Finding Job in LOS and Moving

[pattayanut 0]

Hello All. I think this may be an interesting topic for some of you guys who have been successful in moving to LOS and finding a job to share your experience. I am sure alot of member and people out there would like to make the big move but do not know where to start and look for jobs. I have meet some good members on this board unlike some other boards where some member do not like to share their success. I hope everyone would share the experience. Look forward to hearing from all.

[Big Chief 0]

You just have to know the right people. Once you get in with those people, you will never be without a job in LOS. It took me a week to get a new job this time. Before it has only taken 1 day. As to who those people are that you need to know......find out for yourself just like the rest of us did.

[valley boy 0]

As to who those people are that you need to know......find out for yourself just like the rest of us did.

Nice attitude

[donny 1]

Big Chief, from what you're saying, there's a fair amount of work available among farang but how hard is it to get into the right circle.

 

When I was a fresh-off-the-boat teenager looking for illegal work in Boston, I simply went to an Irish pub and was set up within less than half an hour. The place was a crazy mix between a pub, an employment agency and a commodities exchange floor, with deals being done an a frantic pace, I'd never experienced anything like it.

 

It there a similarly dynamic but informal market for competent farang workers in Thailand right now? And, if so, what sort of things are poeple looking for: fluent Thai, solid previous experience back home? etc

Edited June 19, 2006 by donny

[upena 2]

Stickman's Weekly about this very topic

[Big Chief 0]

Yes, it helps if you speak Thai. Not necessary though. The "right people" to know depends on the area of expertise you have. You also need to have some skills that are not readily available from Thai nationals.

 

I am in the "automotive" sector. It took me having to take a temporary contract job for a month to meet "my people". This was just a stroke of luck. Before that, I worked here helping a friend open a new Mfg company. Then with a company that I formerly worked for in the USA. Then for my uncles company that had gotten a large contract from CAT. After that, is when I met "the people". It was like hitting the job lottery.

 

Nice attitude? WTF you want me to do? Why should I show you the path to my hidden treasure so you can sneak in and fucking steal it? Fucking lazy bastards! DO SOME FUCKING HOMEWORK AND YOU WILL FIND IT! I PUT IN MY DUES FOR 4 LONG FUCKING YEARS! I SUGGEST YOU DO THE SAME!

 

Most likely, you need to be living here already or you basically have very little chance.

[valley boy 0]

Nice attitude? WTF you want me to do? Why should I show you the path to my hidden treasure so you can sneak in and fucking steal it? Fucking lazy bastards! DO SOME FUCKING HOMEWORK AND YOU WILL FIND IT! I PUT IN MY DUES FOR 4 LONG FUCKING YEARS! I SUGGEST YOU DO THE SAME!

enlighten me here.Is your post supposed to be a funny one?If so try using smilies to get the joke across.If it's not,and that is indeed your attitude,i pity you because you must be one sad,insecure individual.

Oh by the way,i'm not looking for work in Thailand,so you would not be showing ME anything.

[Big Chief 0]

Yes, that is my real attitude. And yes, I am one sad individual. A sad individual living pretty damn well in Thailand and loving it. Beautiful wife, two beautiful daughters, 4 bedroom 3 bath house on 3.5 rai, brand new truck, and it just keeps getting worse.

 

Why should I have to bust my balls to get where I am, and then give others the oppertunity to take the easy way out. You guys will respect it more if you do it on your own. And yes, it is somewhat like a secret society.

 

If you don't like me, BITE ME!

 

 

When it comes to getting me real pissed off, there are two things a guy can do. 1) Fuck with my family 2) Fuck with my money. Giving you all the answers for free would be jeopardizing my ability to earn money. Have seen it too many times where a guy tells another guy in a bar that he has a great lead on a job here, and the next week the other guy has stole it out from under him. When it comes to jobs in Thailand, it's no holds barred. That's why most keep their mouths shut.

[pattayanut 0]

BigChief relax. All we are looking here is a starting point and advice. Like i mentioned in my first post many people who move to LOS tend to get very selfish and do not like to help other mongers who want to be successful too. If you want to keep everything to yourself then no need to say anything. We respect your opinon not to share your idea. No need for flaming just keep your mouths shut and let others talk.

Edited June 19, 2006 by pattayanut

[Big Chief 0]

Here is my advice in a nut shell. Very easy things to do.

 

 

1) Move to Thailand. Being here already helps a ton!

2) Learn the langauge. You will be more valuable to employers.

3) Learn the culture. Business in Thailand is conducted significantly different.

4) Join some of the expat clubs and start socializing. Don't ask too many questions.

5) Create relationships with Thai business men.

6) Be prepared to do things you would normally look down upon.

7) Be ready to kiss Thai business mens ass! Very important. Makes them feel good.

8) Take as much training as you can about as many things as possible.

9) Remember that business is done with smiles here, not pushy attitudes.

10) Dress nicely and don't act like an ass. You never know who is watching.

[pattayanut 0]

Thanks for the advice BigChief. . This is very helpful.

[Gary 4,118]

Yes, that is my real attitude. And yes, I am one sad individual. A sad individual living pretty damn well in Thailand and loving it. Beautiful wife, two beautiful daughters, 4 bedroom 3 bath house on 3.5 rai, brand new truck, and it just keeps getting worse.

 

Why should I have to bust my balls to get where I am, and then give others the oppertunity to take the easy way out. You guys will respect it more if you do it on your own. And yes, it is somewhat like a secret society.

 

If you don't like me, BITE ME!

 

 

When it comes to getting me real pissed off, there are two things a guy can do. 1) Fuck with my family 2) Fuck with my money. Giving you all the answers for free would be jeopardizing my ability to earn money. Have seen it too many times where a guy tells another guy in a bar that he has a great lead on a job here, and the next week the other guy has stole it out from under him. When it comes to jobs in Thailand, it's no holds barred. That's why most keep their mouths shut.

Quite frankly I would guess that you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and without family you would starve to death. The average guy coming here looking for a job is not likely to find anything that pays more than an existence income. If you don't want to be an English teacher, other jobs are hard to come by.

 

Of course if you are a bottom feeder and can tell convincing lies you may be able to scam enough people to live well, (for a while). It is NOT a level playing field for a farang starting a business. Work permits and all the other red tape ruin most who try. Many who scrape by do not have a work permit and even do monthly visa runs. They may be forced to leave the country at any time if they are caught, or spend some time in jail.

[kimcheemonster 0]

Yes, that is my real attitude. And yes, I am one sad individual. A sad individual living pretty damn well in Thailand and loving it. Beautiful wife, two beautiful daughters, 4 bedroom 3 bath house on 3.5 rai, brand new truck, and it just keeps getting worse.

 

Why should I have to bust my balls to get where I am, and then give others the oppertunity to take the easy way out. You guys will respect it more if you do it on your own. And yes, it is somewhat like a secret society.

 

If you don't like me, BITE ME!

 

 

When it comes to getting me real pissed off, there are two things a guy can do. 1) Fuck with my family 2) Fuck with my money. Giving you all the answers for free would be jeopardizing my ability to earn money. Have seen it too many times where a guy tells another guy in a bar that he has a great lead on a job here, and the next week the other guy has stole it out from under him. When it comes to jobs in Thailand, it's no holds barred. That's why most keep their mouths shut.

after the first sentence all i heard was "blah,blah, blah....."

[Big Chief 0]

Gary,

 

To answer some of your questions. Grew up most of my life in a single parent home. Put myself through college with a job at a casino. Full time college during the day, and working at the casino at night. Graduated 2 years early. Student loans were paid off before I moved to Thailand. No silver spoon here, but I know a lot of guys here in Thailand did have that luxury. It would have made my life easier.

 

As for being a bottom feeder, some of what you say is true. You have to be a good talker to get anywhere in business. But, to stay in the "biz" you also have to perform. I perform, and I get results. That's why it is easy for me to get work. As well as companies in the USA wanting to buy things in Thailand, but want to do business the American way. I bring that to the table.

 

If you got something to offer, and can sell it, and can get results, a Thai compnay will hire you and pay you above what the locals get paid. 100% SURE!

 

No one here was talking about starting a company Where the hell did you pull that from? We all know it aint easy to start a company here, that was never the question or the topic of the thread content until you brought it up.

[Gary 4,118]

Gary,

 

To answer some of your questions. Grew up most of my life in a single parent home. Put myself through college with a job at a casino. Full time college during the day, and working at the casino at night. Graduated 2 years early. Student loans were paid off before I moved to Thailand. No silver spoon here, but I know a lot of guys here in Thailand did have that luxury. It would have made my life easier.

 

As for being a bottom feeder, some of what you say is true. You have to be a good talker to get anywhere in business. But, to stay in the "biz" you also have to perform. I perform, and I get results. That's why it is easy for me to get work. As well as companies in the USA wanting to buy things in Thailand, but want to do business the American way. I bring that to the table.

 

If you got something to offer, and can sell it, and can get results, a Thai compnay will hire you and pay you above what the locals get paid. 100% SURE!

 

No one here was talking about starting a company Where the hell did you pull that from? We all know it aint easy to start a company here, that was never the question or the topic of the thread content until you brought it up.

If you found a profitable niche you are to be congratulated. Good salesman are few and far between although many try and simply don't have the gift of gab to pull it off. I mentioned the business angle because someone is bound to suggest that approach.

 

I was very successful here until the economy took a shit. I was an engineer in a very specialized industry that was BOI approved so it is possible but not likely that someone will be able to find a job that pays 150,000 baht per month plus a townhouse, utilities and a vehicle.

 

YES! I do try to discourage people who come here and think they are going to find a decent paying job. I was involved in two different companies with farangs. One failed and the guy went to work for a Thai company. He earns peanuts. The other is barely making it. I am retired and live quite well from investments and my pensions. Both farangs are still here and surviving BUT when they get a little older and need to stop working they will have NOTHING. I wouldn't want to have to think about that.

[Big Chief 0]

The job that I had just 3 weeks ago was paying 280k Baht per month. Contract work. I got out of it beause I do not like the way the contract companies do business. I am now back at a Thai company, making decent money for Thai standards. I can live middle class in Thailand for what I make. The kicker is, I got a special deal that gives me a certain percentage of any new business I bring into the company for the life of the project. That's what I am banking on. 3 projects now in process, if they go through they will pay me an extra 150k-200k baht per month for the next 7 years.

 

You are correct. It aint easy at all. Very few have the patience and the right state of mind to stick it out and make it work. I think being lucky also helps. But information from certain people can put you in the right place at the right time and increase your chances of being lucky.

[Big Chief 0]

Just an added note.

 

The job agency's in Thailand are of not help at all. I can guarantee you that as soon as you walk out of their office, your information and resume are either thrown in the rubbish bin or filed away somewhere never to be seen again.

 

You may try them, but I have never heard of any one having any luck with them other than teaching jobs maybe.

 

Teaching Thai is not a bad thing short term. 1) It gets you in the country. 2) It pays your bills while you are looking for better paying work. 3) You will learn to speak Thai faster. 4) You will learn the Thai culture better.

 

I always have teaching English as a fall back option to buy me time until I get another job. Never had to use it though. I used to teach the kids in my neighborhood on weekend mornings for 20 baht per hour. Gave them something to do, and paid for my beer for the day. I had anywhere from 15-20 kids each morning for 2 hours each morning.

[ellobo 0]

You are correct. It aint easy at all. Very few have the patience and the right state of mind to stick it out and make it work. I think being lucky also helps. But information from certain people can put you in the right place at the right time and increase your chances of being lucky.

The harder you work the luckier you get.

 

Congratulations Big Chief and continued success.

 

Your attitude started off a little harsh, but what information you and Gary subsequently provided is sufficient and valuable. I do not blame you for wanting to protect your sources, I would do the same.

 

You are also quite the linguist, English, Thai, and Pig Native American.

 

ellobo

[Big Chief 0]

I used to speak decent Spanish, a little French, and a little German......haven't use them for a long time and have forgotten most of what I used to know. I started to learn Chinese, but DAMN is it difficult. You got to literally spit while you talk to pronounce some words correctly.

 

 

You are exactly correct. You have to pay your dues and work hard to make things come together for you here. It's more difficult when you try this outside your home country. Patience, persistance, and hard work is all you need.

 

I will give up some sources for a certain price. Any one interested can send a PM.

[ellobo 0]

I have added this topic to the wiki.

 

Right now it is under “Topic 1”.

 

Pete would you consider moving this to “Expats” with its own heading?

 

Thanks.

 

el

[BobbySanuk 0]

Big Chief I definately understand protecting you resourses. But, you come across as Chief Hot Shit, the know it all. You have a bullying way of talking down to others and that sucks.

 

Gary, your a good man.

 

Elbow, don't kiss the Bragets ass.

 

Aloha

[Big Chief 0]

Sorry you feel that way Robert. But you have to be very confident when it comes to business. If you do not convince people 100% that you know what you are talking about, you wont get anywhere. You have to be able to sell yourself, and give the hard pitch.

 

I will try and tone down my posts in the future.

[ellobo 0]

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby,

 

Chill my man.

 

There are a lot of people on this and most boards who are full of themselves. It says more about them than us. It doesn’t mean that everything they say is bad or wrong.

 

Big Chief, consider your ass un-kissed.

 

ellobo

[Big Chief 0]

 

 

Hey man! You missed a spot!

[mbiggs 1]

I can only speak for what I have seen myself, I find that even in my own industry, recruitment, I know of recruitment consultants working in Bangkok.

 

The agencies concerned cater to the expat market, ie regional directors, civil engineers, oil and gasi industry.

 

They are on excellent expat packages, however most of the industrys have the market already sealed up and established. I have contacted recruitment agencies in Sydney and London with Bangkok offices enquiring about opportunities.

 

I was practically told that those opportunities are given to staff that have been with the organisation for a long period of time with proven track records.

 

Hence there are also opportunities not just with recruitment agencies but with management consulting companies, outsourcing companies if one has experience with project management.

 

There was one opportunity that I thought I had with the company I was working for two years ago. Working in Bangkok as a client service delivery manager.

 

I was told by my boss and the hiring manager that as far as they where concerned, I had the right credentials for the position, however the Thai client did not want anyone younger than 50 who was still single.

 

The reason being was at a function to celebrate the kings birthday one year, invites where sent out to the farangs and thai staff and their partners.

 

Two of the farangs brought two girls who where ex girls from the go go bars, to make matters worse, one of the farangs took a photo with one of the girls posing with the wife of one of the senior directors.

 

The thai management where livid, the farangs involved had their contracts terminated and where transfered back to London and Sydney respectivley and given alternative posts.

 

There are various opportunities, in e commerce, I am sure that one could by goods and sell them over the internet. Ebay etc. clothing DVDs etc.

 

Also there is the farang press and media, I am sure that an English native speaker would be good to sell advertising space.

 

If one looks they are sure to find something, but in the long run I think that unless one comes across and exceptional opportunity for a farang company on and expat package. We are better staying at home and comming for holidays.