How to get overseas employment after 50

photo: Charles Buchanan, Kuwait 2006

Many workers over 50 find it hard to get a good paying job. There are opertunities for older workers however to start again, get a nest egg for retirement, have an adventure and make good money in overseas employment. Most of these jobs are on a US Government Contract. Some of these jobs require little experience. Older healthy employees make up the bulk of these employees, there is no age discrimination with these companies, in fact they like older employees for their maturity and stability.

Things You'll Need

• Be able to pass a criminal background check and a screening for outstanding wants and warrents.
• No bankruptcy actions pending.
• No back child support payments.
• No drug or alchahol problems.
• Good health.
• Be a US Citizen.

Instructions

1. 

   Determining Your Seriousness:
   If you decide to pursue overseas employment, make certain you are really ready go to work overseas, and I mean today, no maybes, no laters. These companies want a commitment when they call. When you fill out and submit your application, or submit a resume, do not be surprised if the company wants you to go on short notice. Starting your processing can take days or weeks, but you must be ready to go on their schedule.
   Most contracts are for six months, a year or a year renewable. Contracts are just that a contract for as long as there is work. Some jobs may last a short time others may last for years.
   Most overseas employment (except Department of Defense employees) work tax free up to $82,000.00 per year with certain restrictions. Check with the IRS.
   Expect long hours, harsh conditions, family separations, living in countries where goods and services are not up to US standards. Companies do usually have internet and/or telephone services to keep you in touch with your family. Many offer great medical. Most do not have retirement but may offer 401k to selected employees.

2. 

   What Does Overseas Employment Involve?
   Contracts vary, some will be regular 40 hour weeks, some are 84 hour weeks. The contract should specify if it is salary or hourly. What specifically are your duties. What country will you be in. What about housing, medical, transportation and working conditions should be specified. Will you live in a tent, a hotel, a house? Will you have to cook or will meals be provided. What are the security concerns.
   All these things should be asked about before you agree to a position.
   I have worked on contracts where I was salaried and worked 48 hours a week in Saudi Arabia. Had a nice trailer, my own driver and worked in an office. Still it was unaccompanied (no family members), there was nothing to do in the off times and communications with my family was bad (no internet, expensive phone calls, three week mail).
   Recently I worked in Kuwait, 84 hours weeks, 12 hours, 7 days a week, good money. Great benefits for me and my family. Nice room, bad food. The same job was offered in Iraq with a tent, better food and about 35% more money, but people do get killed there. I was safe in Kuwait (did three years.)
   I have also lived in a tent for three months with the same company, same long hours, same great pay, in Europe. Hardest part is being separated from your family. Always check on vacations, when, how long and who pays the travel!

3. 

   Applying:
   The hardest part of applying for these Expat jobs (expatriate) overseas is finding the companies that are hiring. Most have job listings on their web sites once you find who is who in the industry. Be advised, that although you might get hired if you lie about a criminal past, or having back child support payments due, these companies do check, as they are required by the government to do. I have seen employees dragged from a work site in handcuffs by the Federal Marshals in several countries. So be straight with these guys.
   Submit for the jobs you feel you "might" be qualified for. These companies get paid for filling "slots", often with the best candidates they can find not only the best "qualified". Obviously don't lie, but don't count yourself out for a job you can do, but have little experience. There is a lot of on the job training on a lot of these jobs.
   Companies like KBR (KBR.com), ITT International (www.ittsystems.com/), Dyncorp (www.dyncorprecruiting.com), Raytheon (www.rayjobs.com), CSA (csakuwait.com), etc... have positions in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Africa, Europe, South East Asian and Australia. See There are many more, you just need to search the net and network.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you sign your contract in the US and fall under the Longshoremen's Act, this gives you protection under US labor laws.

• Check on if you need a passport or the company will get you one (need an "ORIGINAL" copy of your birth certificate.

• You will need a bank account for direct deposit.

• Have good records of your medications and if possible get a 90 day refill before going overseas

• If possible have a Master Card or Visa for emergencies when overseas.

• Contractors normally fall under local laws when in a foreign country, do not take drugs without a prescription and DEFINITELY do not have illegal drugs or use them overseas!

• Ask lots of questions! Don't go overseas and find there are unacceptable clauses in your contract.

• Many of these positions are on military bases, you will be subject to searches of vehicles and personal items on a daily basis, be prepared for this! (you get used to it!)

• File your taxes, overseas employment, although often tax free, requires filing yearly with the IRS.

Resources

• KBR
• ITT
• Raytheon
• Dyncorp
• CSA
• AECOM / AGS