KEY POINTS:
Telecom's high-earning new chief executive Paul Reynolds made the headlines recently for his generous remuneration package.
One particular perk was the company's commitment to pay annually for 10 return business-class flights to the UK for Reynolds and his family.
On a lesser scale, a secondment overseas to an exotic city can be a great career opportunity and a trip or two home is usually included as a sweetener. For those with a family, many will use the option to commute, returning home to New Zealand once a month to reconnect with the kids.
Adrian Dale, a senior HR consultant took a contract in Shanghai, with the idea of coming home to see his family regularly. There was a possibility that his wife and three children would join him in Shanghai if he enjoyed the job, so he took a large apartment in the French Concession area complete with a piano, for his daughter, paid for by the company.
But as many find with a demanding overseas assignment, he didn't make it home as much as he had planned. Working for a US company, he had conference calls at the beginning of the day and at nine in the evening. Then there were evening functions which he had to attend to try and integrate into the business community of the city.
The infrequent weekends he had back in New Zealand were not long enough to get back into family life and working seven days a week in Shanghai as he was, travelling back to New Zealand for short stints was tiring. He lasted six months and although it was interesting career-wise, it took its toll personally.
"At the end of the day it was not the right time or the right place," says Dale, happily settled back in Auckland.
Of course, an overseas post can be a way of advancing your career.
If a short-term overseas posting comes your way, there are certain things your company should consider to help ease the way.
Asking for the firm to pay for your family to come and visit is something people can ask for, says Richard Manthel, managing director of recruitment consultancy Robert Walters. An extra week or two of holiday is another perk that can be negotiated.
"A good employer is going to recognise that if you fly up there you will be leaving on a Sunday night. They should recognise there should be time in lieu. You should definitely have a discussion with your company about this," says Manthel.
"People see this as quite a glamorous assignment, but in a lot of cases for people who have families, it's a hardship."
- Detours, HoS
