[bostonmike]

I am currently in Boston, MA USA and close to accepting a job in Hong Kong working for a major recruitment company. I have been viewing all the experiences of others doing the same kind of move. Although the initial money is lower than my current salary, I am looking to gain some international exposure and working in the finance and technology industries of Boston and New York, I am interested to see how the HK market is treating the current economic market.

Is there anyone who could please give some advice as to relocating to Hong Kong, good or bad....US foreigners welcome, the job market strong or weak, and the overall experience of living and working in an emerging market such as HK...

Any advice would be enormously appreciated....

Thanks in advance.

[goleoboy]

Hey there, we moved from the U.S. to HK last summer - lived in NYC. I think it would be a great idea for you to gain a few year's experience overseas in Asia - it's definitely a great time to be here in terms of market potential. Although what you'll be making may be less than the US, it might be only initially as you drum up more business here - they might be upping your pay based on performance. Money aside, i think HK might be a good place to start - a true mix of east + west - you can more than get by here knowing just english, since the city is pretty much bilingual. The thing you'll miss might be some of the food from the states (hard to find diner type stuff here), but then again, you can pretty much find everything you need here - and what's a couple of years giving up a decent tunamelt when you can experience new and exotic delicacies from an entirely new culture! oh btw, i would say HK is "close" to the emerging markets (eg. China / southeast asia) but I won't consider HK as an emerging market itself.. hell the cost of living can be as high as New York here...

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by bostonmike

an emerging market such as HK...

Eh? I think you'll find Hong Kong "emerged" some time ago.

[Skyhook]

Originally Posted by bostonmike

Is there anyone who could please give some advice as to relocating to Hong Kong, good or bad....US foreigners welcome, the job market strong or weak, and the overall experience of living and working in an emerging market such as HK...

.

You are only as welcome as your foreign policy dictates.

I think PDLM will agree a bit here, but depending on your views on GW, the Middle East, China foreign policy etc, you're going to find the HK locals wont really take much interest in these topics, you're money is as good as anybody elses.

Interacting with the expat population, now that, will be, an entirely different kettle of fish.

You are likely to experience mixed reactions/reception, depending on what country the people you meet belong to, and by what you say. Common sense will prevail obviously, because being pro American outside of the safety of your nation, while in somebody elses city, especially a previously British colony, is definitely going to bother somebody in a crowded room. Law of averages applies, and with a bit of alcohol flowing at a bar etc, its not illogical to work out what can happen.

Saying god bless America or USA No1 ! in some British pubs for example, isn't really any different to saying UP YOURS ! at the top of your lungs. ha ha ha

It is a bit of a bar sport here in Hk to wind the American up with baited topics, ruffle a few feathers so to speak, and depending on their reaction, it will determine if they are accepted or not.


As I said, the Chinese locals arent going to take much notice of what you say, you're just another expat, but its the expats out there who are going to have differing views to yours, and we all have to be mindful of that.

[goleoboy]

don't let what skyhook say scared you off. i don't think everyone from america has a "god bless america/usa#1" attitude. this guy is from boston, MA, one of the more liberal cities in the states. he doesn't sound like he's coming over here to wave the stars and stripes. HK and Asia will open your eyes and will definitely give you a more balanced world view. With people / expats from all over the world (i find more europeans and australians/newzealanders here than americans actually) it's a great way to make friends from everywhere. Good luck!

[goleoboy]

btw, one thing is correct, the expat bars do get quite rowdy... it seems there's a lot of pent up aggression out there among the expat community - and the bars are places where they can let go and get wasted... and many people do get super wasted almost every weekend... think bourbon st. but with IBers / corp professionals (ie. older crowd) vs. college frat guys/gals.

[Skyhook]

Golly you always take the sensitive stance lol I wasn't trying to scare the original poster, was just offering some known advice.

I am Australian born and also a New Zealand citizen, based on fathers nationality. The British give us a bit of a hard time sometimes, but usually its in a jesting kind of way, because there is enough respect given, because we share the same monarchial figure head, and retain the Union Jack on our flags. We are members of the Commonwealth.

I can think of occasions when we have beaten the British in international sport, which always generates a bit of a debate. Not always good either

We have a number of American friends from Florida, California and Hawaii, and we get along famously, even having debates about GWB, and its amazing how similar our thoughts are about said topics. these guys who are ex USAF jet fighter pilots, contract pilots now, and even they don't sit well with the direction Washington has gone, regarding its foreign policies over the last 8 years..

Anyway its all good.

[Alby]

I was born and raised a Bostonian - Beantowner whatever you want to call it .... from the North Shore! - Bostonmike will know what I am talking about.

Skyhook & Goleoboy offers a very really perspective.

Take the position the money maybe low but the experience both professional and personnel you cannot get elsewhere. So many people want to be here to experience Asia but not all can.

"HK and Asia will open your eyes and will definitely give you a more balanced world view."

Relocating is also up to what your expectations are ... the company is giving you a budget to move with ... most likely you just come with your suitcase and buy the furniture from you alloted budget when you arrive ... apartment here are smaller and USA size furniture doesn't really fit in the lifts to make up to your apartment -- that is if the building has a lift.

Welcome to HONG KONG!

[bostonmike]

Thanks to all for replying to my post. As for Skyhook, I didn't mean to get involved in an overseas political debate about the US' current stance on foreign policy, especially not with GW still sitting lame duck until November. I live in Boston, very very liberal stances on every political matter and the northeast does carry the Blue States (Democratic) with the exception of New Hampshire (the Texas of the Northeast)

The "Saying god bless America or USA No1" is not something that the educated population partake in. In fact, it is quite different and it is extremely unfortunate that those views resound throughout the rest of the world. However, I do thank you for giving an honest opinion, however biased or unbiased it may be and welcome a good ol' game of taunt the American because you'll find my views are very similar to the rest of the world. Hence, the interest in uprooting my life for a better opportunity in a different country and exploring the world.

I was just interested in the workforce. I am in a pretty aggressive business and I was wondering how competitive the financial markets in HK were. Is it similar to NY, tougher or easier (with the obvious exceptions of the communication and/or cultural differences).

Thanks again for the interest. I appreciate all feedback...and out of curiosity Alby, how long have you been in HK, and where North Shore did you grow up? I thought they never leave Medford or Malden or Winchester...

thanks again

[Alby]

Originally Posted by bostonmike

Alby, how long have you been in HK, and where North Shore did you grow up? I thought they never leave Medford or Malden or Winchester...

Despite my lack of good English - I did grow up in a native English speaker - need to reread my posts before typing.

I was in Nahant until 13 then moved inland to North Reading where the family still resides.

Will be back in the USA next week for about a month for work with weekends to be spent in North Reading. I have been here for just about 8 years.