Senior manager in UK - should I take on any roles here?

[sunshine]

Hi all,

I've been in senior manager roles in MNCs in the UK and am now in Perth looking for a job. I've been told by a few people (including Hays who I met) to be open to any level of roles, including entry level - just wondering if it's a wise decision to do that until a senior role comes along, or will I be slotting myself and have to start all over again? Any advice will be appreciated.

Many thanks.

[portlaunay]

Welcome to PP.

 

I suppose the answer depends entirely upon your circumstances. If you can hold out for that ideal role then why not? Of course, the longer you're out of work the longer it might take to get back in but have you looked at consulting roles in the meantime or some kind of retraining or diversification?

 

If you don't have the freedom to do this then take what comes along, enjoy an easy life and once you have something of a proven track record it surely won't take long to work your way up?

[StraighttothePoint]

As an employer in Perth, who has interviewed many people in the same position as you, we know the signs and what to look for during these types of discussions. If we have a position, and take somebody on, who is "dropping" down the leagues we know that in most cases, not all, but most that the people are only in it for the short haul. It then makes it very difficult for us to offer them the job because of the difficulties we face when the person leaves suddenly for either a better paid job or for something thats suits them more personally. The point is that experienced employers in Perth all know the situation with new incomers. This is probably why so many ask for WA experience as it ensures that they do not get caught out.

 

We have experience of both people who we know that have either sat tight until the type of position, and associated salary, they want has come along and also ones who have gone in slightly below what they have been looking for and have been prepared to wait and develop. A lot of this comes down to cash, your personal situation and style and family resposibilities. If you are here cashed up, or your partner has work, then you could take the view that it is worth waiting for the right job or if you come here without planning for that long wait then you may need to try and get something that pays. Problem is now that with so much getting cut back are the senior roles still there and paying the higher salaries? Not sure in your case as you do not mention the sector you are operating in. For example we are in ICT Consultancy and Change Management as we know that things are about to get a lot tougher after several really good years.

 

If it was me now I think I would look at it all from a lifestyle perspective. Perth is a city to live in and enjoy. Is it reknowned for helping everyone coming here in their career development? Probably not so consider that and maybe, if you can, come here and try a different approach? Not sure but all worth considering.

[sunshine]

Thanks for your prompt response and advice portlaunay and straighttothepoint, helpful and much appreciated. I've definitely got to think this through, especially the points you've covered straighttothepoint. Thanks both.

Edited January 19, 2014 by sunshine

[odies]

super answer STTP ,something all of us can take on board

[chazhug]

Sorry to jump on the bandwagon, but i'm in a similar situation. Having holidayed and got married in Perth last year, me and the family are thinking seriously of moving over for around about a 12 month period (at the minute). I currently work as a construction site manager for a main contractor and have done so for the last 11 years, so was wondering whether a similar role is easy to come by and whether me only wanting to stay for a realtively short period of time would be of any interest to large contractors? If so that would be great, but then what route do i need to take to get there - would sponsorship be an option or is the visa route more realistic?