24 Hours to make a decision

[mish99]

Okay, so its not life or death, or extremely urgent. But I only have a day to make my mind up, thats why im posting here. I really need some advice.

So heres the problem:

I have been wanting to go work in England for about a year now. Im only 17, have a little work experience, and basically just want to work to earn money so I can backpack Europe. My aunt and uncle have ofered me a place to stay for the month of may. Which will give me enough time to find a job and a place to stay. My parents are paying for my flight (a present for finishing school) and are giving me about R4500 for spending money...i think thats about 200 pounds....

Now, im not sure if that is going to be enough. So ive been looking for a part time job so I can work for 3 months and save a bit extra.

I applied for a job and today went for an interview. Got the job on the spot. Its retail work in a photographic store, so long hourse and 6 days a week. The pay not that great but there are incentives, and a pay increase in July. I went in with the plan of working for 3 months (which is the probation period) and then to leave. But now that ive met the owners, which are fantastic people, I think I would feel really bad leaving them in the lurch.

So, even though I desperately want to travel, I could maybe stay for 10 months and leave then. It would give me time to save alot more money, and get more work experience.

The other thing is, do I not take the job, and go to England in may, with only 200 pounds?

OR, my dad works in Dubai, and basically has found me a job for if I go over there. My parents will pay the flight there. Do I work there for a year to save and then go over. My dad goes back and forth between Pakistan and Dubai, so I will be left on my own for 6 months out of the year (fine by me) and will have even better work experience because the company will train me themselves.....

Basically, work here for 10 months, or in Dubai for a year, or go over in May and start my saving for Europe???

I got 24 hours to make my decision about the job.

Sorry its so long....

[expatben]

Well depending where you are going I am not sure £200 will be enough even if rent is free.
If you really can't leave them in the lurch maybe I would still look to go in May but maybe find another job or something? From what you said it seems the job is long and not very good anyways.
Personally I have no probs leaving a job to go traveling as long as you give them honest notice that you're leaving but thats just me.

[raoulduke]

What kind of coin would you be earning in Dubai? Dubai would be a great experience, if you can handle the heat, and if you can save a few Dirhams along the way it would set you up for the rest of your travels.

Also i don't mean to sound patronizing but remember that you are still young and you have plenty of time left to see the world. Don't rush into anything.

Good Luck!

[mish99]

Im not sure about how much I will be earning in Dubai....the only problem is the visa issue. And dubai is pretty expensive as well.

I know im young, but everyone seems to be going overseas while im stuck at home. The job I got offered is in Fujifilm, they will train me to use and sell (of course) the cameras...so I suppose thats pretty cool. I know that if I do take this job or one in Dubai, I will have more experience and wont have to gt a waitressing job or something like that.

I suppose im really answering the question for myself, but I just really wanna get going now. I worked it out, I would have 318 pounds of spending money. I have no idea what the buying power is lik over there.

Oh well, got the rest of the day to find my answer. Thanks for the advice!!!!

[raoulduke]

There are far wiser people than me on the boards. I'm sure you'll get plenty more great advice before the day is through.

Best of luck in whatever decision you make\

[mish99]

Thanks a bunch!!!!

[maracle]

I think this is mainly a matter of your state of mind. It might be tough to find a job in England with no connections right now with the state of the world economy as it is. I can't say it will be for sure, but if you go with only 300 pounds that wont go very far. Even living cheaply you'll probably spend 30 per day. Dubai isn't cheap but at least you'd be very likely to have a job right away.

Staying home might be ok, depends how you feel...sometimes you just want to get away so bad that every day at home is miserable. If you're at that kind of place then it's better to leave without much money. If you're still happy at home, staying might be best since you'll know how to save money there and you've already got a job lined up.

Not sure if that was much help...

[Esterina]

I agree with the others, it's up to you, how you feel it, etc.

I just wanted to add one argument to think about. If you define a strategy, working a year in Dubai will give you both work experience and get you abroad. It will then be easier to find a job in England, with a nice resume showing international work. Employers want to be sure you can handle being away from home in a different culture, and are a reliable employee.

But whatever you decide, it'll be the right decision for you, at this point of your life.

[Canadian Bacon]

Hey mish,

I would say just take the job at the photo store and bail on them after a few months. Besides, they can always find someone new... there are 17 year olds who will work in a photo store. Your leaving them won't put them out of business.

Look at it this way: if in 3 month time, their business was doing bad and they needed to cut down on expenses - do you think they would bat an eye at canning you to cut costs? no! So in your job (or career) it is your self interest which the most important.

So yeah, tell them you'll stay for 10 months and leave in 3! As business owners, they are prepared for such contingencies anyway.

Hope this helps!

[indierock05]

My vote is on Dubai. There is so much money to be made there. Plus that is a free option. Especially with no job experience it would be the better option.

Good luck!

[mish99]

Thanks so much for the advice! Well, i phoned them this morning and turned there offer down.

There are a few problems with going to Dubai, the working age there is higher than here...i think. And a few visa problems as well. Someone my age cant get a visa to live there by myself, and apparently I cant get a visa if just my dad is staying there, my mother has to be there to...so thats a bit of a prob.

I spoke to my uncle last night and he offered me free accomodatoin and said that I was welcome to stay until October...which gives me 6 months for accomodation, free food and time to find a decent job. Ive decided to leave in May. It was a tough decision, but I think I need to leave now. I feel good about my decision.

Thanks again for all the advice! You guys are awesome!

[SGRHewitt]

Originally Posted by mish99

Thanks so much for the advice! Well, i phoned them this morning and turned there offer down.

There are a few problems with going to Dubai, the working age there is higher than here...i think. And a few visa problems as well. Someone my age cant get a visa to live there by myself, and apparently I cant get a visa if just my dad is staying there, my mother has to be there to...so thats a bit of a prob.

I spoke to my uncle last night and he offered me free accomodatoin and said that I was welcome to stay until October...which gives me 6 months for accomodation, free food and time to find a decent job. Ive decided to leave in May. It was a tough decision, but I think I need to leave now. I feel good about my decision.

Thanks again for all the advice! You guys are awesome!

Good luck, I can't disagree with your choice. I want to get away now, and would leave on a whim if I had the chance. 200 pounds(if thats still what you're working with) isn't much, if you have food and accomodation, that will help. Regardless, traveling around the city(wherever that may be) can be very expensive, especially in London.

I guess it all depends on your age. If you're over 18, you can if nothing else get bar work. Jobs shouldn't be to hard to find, although you'll do things you normally wouldn't want to do, and for maybe 5pound an hour. Regardless, you can save loads more without having to pay for room/food so that helps!

Good luck!

[expatben]

Good choice man and good luck to you. I would suggest signing on with various employment agencies in London. Bar work is definitely an option if you're 18 or over as has been said.

[mish99]

Im going to be staying in Huddersfield....between Manchester and Leeds. My parents are going to help me out a bit with cash. Im quite excited and cat wait.....its only Jan and ive already packed my backpack to see if everything fits...it does, yay. All I have to do now is apply for my british passport. Will do that in a week or two. Im so ready leave!!!

[expatben]

I have a mate in Huddersfield its in Yorkshire or near abouts right? Always remember though to leave a little space for souvenirs and such. A British passport is great it means not having to mess around with visas.

[mish99]

Originally Posted by expatben

A British passport is great it means not having to mess around with visas.

Yeah I know....and no long queues when I arrive!! I have no patience....haha.

I have frontline reception experience so Im thinking i will probably look for something like that. My aunt and uncle know alot of people so they might be able to help me out a bit on the job side....i have no problem taking hand outs! Haha....as long as im there im happy.

[expatben]

Thats a good philosophy man, seems like you got this pretty much figured out.

[mish99]

Thanks!! Its even better because my 18th is at the end of April. So im going to have my farewell and my 18th party in one...and no presents, just money!! Im so cheap....

[jengt]

Originally Posted by mish99

and no presents, just money!! Im so cheap....

No shame in that. If that's what you need, then it's good that others understand. What's the point of giving you something you won't be able to take with anyways?

[maracle]

The problem now is you have to wait till may But maybe you can save a bit more in the meantime.

Congrats on the trip Michelle, you're going to have a blast!