Wednesday, September 05, 2007
GenXpat: Are you one of Us?
I came across this book while shopping for my niece's storybook. The title just struck me: GenXpat: the Young Professional's Guide to Make a Successful Life Abroad. It was almost like the book was talking to me, as I was spending my last night in the Philippines and ready to go back to Singapore for my career.
The following points made me look back at the different career decisions I've made, and look ahead to where I am heading. It's both useful in realizing the past and looking forward to a challenging yet fulfilling career ahead. I can simply relate to the life of a GenXpat, who's in a limbo between being a local and an expat.
Excerpt from the Book GenXpat, by Margaret Malewski
GenXpat /'jen.eks.pat/ n. a member of Generation X, born between 1964 and 1981, who is also an expatriate, or expat, that is one who decides to live and pursue career abroad.
What you'll get out of the book:
Making the decision: is living abroad right for you?
Contract negotiation: learning to optimize your contract so that your needs are met abroad
Setting priorities upon arrival: juggling work, logistics and adaptation to your new environment
Culture shock: whta is it and how to manage it
Social aspect: how to build an enriching social life abroad while keeping in touch with those at home
Relationships: challenges of dating across cultures, long-distance relationships or moving with your partner
Returning home: what to do when home you knew is no longer there-- and it won't be
It's a must read for those who are thinking of starting a mobile career or those who are in the process of deciding to stay abroad or be back in the comforts of a home.
I would be glad to hear your thoughts after reading this post, or after reading the book yourself. I might just be able to write a book myself with all our stories combined. :)
The following points made me look back at the different career decisions I've made, and look ahead to where I am heading. It's both useful in realizing the past and looking forward to a challenging yet fulfilling career ahead. I can simply relate to the life of a GenXpat, who's in a limbo between being a local and an expat.
Excerpt from the Book GenXpat, by Margaret Malewski
GenXpat /'jen.eks.pat/ n. a member of Generation X, born between 1964 and 1981, who is also an expatriate, or expat, that is one who decides to live and pursue career abroad.
What you'll get out of the book:
Making the decision: is living abroad right for you?
Contract negotiation: learning to optimize your contract so that your needs are met abroad
Setting priorities upon arrival: juggling work, logistics and adaptation to your new environment
Culture shock: whta is it and how to manage it
Social aspect: how to build an enriching social life abroad while keeping in touch with those at home
Relationships: challenges of dating across cultures, long-distance relationships or moving with your partner
Returning home: what to do when home you knew is no longer there-- and it won't be
It's a must read for those who are thinking of starting a mobile career or those who are in the process of deciding to stay abroad or be back in the comforts of a home.
I would be glad to hear your thoughts after reading this post, or after reading the book yourself. I might just be able to write a book myself with all our stories combined. :)
