Contract location decisions.

[luckykaa]

So, I have two offers on the table.

TomTom. Based in Amsterdam. A decent rate. Slightly less than what I was getting in Belgium but probably slightly cheaper to live there.

A company that does tools for oil drilling, doing visualisation stuff. Based in Stavanger, Norway. Slightly higher but a very expensive country.

So now I have to make a decision. This is tricky because I've always been a very indecisive person.

I've always had a conceptual fondness for Scandinavia. I like clean and efficient. The work for eDrilling sounds like it's more interesting. The area generally seems pretty geeky and so probably a good fit for me. The problem is, Stavanger is rather small. If it was Oslo (or Stockholm or Copenhagen for that matter) it wouldn't be a problem. Amsterdam I know is a major European city with good links to everywhere, a substantial expat community, and lots of things going on. I'm a little worried I might get bored in Stavanger. More to the point I know nothing about the place. It's a much more scary option.

One friend, who does know me exceptionally well, assures me that it's worth it for a six month contract, and feels that I'd probably do well there. On the other hand, he's half Norwegian so I don't trust his objectivity. My brother would prefer me to go to Amsterdam, but I think his reasons are more because he wants an excuse to visit. Not really a good reason to take that job.

Stavanger seems to be winning. I'm just paranoid I may be choosing the wrong one.

Comments

[cath-er-ine.livejournal.com]

Just the name Stavanger gives me butterflies (the good kind)! I agree that for only 6 months it's less of a risk in terms of being bored while stuck there. However, if you have a clear preference for the type of work you'd be doing in Amsterdam surely that is the most important factor? How certain are you that you'd prefer the work in Amsterdam?

[aeron-lanart.livejournal.com]

I have a couple of friends in Stavanger, one is an ex-pat and the other is Norwegian. Do you want me to pm you their names in case you want to contact them? They both know me from here, though Norwegian friend knows me from elsewhere too as Ally. LJ only friend is a great believer in the power of fandom - I put them both in touch with each other before my ex-pat mate moved out there.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!

[luckykaa.livejournal.com]

So I take it you're Ally Gothgerbil.

If you could give me their names, and let them know I'm not a crazy stalker person I'd be ever so grateful.

[aeron-lanart.livejournal.com]

Yup, Ally Gothgerbil is con-going me. This is fanfic-writing me (and also hiding from facebook me). Pretty much more of the same... I shall drop them both a line (and give you their names) and you can see what you think.

Come to think of it, I think they're both on FB. Duh. Sometimes my lack of brain annoys me, but I blame night shifts for that. Watch out for a message *somewhere* anyway.

[omylouse.livejournal.com]

I agree, 6 months you'll be fine. Worst case scenario internet, books & DVDs will get you through most of that!

Norway souds more interesting to me & it sounds like you'd enjoy the work more.

Other thing to consider is if TomTom are offering a longer contract woud that be better as would let you be more settled? Not that you're having a problem finding work!

[luckykaa.livejournal.com]

My other concern is that I want all my stuff back. I have a storage locker loaded with all my books, DVDs, electronics, and a washer dryer. I could get it shipped to Amsterdam without difficulty. I know a guy:) I think Norway would be a little too expensive to ship everything to.

[omylouse.livejournal.com]

*nods* Having bounced so much between tempoary accommodation I know the feeling well.
Again 6 months more you should be ok, although if you want to settle maybe go for the longest contract?

[emmzzi.livejournal.com]

you're not choosing for life, you're choosing fr six months

flip a coin

[luckykaa.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know. I'm a worrier. Can't really help it.

[the-smut-fairy.livejournal.com]

Yeah, what emmzzi said. Including the bit about the coin.

[ghostpaw.livejournal.com]

Thirded. The nice thing about flipping a coin is that it suddenly sharpens the focus on what you really want - when you get the heads-up, do you cheer to yourself, or does your stomach sink? (incidentally, if it does the latter, trust your gut)

The worst that happens is your stuck somewhere a bit boring for six months. That's no time at all.

[omylouse.livejournal.com]

Agreed - almost everytime I flip a coin I choose he opposite decision!