Part One
I am now back in the Philippines, raring to pursue my entrepreneurial and professional career. It’s been over three years since I left to start my United Kingdom career in 2014. It sounds cliché, but I still think it was just yesterday when I decided to accept an offer to move to the UK.
I have been asked several times to share my experience working overseas. It’s quite difficult for me to share my experience since I have pre-decided that my move to the UK is not my long-term goal; it’s a stepping-stone for my wider ambition.
It was in August 2014 when I signed my offer sheet to work for a global professional firm. It took me more than two months to decide since I was almost sure that I got the job after my final interview—it’s not an easy decision.
Back in the Philippines at that time, I’ve gotten fantastic offers, which pay far more than what I’m signing for since I can speak in Mandarin, and I’ve got quite a good industry profile. It was a challenging decision due to several factors.
Let me share some of the more substantive factors, which I considered then.
Back in the Philippines, in the auditing firm where I worked, I had a pretty good profile and my superiors trusted that I can deliver. Moving to another country would mean that I would need to reestablish my credentials and build my profile.
I was quite sure then that I would likely had been promoted to manager in the auditing firm where I was working if I had stayed for a couple of more months. Moving overseas would mean that career advancement will likely take some more time since I would have to establish anew my baseline performance, plus adjust to my new environment in the UK.
I have never really considered moving overseas—not until I fancied applying for an overseas job for the fun of it. It was a challenging decision to leave all the networks that I have in the Philippines—from colleagues to partner to clients. They’re all important to me.
It was challenging to take a massive leap of faith when I have a promising career back home. It was uncertain if I will be able to do well outside the Philippines.
So what made me decide to sign the contract?
To be continued
Filbert Tsai has his own consulting firm, the UpSmart Consulting Inc. His key areas of interests are start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). His blog and page, “Ask the Accounting Advisor,” provides relevant insights for start-ups and MSMEs in the Philippines.
This column accepts contributions from accountants, especially articles that are of interest to the accountancy profession, in particular, and to the business community, in general. These can be e-mailed to boa.secretariat.@gmail.com.