The Virtual Woman: A Woman's
Weekly Guide To Cyberspace
Turn To Web For World Wide Employment
Gather 'round cyberchildren as I tell you a tale of decades past. Once upon a time, it used to be that people worked on (or close to) the land on which they were born. If you were born into a family of sheep herders, you would become one too (a herder not a sheep). Sans cable television or even a mere Sony Walkman you'd attempt to not go whacko from the isolation of keeping everyone in line. Then one day you notice the guy next door with his brand new Model T. You save up, buy your's and it's Hasta La Vista, Lamb Chop. You're off to seek your fame and fortune elsewhere. And alas, job hopping is born.Fast forward to the new millennium and we're all still job hopping only the hop's gotten a wee bit longer. Check out this week's column for some excellent information on moving you and your career to another country.
Dear Virtual Woman:
I am a marketing professional
who just accepted a six-month assignment in Tokyo, and I am worried about the difference
between American and Japanese business customs and practices. Are there any sites online
that can help me learn proper Japanese business etiquette?
- Janet J., Dallas, TX
Dear Janet:
Sounds exciting! And it sure beats sheep herding. Luckily, your dilemma isn't the only one of its kind since more and more people's job descriptions include international travel and relocation. To get the basics, the first site I recommend is the "Doing Business Abroad" section of the Get Customs website found at http://www.getcustoms.com/omnibus/dba.html. There you can find a list of several countries along with their basic business customs and practices. For more detailed information, go to Business Culture.com, located at http://www.businessculture.com/. The "Doing Business In" section contains links to over 100 foreign countries, and, for a nominal price, gives a great detailed report of resources for each country such as nonverbal communication, corporate gift-giving, and understanding the Japanese decision-making process. Each report costs $12.00, but if it means you can avoid making a huge business "shissaku" (blunder), it's well worth it!
Dear Virtual Woman:
After going through a series of unfulfilling
jobs and a messy divorce, I find myself ready for not only a career change, but a whole
life makeover. I am interested in finding work outside of the United States, but I'm not
sure where to turn. Are there any websites out there dedicated to people like me who want
to pull up stakes and find a job abroad?
- Jan B., Denver, CO
Dear Jan:
Not to worry. Unlike certain husbands, the Internet can be relied upon for help in your time of need. First, check out the impressive Career Mosaic International Databases located at http://www.careermosaic.com/cm/gateway/. CareerMosaic offers a number of international sites that can help you find exciting opportunities in job markets all over the world. Just click on the region that you're interested in, then choose from different search options like "Search by Category" or "Browse." If you don't find your dream job there, point your browser to the Escape From America page at http://www.escapeartist.com/jobs/overseas1.htm. Once there, choose from over 100 countries' job banks and be sure to use the great resources and links provided to start you on your journey.
Dear Virtual Woman:
I'm a shoe designer
and have just been transferred from Los Angeles to Milan. Although I'm excited about the
opportunity, I am really stressing about moving my whole entire life across the world!
Since I'm working freelance, my company isn't paying for me to relocate, so I need all the
help I can get. Are there any websites I can turn to that can help me with the problems
associated with relocating to another country?
- Tricia, Los Angeles, CA
Dear Tricia:
First thing's first. Check out some essential relocation advice at http://www.erc.org/research/befint.htm just to get an idea of basic tasks to add to your to-do list. Then, for more detailed information, it's time to visit the Virtual Relocations website. At http://www.virtualrelocation.com/ you will find all of the info you need in order to make your move a successful one. Under the World Destinations Menu at the top of the page, choose the country of your choice, then click Go to view helpful links on getting life and car insurance, obtaining a driver's license, procuring international moving companies, and tax information. Once you get the basics taken care of, this site can also help you find the villa of your dreams, the best place to get a glass of vino, where to find a good bank, buy a rail pass, or where to take a night class. The Settler International website (http://www.settler-international.com/) also offers similar information and services, but although it's a free service, its destination countries are limited (Italy is in there though!)
Happy Surfing!
Find these links and more at WWWomen.Com (http://www.wwwomen.com) the web's largest search directory of topics for women online. Email the Virtual Woman with your Internet questions or send snailmail to: WWWomen.Com, Attn: Virtual Woman, 3701 Geary Blvd., #325, S.F., CA 94118. Copyright, 1998-99. WWWomen, Inc. All rights reserved.
This column can only be re-distributed with written
permission by
Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service or WWWomen, Inc.
Contributing Editor: Mary Bergner
© Copyright 1996-99. WWWomen, Inc.®. All Rights Reserved.
WWWomen is a registered trademark of the WWWomen company.