Expats

Should I stay or should I go now?

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-31 09:15

Pay

Wearing the "pay" hat, things are rather straightforward.

There is no way his total compensation in the US would equal the cash and associated benefits he currently enjoys in China.

So he rates his pay in China as 8/10 and in the US as 6/10.

Progression

Looking at "progression" opportunities, he has noticed that fellow expats who tend to stay for a long time in China lose their connections with headquarters and sometimes get stuck in their current careers.

He rates Progression as 5/10 in China and as 7/10 in the US.

Adventure

Regarding personal adventure, things look quite a bit more appealing in Asia. So he gives 9/10 for China and 5/10 for the US.

Passion

Looking at passion, that is to say, where he will show his greatest enthusiasm, he reckons China's cultural differences tend to inhibit his creativity and inspiration.

So he rates his passion in China as 5/10 and in the States 7/10.

People

The "people" perspective is a tough one for Jeff.

In China, he has met amazing people from different backgrounds and enjoys developing his young team of bright Chinese professionals.

He rates China 8/10 and the States 7/10.

Pride

I suppose you get me here. Jeff would do the same for "pride".

In his case, because of his latest achievements, he would rate China 8/10 and the States 6/10.

For Jeff, making the decision is a tough one. He scores 43 in China and 38 for the States.

But then he realizes: right now, progression and passion are more important than pay and personal adventure.

Finally, he decides to go home.

In the end, what matters the most is that Jeff is happy with his decision and that he can explain it to his family, his company and, most importantly, to himself.

He is now aware that, back home, he will intentionally put more energy into creating a life that will also give him a feeling of personal adventure.

He is also satisfied that he will most likely more valuable for his company back home.

So, what will you decide? What is the most important to you right now? Where will you be your best?

Jasmine Keel is the managing director of INSPIRED, a coaching organization in the field of Life & Career Transition.