Can you help this reader out?  I recently received this email from a Wealth Pilgrim who is struggling in Asia:

I’m married and my spouse works. However she earns very little, basically just enough to get by for the both of us. Any additional expenses, ANY, basically will make us dip into our savings. We’re both just over 30 and have no children. We want kids soon since we’re getting close to that 35 range. So our plan is to have kids after I get a job. However it’s that first job that is the problem.

We moved overseas since we wanted a different lifestyle. Originally we were in an Asian country, aka China/Hong Kong/Taiwan/Korea/Japan. The environment wasn’t that great and it was rather polluted. Plus the lifestyle was starting to irritate us. We were basically living with her family. And yes, we could keep doing that but isn’t that great an idea since I would have no respect as a head of my household without income. So it would be the same problem, but easier to find a job since I have talents (native English) that would otherwise be difficult to get.

I’ve got a bachelors degree and also recently completed my MBA degree as well. However I feel my skills have gotten rusty from lack of recent use and that is a big source of concern for me. Most jobs seem to require tons of experience and I know that lots of people looking for work are already experienced as well.

Right now I’ve tried expanding my social circle by attending a church, Buddhist temple, meeting more people, and possibly subscribing to a gym. However doing these activities increases our burn rate even though the potential for finding work increases.

I’m currently unemployed and looking for work. I’m finding myself seriously depressed
and lethargic. Got any tips?

Regards,
Trying to be Un-Sad

What would you recommend to Un-Sad?

Personally, I had quite a few ideas:

1.    Recognize your strengths.

First, it takes a brave person to ask for help and I really admire that about Un-Sad.  He’s not trying to sugar-coat anything.  I like that.

Also, he is clearly well-educated and willing to take risks.  He moved overseas to a new country and a new culture.  That also takes guts if you ask me.  Recognizing your strengths is not a minor exercise.  It’s very important to understand that you are not powerless and you are not a victim.

2. Identify the problem.

I haven’t spoken to Un-Sad, but based on what I’ve read, it seems like he has two problems.  First, he’s lost his mojo. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of self-esteem at the moment.  The second problem is that he doesn’t have a job.  No job and no mojo is a deadly combination.

Fortunately, once Un-Sad finds work, I believe his self-confidence will soar.

3. Be honest.

I might be reading too much into his email, but it seems like he’s never really pursued a career that would make use of his education.  Travel seems to be more important.  There’s nothing wrong with that but I do think it’s important to be clear on it.

What are your priorities Un-Sad?  If travel is #1 – don’t be surprised when you find it tough to find work using your MBA.  (I say, if travel is the first priority, find any work you can.)

If pursuing a career is more important (because you and your wife want to start building a more permanent nest) then be honest about where you have the best chance at success and live there.  If it would be easier to pursue your career by returning to your home country, you should consider going home.

4.  Become Willing To Compromise

I’m sure it’s great to live in Asia.  There must be a ton of advantages.    But every choice you make has trade-offs.  Are you willing to pay the price for staying in Asia?  Are you willing to pay the price for going home?  Un-Sad, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.  What price are you willing to pay?  What price are you unwilling to pay?

5.  Once you are clear on your priorities, make a list of your marketable skills.

If you stay in Asia, your competitive edge includes being a master in the English language.  That should top your list.  If you move to Arizona, your MBA might top the list.  What are your marketable skills?

6. List all the employers that need the skills you provide.

This is where I would network with friends. Show your friends this list and ask them if they know of other firms that might need the skills you have.  I really wouldn’t join a gym specifically for the purpose of networking and I wouldn’t recommend trying to “work the crowd” at church either.  You’ll attract more people who really want to help you if you show up as your authentic self.

7.  Go get ‘em.

At this point, you are clear on your priorities, strengths and marketable skills.  You’ve identified your target market too.  Approach them.  I personally recommend a phone call followed by a letter followed by more phone calls to potential employers.  I would not recommend sending in blind resumes.  It’s a waste of time and money.

Get into action on this.  Do everything you can to find a job that supports your priorities.  If you still have no luck, it could be that you have to re-examine your priorities.  Here’s what I mean.

Suppose you stay in Asia and can’t find work.  Over time, the importance of staying in Asia will likely diminish while the importance of finding work will increase.  Be open to accepting that.

What say you?  Did I miss anything?  Do you think this is good advice for Un-Sad? Have you ever been in a similar situation?

Like this article? You will love getting my free brilliant financial updates! No spam, and I won't give your email address to any other person or company.That's a personal promise. Neal Frankle, Certified Financial Planner, Los Angeles, California

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