Asia Expats Forum

athome · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 3 Location:

I've searched the forum, but haven't found the answer I need. If I'm duplicating an earlier question, please point me to it, though my question may be a bit different.

The short summary is that I'm looking for input about what sort of compensation to request or require from potential employers in the United States while working from Thailand over the internet as an off-site resource. I'm looking for feedback and insight/advice from others who might have been down this road.

I'm a U.S. citizen living in Thailand with my wife, who had to return after finishing her studies in the States.

I worked as a SQA (software quality assurance) engineer for over 15 years before we moved. I've also done a lot of test tool and web development. So I fall into the high-tech or IT or computer/software business category.

I'd like to avoid traveling back there just for interviews if I can. I have ADSL, so video Skype can help with some face-to-face and voice communication beyond email, etc. Thailand is 12 hours ahead of EST at this time of year. There is a benefit to that for some in my industry (I can provide results overnight).

Basically, depending on the open-mindedness of the hiring manager and HR department, etc., I should in theory be able to work and be paid as a full member of a development team. But the reality seems to be that I'm not easy to interview from afar, and, if hired, can't show up to meetings or be monitored in the office. Most people would view me as an out-sourced service, so they might want to pay me something equivalent to a techie in India, Singapore or China, despite my English and Western cultural background.

So what’s the best way to go about interesting a company in the U.S. to employ me full time from Thailand? What kind of salary can I realistically expect a U.S. company to be willing to pay me?

I don’t want to undersell myself. That’s why, when I exchanged email with a QA manager recently, and he asked me what I wanted for compensation, I said (as is the usual recommended technique back home) that I’d like to find out more about how I could help him first. That may have lost his interest. Either that or he didn’t like hearing that I couldn’t say when I might return state-side. This depressing result is what has me looking for advice.

Any constructive feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
athome

Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4512 Location:

I might try for something like 20-30% less than the pay would have been if you were workin in the states.

A sensible employer would have to see this as a good deal.
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athome · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 3 Location:

Thanks, Mike,

My guess has been along that line, but probably even more of a "discount".

I'm not sure what the magic number would be, which is why I was hoping that someone with experience might pipe in here.

Has this been your experience, by the way?

The issue for me now is that I feel I have to come very close to the sweet spot on the first try, when "bidding" for work with an interested party. No room for starting high and negotiating, unless it's clear they really want me to work for them.

I guess this isn't isn't a very relevent issue to most expats, nor a very inspiring topic, Rolling Eyes

given that you're the only one who has actually replied. I appreciate your input!

Thanks,
"at home"

Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4512 Location:

Frankly I dont know anyone who is doing what you propose.

And thre might be hr issues that complicate things
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athome · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 3 Location:

Yes, HR would most likely get in the way for a company of any size that has established inflexible rules. Someone in my situation is cleary off their radar.

I hope to find a smallish startup where the owner/CEO/hiring manager is one person or two, with the creativity and flexibility to fit me into their paradigm.

Mike · Site Admin Joined: 07 Sep 2004 Posts: 4512 Location:

CoffeeBreak · Novice Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 30 Location:

The only company that I know that does this is MMA but I think that they may be finished now. It was also based on corporate support services not technical