What do you do for a living?

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

17 years ago

If you don't mind me asking

Do you work or are you with your Spouse?

If you are with your Spouse do you so any sort of work (except for what most people don't call work...)

I am traveling with my husband and don't work (just the usual

).

I am building an online business though via various Sites, including my own. I am selling my Photography.
It takes a while to get started, but it's finally rolling, at least a bit.

I started making Greeting Cards in Kuwait (and later picture frames in different sizes and special orders).
They sold well. I did it right at our big apartment house.
I could sell them cheap, 'cause printing & paper & frames were cheap.
And the people had some sort of money.
Fat chance here in Hungary where we live

So I'm concentrating on my online stuff.
I had two bookings for pictures.
One Fishing Tournament (but that was for friends of ours, for free, but still good training).
The other one was a wedding for a friend of a friend. Never again for free, that's for sure

Problem here is the language barrier.
We are in Hungary since 5 years, but spent more than 3 outside and hopping places. And we can never make up our mind if we want to settle down here for sure, because things are getting so expensive.

I have a few plans though. I will be working harder on getting my pics online (I don't even have 30% up yet), build more pages to my webpage, linking the pics to my shops & finally make some use of those Hungarian language CDs I got 5 years ago

Call it a New Year resolution, if you want.

What's your story?

See also

Living abroad: the expat guide - Guide
What do you think is the Original Sin? - 83 Replies
What do you think about this idea??? - 38 Replies
do those of you living abroad plan to return to your home countries? - 71 Replies
What have you learned by living abroad? - 16 Replies
poem critics--what do you think? - 11 Replies
What do you appreciate the most about where you are living now? - 33 Replies

Gary ViP

1845POSTS

17 years ago

I make and host websites - have been doing that since 5 years or so.
It's fun, feeds the family and I learn something new every day.

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

17 years ago

You make websites, uh?
Mh.
I might get in touch with you on that one

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

17 years ago

We came to the Dominican Republic to retire and now are agents聽 for a major real esttate companny here.

Bob K

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

17 years ago

Oh, that's a nice one, Bob

Gary ViP

1845POSTS

17 years ago

NicoleB wrote:
You make websites, uh?
Mh.
I might get in touch with you on that one

Please do.

Depending on what you need, I might even be able to help for free --> .

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

17 years ago

Oh, cool - new tips are always great

My Site is built so far with simple codes. Not overly pretty, but it works for my simple skills

Bookmarked your forum, cool!
Thanks

fragov Member

2POSTS

17 years ago

I'm a freelancer, working for different people from different countries. I very like my style of living.

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

17 years ago

Sounds pretty cool, fragov

druryk Member

1POSTS

17 years ago

#10

Amateur footballer hoping to make it in Scandinavia somewhere.

petercasier Active member

90POSTS

17 years ago

#11

I am an humanitarian aid worker with one of the UN agencies.

As such, I am a "serial" expat. Since 1994, I lived or worked in, and travelled through 150+ countries. For about 10 years I lived out of a bag. Three days in Cambodia, an overnight in Bangkok, a week in East Timor, two days in Sri Lanka, and then not knowing where I was when I woke up the next day.

Many of the stories I published .

During those years, I was heading the UN's technical intervention team. Whenever there was a humanitarian crisis anywhere in the world, my team (and I) would be the first on the ground. Earthquakes, wars, floods, political turmoil? We were on the plane 24 hours after "the phone call".

We were one of the first to enter Kovoso after the war, Afghanistan after 9/11, Iraq during the bombing. We were always on the ground before any other UN staff member was allowed in, as we had to build the minimum technical infrastructure to ensure safety of the other staff...

After years on the road, we based our team in Dubai, where I was privileged to also build a humanitarian city together with the government.

Since almost two years I am stationed in Rome, Italy, and travel a bit less...

At this moment, I am manage a project to optimize the logistics of our organisation. We move over 3 millions tons of food aid to nearly 100 million people in the world's most remote places. The logistics of that are very complex, and every dollar saved is more food for the hungry.
In our project we optimize the food supply line to reduce the cost and the time it takes to bring the food to the needy.

All in all, the challenge has never been the work. The main challenge always was to combine work with family. For obvious reasons, my wife and kids could not live with me, so we shuttle. We arrange it in such a way we can always spend all holidays together. I have been blessed with a strong woman by my side. I knew I did not need to worry about the kids, the house and all its complexities while I worked. Tine took care of it. And my kids? They grew up, knowing daddy was on the road, but next holiday, we would be together.

Peter.

Jenpyre Member

2POSTS

17 years ago

#12

I (and Hubby:cool:) are still living in the USA, but are considering moving SOON!聽 I am a Private Investigator and he is semi-retired, now trying to write.聽

How is the freelancing around the world?聽 I do an unusual form of grave stone rubbings and photography.聽 Would this be frowned on in Latin American cultures?

I also have several computer certs, but spent the last 15 years in business management and Real Estate.聽 So I haven't decided what I want to do when I grow up, yet!

How is it leaving your home country?聽 Anyone have pets that travel with them?

Jenpyre Member

2POSTS

17 years ago

#13

Sounds like you are truely blessed!聽 I am a Disaster Inspector with FEMA (on call) and know how difficult just 6-16 weeks can be.聽聽But I also know the rewards.聽 Just wanted to say Bless you and your family and thanks for sharing!
~Jenn

petercasier wrote:
I am an humanitarian aid worker with one of the UN agencies.

As such, I am a "serial" expat. Since 1994, I lived or worked in, and travelled through 150+ countries. For about 10 years I lived out of a bag. Three days in Cambodia, an overnight in Bangkok, a week in East Timor, two days in Sri Lanka, and then not knowing where I was when I woke up the next day.

Many of the stories I published .

During those years, I was heading the UN's technical intervention team. Whenever there was a humanitarian crisis anywhere in the world, my team (and I) would be the first on the ground. Earthquakes, wars, floods, political turmoil? We were on the plane 24 hours after "the phone call".

We were one of the first to enter Kovoso after the war, Afghanistan after 9/11, Iraq during the bombing. We were always on the ground before any other UN staff member was allowed in, as we had to build the minimum technical infrastructure to ensure safety of the other staff...

After years on the road, we based our team in Dubai, where I was privileged to also build a humanitarian city together with the government.

Since almost two years I am stationed in Rome, Italy, and travel a bit less...

At this moment, I am manage a project to optimize the logistics of our organisation. We move over 3 millions tons of food aid to nearly 100 million people in the world's most remote places. The logistics of that are very complex, and every dollar saved is more food for the hungry.
In our project we optimize the food supply line to reduce the cost and the time it takes to bring the food to the needy.

All in all, the challenge has never been the work. The main challenge always was to combine work with family. For obvious reasons, my wife and kids could not live with me, so we shuttle. We arrange it in such a way we can always spend all holidays together. I have been blessed with a strong woman by my side. I knew I did not need to worry about the kids, the house and all its complexities while I worked. Tine took care of it. And my kids? They grew up, knowing daddy was on the road, but next holiday, we would be together.

Peter.

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

17 years ago

#14

Jenpyre wrote:
How is the freelancing around the world?

I guess it all depends on language barriers and your location.
We live in a rural area and freelancing here is pretty fruitless unless you want to do a 2 hour drive one way to do a job that doesn't really pay a lot. I think I stick with my online plans and work my way through some fishing Tournaments.

We also have a German speaking monthly newspaper. I guess I will post an ad in there.

Jenpyre wrote:
I also have several computer certs, but spent the last 15 years in business management and Real Estate.聽 So I haven't decided what I want to do when I grow up, yet!

Real estate is something you can use almost everwhere, that's good. Not sure, again, how much you need to speak the local language though.

Jenpyre wrote:
How is it leaving your home country?

I never had a real problem with it. Sometimes I miss certain things, but when being back for an amount of time (my Best friend and my Mom usually give me asylum (when hubby travels alone for a while to built up our now base). And after that time I'm usually happy to be at another place than my country of origin

Jenpyre wrote:
Anyone have pets that travel with them?

Yepp, two dogs. Some countries are easy and some are a pain.
Get the information about requirements regarding rabies shots and a thing called Titer test way before your travel!

EuropeWord Active member

56POSTS

17 years ago

#15

I am working as a web developer for a company in my town. I've been wanting this job since I was a kid. I still love it.

kraemer Member

10POSTS

16 years ago

#16

I work as a real state consultant in Panama, on my mothers company..panama green real state
I teach yoga as a volunteer, and paint abstract art for hobby..
love all..

DougDougDoug New member

4POSTS

16 years ago

#17

i am working in New York at a large Japanese bank but looking for new career overseas. Born in US, raised in Africa and England and now back in US. Still have my English accent. I have) engineering background and actually owned and ran an internet provider until I sold it a few years ago and moved to New York.
My wife and 2 kids are all half English and have the nice New York long island accent (my wife has English and American parents and is bilingual with British and American English).

Can anyone recommend a good recruiter or job site?

Doug

la belle aurore New member

5POSTS

16 years ago

#18

Hi,

I am french canadian and live in Mexico with a wonderful man and my french poodle. We were here from 2006 to 2008 and back now since 2009.

I am a corporate spouse (yap, one of those that follow my spouse and make the best of it to see the world).聽 I cannot work here, but I write.

My first book was published in 2007 : cookbook and my second book was published last June this year (handmade soap).聽 I would say that to be able to survive away from home, one has to have a very large imagination and an hungriness for living outside the comfort zone.聽 My mind is constantly working on new projects, a never ending story in my head!聽 Life is so short, lets try new things every single day.

Visit my blog, my new eBook is free to download at the moment.聽 Later on this year, I will make it in printing version.

grandPa Guest

0POSTS

16 years ago

#19

grandpayeti lives in Absurdistan and is working with search & rescue dogs since 20 years. He is very happy and leads an adventurous live here.

dubW Member

3POSTS

16 years ago

#20

I teach on line courses for a major U.S. University, most of the time I live on my boat, may be relocating to the British Virgin Islands soon.聽 I can continue to work no matter where I am. WiFi is nice but my uplink card makes my life easier.

manooyh New member

6POSTS

16 years ago

#21

and i have no spouse

i moved back to bahrain in 2005.. was in the uk..

i work in a bank and run my fashion studio in the evening designing and working with fabric and colours

(BA in fashion desgin)

love sports love salsa and latin music..

practsing my french and spanish..

hoping to find my partner somewhere somehow

this is all about me..

Scottie New member

5POSTS

16 years ago

#22

Hi from Scotland,have been living in the middle east for two years.I am a medic and work in Bio chemical warfare/ disaster management.I am single no partner but life is good, you never know whats around the corner!!!.I love photography and meeting people with different cultural backgrounds.Miss beautiful Scotland!!!

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

16 years ago

#23

I can imagine that you miss Scotland!
I already miss autumn in Germany

Scottie New member

5POSTS

16 years ago

#24

Yes i come from an area called Loch Lomond very tranquil with breath taking views.I miss my fellow scots,but not long now til i am home!!!!

sweetchoice Contributor

160POSTS

16 years ago

#25

Scottie wrote:
Yes i come from an area called Loch Lomond very tranquil with breath taking views.I miss my fellow scots,but not long now til i am home!!!!

Great to know that u are from Dammam. Please keep in touch

sweetchoice Contributor

160POSTS

16 years ago

#26

manooyh wrote:
and i have no spouse

i moved back to bahrain in 2005.. was in the uk..

i work in a bank and run my fashion studio in the evening designing and working with fabric and colours

(BA in fashion desgin)

this is all about me..

There are plenty of opportunities in Saudi, if you can more precisely tell about your profession where you like to work and send resume 聳 I am sure I can suggest you for right job.

I used to visit Bahrain frequently may be you can drop me your resume to me or email which ever is convenient for you

catappr Member

10POSTS

16 years ago

#27

Hello there.
I am a programmer, and I play with 1's and 0's all all the doo-da day

dhiraj Contributor

124POSTS

16 years ago

#28

hi nicle i m an expat in kuwait i need cards in a huge quantity can you send me your best prices , we can work together for our mutual benefit as well聽 pls replybest regardsmy tel no 00965 94048245

david_ng New member

8POSTS

16 years ago

#29

I am a professional network marketeer building business network in more than 55 countries world wide from my home promoting the very lastest in trillion dollar wellness industry. This business suits my expat lifestyle. Since it is global and online, I take it along as I move from one country to another as I finished my stint in each country

Amsterman New member

5POSTS

16 years ago

#30

I am a writer and a marketing consultant.

I am also a trained bartender.

alexandracroitoru Member

2POSTS

16 years ago

#31

I'm a聽 full-time student and a part-time everything. Photographer, writer, dancer, singer, PR, whatever you think of, I'll do it, of course, as long as it does't involve too many numbers or engineering witchcraft. I majored in languagaes, so that stuff is way over my head.

suave Active member

97POSTS

16 years ago

#32

I serve as a strategic advisor for a global consulting firm.

Arlenese New member

2POSTS

16 years ago

#33

Hi! Im expat for 3 years now here in Dubai, working as Draughtswoman in a Yacht interior Design company.
I started to feel bored here in UAE.

Carlos C Active member

56POSTS

15 years ago

#34

Hi,
After almost 20 years in the automobile industry, more accurately in transport, logistics and support services, I returned to school to get my Pedagogical Capacity Certification in transports and logistics.
Now my goal is to grap the next best opportunity and move to a developing country somewhere in the world and teach/train others in this area.
I feel that I have lots of experience and know-how to offer.
Hoping every day for such an opportunity...

NicoleB Serial expat

626POSTS

15 years ago

#35

Hey all - interesting 'resumes' to read

@littleshiva - the website and art looks beautiful!

Invader_Stu Contributor

101POSTS

15 years ago

#36

I work for a computer games company as a designer making levels and game pay mechanics for games on the PS3

okpendu New member

8POSTS

15 years ago

#37

am nigerian into buying and selling of boxes and travelling bags. but the economy here is very bad it is not favouring the poor masses.

zjc2008685 Active member

42POSTS

15 years ago

#38

hello guys, it seems that there are few Chinese here. I am Carl from China and i am working in one international logistics company in Nanning,Guangxi,China. I prefer to live on my own business, but now I am still working in other's company.

doktora_kabayan Member

1POSTS

15 years ago

#39

Hi. I am a Filipino obstetrician-gynecologist currently in Dubai. I moved here late last year because of my husband's job.Just got my local medical license and starting my practice.

FeeAcer ViP

6172POSTS

15 years ago

#40

Welcome to 大咖福利影院, doktora_kabayan!
Wish you success in you endeavour!
Don't hesitate and come to the Dubai forum and share your first impressions of Dubai with the rest of us!
Cheers
Arlette