BenAnyan.com

I got my first expat offer in 2019. They offered $10k to become Exec Creative Director in a major agency in Kenya. In contemplating my career, I always knew a day like that would come but when it did, I wasn’t ready.

Staring at the email, reality dawned on me. Saying yes would mean being separated from family and my princess was only a few months old. I…I just couldn’t.

So yes, I know being an expat isn’t easy.

Also, some of my closest friends are expats. Working in and with international companies means you get to face-time with the brightest minds from around the world and I’ll always be grateful for how this cross-fertilization has enriched my world view. Where it starts to suck is when companies make vastly different offers for the same role depending on if a person is an expat or not. 

When companies pay rent allowances the size of two locals’ salaries, surely it cant be because the expat is more loved, but could it be because he is more valued and respected? Because if that’s the case and there’s a local killing it as much, isn’t it unethical to have him on a much lower comp package?

Why should where you found the talent matter so much? Isn’t geography circumstantial? The worst part is when a local gets hired to perform a role previously held by an expat and gets paid less. If the package has existed for a while without affecting the company badly, why should it be marked down when a local assumes the role? 

It’s wrong! 

What Should Locals Do?

• Know your worth!

If you don’t, you’ll stutter mentioning a figure that’s actually less than what the role comes with.

Don’t settle for less thinking you’re being done a favor. Understand what you’re bringing to the table and make a business case for it. It’s not greed, it’s fair.

• Arm yourself with knowledge

You have to be resourceful. Find out useful things; how much is the client paying for your time? How much are your expat colleagues earning? How much value are you providing to your company? What’s your boss’s salary range? What’s your company’s pay structure/disparity? You have to know these things; there are ways…

• Play the game!

Don’t be bitter or angry and most of all, don’t hate on the expat or management. You wont win when you’re emotional.

 Become indispensable to your client. Be the basis of positive reviews your company gets and be tactful with your internal PR. Then finally get the timing right with letting your requests known without having your motives misconstrued.

 It will be tough as you swim against the tide. You’ll be pushing against age-old policies, but if you’re playing it right. You’ll win…one way or the other, sooner than later.

Lastly, if your company is guilty of this injustice and you have the influence to change this or start a dialogue on it, please do.

PS: Originally published @ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/expat-so-what-benjamin-anyan/

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