth giving up on !

- The key brands may be unfamiliar to you. But then have you worked on international clients which are non US based before ? If you have a great campaign, win an award and get paid for it, does it matter if it isn't a US brand ? I would find it insulting to say that Asian clients are insignificant.

- Cost of living. There are people bringing up entire families on US$10,000 a year, so there are places to spend your money in all ranges. If you try to replicate your life in SF, then it will cost you, and personally i think you'd be a fool to try and do so. HK is a different city with a different way of life. I know that's a cliche, but I try to have weekends and evenings doing things which are more 'local' than 'expat'. There is no point in going abroad if you don't accept some change.

- Salary range. Well see what your employer is offering. Send me a private message if you want and include your job title and i'll check the statistics. Remember that income tax locally is 13-15%, but I know very little about what you still have to pay to the US while you are here.

- Where to live. There are decent websites giving the inventory of available apartments - try http://www.gohome.com.hk/english/home.asp? for a while. I'd recommend searching for places on HK Island, around 1,000 sq ft. Expect to pay more for view. But if you are at work all day and out all night - you could live in a small place with no view and who cares ?

- There are a number of agencies in the Quarry Bay area. You can find your prospective employer online and match their address to the most convenient residential district. Don't expect to drive to work ! So checking out MTR lines and bus routes helps. Unless you can afford a taxi every day or like walking in the summer humidity.

Either way, the overall factor is this: How often does an offer like this come along ?

Drop me a message if you have any q's.
Graeme