Reader Case Research: Dutch Welder Desires of Working Overseas

Jamie welding

Jamie lives within the Netherlands and just lately accomplished his diploma as an all-around building employee, with coaching in welding. He’s presently switching jobs to turn into a full-time welder and has two job provides he’d like our assist deciding between. Moreover, he and his girlfriend dream of residing and dealing overseas some day. Jamie misplaced his father when he was simply 13 and has been working and serving to his mom financially since then. At simply 21 years outdated, Jamie has extra perception, willpower and monetary savvy than most people twice his age. Be a part of me on a visit to the Netherlands as we assist Jamie chart a shiny future!

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Case Research handle monetary and life dilemmas that readers of Frugalwoods ship in requesting recommendation. Then, we (that’d be me and YOU, expensive reader) learn by means of their state of affairs and supply recommendation, encouragement, perception and suggestions within the feedback part.

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The Objective Of Reader Case Research

Reader Case Research spotlight a various vary of economic conditions, ages, ethnicities, areas, targets, careers, incomes, household compositions and extra!

The Case Research collection started in 2016 and, up to now, there’ve been 89 Case Research. I’ve featured people with annual incomes starting from $17k to $200k+ and web worths starting from -$300k to $2.9M+.

I’ve featured single, married, partnered, divorced, child-filled and child-free households. I’ve featured homosexual, straight, queer, bisexual and polyamorous individuals. I’ve featured girls, non-binary people and males. I’ve featured transgender and cisgender individuals. I’ve had cat individuals and canine individuals. I’ve featured people from the US, Australia, Canada, England, South Africa, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany and France. I’ve featured individuals with PhDs and folks with highschool diplomas. I’ve featured individuals of their early 20’s and folks of their late 60’s. I’ve featured people who stay on farms and folk who stay in New York Metropolis.

Reader Case Research Pointers

I in all probability don’t have to say the next since you people are the kindest, most well mannered commenters on the web, however please observe that Frugalwoods is a judgement-free zone the place we endeavor to assist each other, not condemn.

There’s no room for rudeness right here. The aim is to create a supportive atmosphere the place all of us acknowledge we’re human, we’re flawed, however we select to be right here collectively, workshopping our cash and our lives with optimistic, proactive recommendations and concepts.

A disclaimer that I’m not a skilled monetary skilled and I encourage individuals to not make critical monetary choices primarily based solely on what one particular person on the web advises. 

I encourage everybody to do their very own analysis to find out one of the best plan of action for his or her funds. I’m not a monetary advisor and I’m not your monetary advisor.

With that I’ll let Jamie, right now’s Case Research topic, take it from right here!

Jamie’s Story

Jamie and his girlfriend

Hiya, Frugalwoods! My title is Jamie, I’m 21 years outdated and I stay within the Netherlands. I simply completed my MBO 3 diploma as an all-around building employee, with coaching in welding and am presently switching jobs to turn into a full-time welder. My girlfriend, Rosalyn, 22 years outdated, works as an accountant and lives within the Philippines (Iloilo). I met her on-line through an app that was meant to speak with individuals and make mates, however we wished extra then that. In June of this yr I flew to the Philippines (first time flying!) and met her in particular person. We actually hit it off and stay up for probably transferring overseas collectively. I don’t personal any pets and don’t have kids.

I discovered about FIRE from my good friend Jay. She’s given me suggestions and proven me numerous stuff I did mistaken. I’ve modified these issues for probably the most half, however there’s nonetheless quite a bit to study.

What feels most urgent proper now? What brings you to submit a Case Research?

I’ve an issue in relation to my household. My household is poor they usually usually ask to borrow cash, which I’ve to combat to get again. I’m engaged on this and am getting higher at saying “no.” My household has been utilizing me as a free taxi driver, private handywoman, interest-free financial institution, and many others. The quantity of debt my members of the family owe me totals €47,495.

I even have a concern of spending cash. I began working once I was 13 as my father handed away again then, and my mom made nowhere close to sufficient cash to outlive. After college, on weekends and holidays, I went to work. There have been a pair occasions we had been nearly homeless, however I managed to pay our payments on time. That is what makes me have a concern of spending. I don’t ever wish to return to these occasions and I don’t need my potential future household to ever expertise this. However I don’t remorse my previous as a result of these experiences made me the hard-working particular person I’m right now.

I additionally wish to transfer away from the Netherlands ultimately, in all probability by working overseas in different nations. What I hope to get from this Case Research are some helpful suggestions so I can ultimately obtain my targets.

What is also urgent presently is selecting my profession path. As of now, I’m fascinated by taking a brand new job for 1 to 2 years to economize and hopefully be paid again by my household earlier than transferring overseas.

I presently have two job provides to contemplate:

Jamie welding

1) a higher-paid, common welding job.

2) a lower-paid welding job, however one the place I’d study pipe welding.

This second job would require me to remain longer, or pay again the price of education if I didn’t stay with the corporate after ending their courses. Pipe welding has the potential to pay much more afterward, however I additionally suppose it’s one thing that may be discovered on the job, since I already know common welding.

I do wish to journey overseas ultimately, for the journey, and simply to find out about totally different individuals and locations and see if some place else is a greater match for me than the Netherlands.

Does anybody have recommendations on the place to go overseas to work as a welder?

I ultimately wish to work overseas for 1 to 2 years, after which resolve to both keep, transfer ahead to a unique nation and see if that’s a greater match, or return to the Netherlands. Does anybody have recommendation about this?

What’s one of the best a part of your present way of life/routine?

I like the sector I’m in, however not a lot my final job. I even have numerous aspect jobs that are okay too, akin to: watching pets/kids, serving to renovate homes, engaged on again/front-yards, taxi driving, and many others. These aspect jobs aren’t official, and I don’t cost a lot for them, as they’re both simple jobs or jobs I study from, which ultimately will probably be helpful once I stay by myself.

I nonetheless stay with my mom to economize, however, I’ve helped her financially since my father handed away once I was age 13 (I’ve lent her €38,245 in whole).

The place Jamie Needs to be in Ten Years:

Funds:

Way of life:

• I would like to have the ability to journey the world and never have to fret about funds on a regular basis.

Profession:

• I’m enthusiastic about ultimately having my very own welding office or store, and probably rental properties.

Jamie’s Funds

Observe: all quantities are listed in Euros (€). As of this writing, €1 = $1.05 US {Dollars}.

Revenue

Observe: I additionally usually earn €500-€1,500 monthly from my aspect jobs, however I didn’t embody that within the whole because it’s variable.

Money owed: None

Belongings

Automobiles

Bills

My bills are a bit uncommon as a result of I stay with my mom and she or he pays for my meals, housing and utilities. In change, I assist her round the home, repair her automobile and do different odd jobs for her. I’ve additionally lent her €38,245 to assist her out over time.

Credit score Playing cards: none

Jamie’s Questions for You:

1) I’ve a tough resolution forward as I’ve to decide on between 2 jobs:

• At job #1 I’d be a welder, at a better pay, however I wouldn’t discover ways to weld pipes. I’m undecided, however I feel if I wish to weld aboard I’ll want pipe welding expertise and I don’t know if a future employer can be prepared to show me. However this job does pay higher and I wouldn’t be connected to a faculty. Plus, I’d discover ways to MIG weld at this job, which is a profit as I feel numerous employers count on a welder to have the ability to do each TIG and MIG welding.
• Job #2 would give me the chance to study TIG pipe welding (I can TIG weld, I simply don’t have expertise with pipes but) however I’d additionally have to go to highschool as soon as per week, which this firm would pay for. Nevertheless, since I don’t plan on staying for years at this firm right here within the Netherlands, I’d ultimately need to pay all of it again. In order that’s a little bit of a unfavourable about this job.
• Which ought to I select?

2) I would love recommendations on the right way to higher my monetary state of affairs.

• And, if I’m doing one thing mistaken, what ought to I modify?

3) I wish to work overseas as welder–anyplace on this planet the place they want a welder.

• Does anybody have recommendation on the right way to get began?

Liz Frugalwoods’ Suggestions

Jamie welding door handles for a battleship. (I welded the “panic room doorways” for these ships, which I used to be happy with to have that as my first mission on my title with 5 certificates)

Jamie, you’re doing fabulously effectively for being solely 21 years outdated! I definitely wasn’t this financially organized at 21 and I feel many of the readers will concur!! I commend you for desirous to plan on your future at such a younger age.

It’s best to really feel very proud that you simply’re taking these accountable, proactive steps. The monetary selections we make as younger adults can have a profound influence on our longterm monetary well being and general web value, so it’s VERY thrilling to work somebody proper initially of maturity!

Jamie’s Query #1: I’ve a tough resolution forward as I’ve to decide on between 2 jobs.

It is a nice drawback to have!! When you’ve clearly outlined the professionals and cons of every job, the selection is fairly clear in my view: Job #2 the place you’d study TIG pipe welding.

I’m (clearly) not a welder, however my husband is an beginner welder and he weighed in along with his welding-related opinions:

“Completely take the job in TIG pipe welding as that’s a talent that’s at all times going to be in demand. Plus it’s nearly at all times worthwhile to get further coaching while you’re younger. Keep at this job throughout the coaching program and get good at it. Study every little thing you may and get as many certifications as doable out of your employer. It’s a tremendous reward to obtain coaching paid for by your employer.

TIG pipe welding is a real artwork type and a specialised talent that individuals can pay quite a bit for. You’re younger and energetic, so get good in any respect the bizarre physique positions you will be put in whereas pipe welding (above your head, round a bend, and many others). There are millions of miles of piping on this planet that should be welded by a proficient TIG pipe welder. Anyplace the place there’s industrial exercise, there’s a necessity for extremely expert TIG pipe welders. Understanding TIG pipe welding ought to open up worldwide jobs for you.

One factor to remember is that welding will be on a growth/bust cycle as a result of the most important shoppers of pipe welding are associated to grease and gasoline. When oil and gasoline are booming, there’s a ton of cash to be made. After they’re crashing, the job market is tighter. Provided that, the extra trainings and certifications you’ve got, the extra employable you’ll be.”

Thanks, Mr. Frugalwoods!

my last college examination mission, my instructor was amazed how effectively it turned out as it’s totally handcrafted

Okay, so he’s very emphatically in favor of you studying TIG pipe welding. I then requested him about the truth that the opposite job would train you MIG and he replied:

“Should you’re a great TIG welder, MIG could be very simple to choose up. TIG welding is rather more sophisticated and greatest discovered from knowledgeable. Alternatively, you should purchase an inexpensive MIG welder and train your self MIG at house.”

Past the TIG versus MIG dialog occurring up there, listed here are my ideas on why you need to take the pipe welding job:

1. Getting all of the certifications you may whereas younger is SO SMART. I’ll let you know from expertise that life usually solely will get busier and extra sophisticated as you grow old. Do it when you’re YOUNG and unencumbered!!!!
2. Having your employer pay for this coaching is implausible. Make the most of this reward!
3. It can look excellent to any future employer that you simply stayed at this job for awhile. Future employers wish to see that you simply persist with a job and don’t depart it after a brief time frame.
4. Taking this job gives you time to avoid wasting more cash and do extra analysis on the place you would possibly prefer to/be capable of work and stay overseas. Additionally, in case your relationship along with your girlfriend progresses and turns into extra critical, it’ll be good to take her opinions under consideration as to the place you would possibly transfer. Working this job for just a few years gives you the time to discover all of those totally different choices and concepts.

Jamie’s Query #2: I would love recommendations on the right way to higher my monetary state of affairs.

You’re beginning out from a place of power and so most of my suggestions are to easily proceed in your present path! At this level in your life, my recommendation is to:

my girlfriend and I strolling on the seaside in Iloilo

1) Earn more cash:

• You’re already within the strategy of doing this, in order that’s nice!
• All you are able to do right here is figure arduous, get extra certifications and proceed to advance.

2) Cease lending cash to your loved ones members:

• It is a difficult problem and also you’ve already articulated that you simply’re getting higher at saying “no,” which I feel is smart.
• Sadly, you might not ever be paid again by your family and you will have to let this cash go. It’s not your fault as you had been making an attempt to be a useful, caring particular person; however, it’s very doable they received’t ever pay you again.
• Going ahead, I feel it’ll be helpful so that you can give you some techniques/methods for shielding your self from these requests.
• Should you do resolve to lend cash sooner or later, I encourage you to think about it as a present reasonably than a mortgage. It is extremely arduous to recoup private, casual loans and so, you probably have the monetary means and want to present cash to a relative, maybe re-framing it as a present would make it extra psychologically tenable for you.

I made this for my mom’s birthday reward

3) Contemplate seeing a therapist to assist heal your previous monetary trauma:

• I strongly advocate you take into account going to remedy. I say this as a result of a therapist might allow you to decide how to reply to requests for cash from your loved ones and in addition provide you with coping methods for therapeutic your previous monetary traumas.
• You’re so younger and will probably be in such an exquisite place afterward should you cope with the feelings and trauma round these points sooner reasonably than later.
• You can also make no higher funding in your self than in your psychological well being! 
• Know that monetary trauma is an actual factor many individuals undergo from and it’s not your fault.
• You talked about you’ve got a concern of spending cash, which is one other factor a therapist might allow you to unpack.
• Moreover, the extremely difficult circumstance of supporting your mom after the loss of life of your father makes me suppose a therapist can be a really useful useful resource for you going ahead.
• I’ve been to remedy quite a few totally different occasions and I at all times emerge feeling higher!

4) Decide an exit plan out of your mom’s house/monetary assist:

• You two are very reliant upon each other financially and, as you propose to maneuver overseas, you’ll have to work together with her on the right way to separate yourselves.
• As you famous, your residing bills are very low because of her assist and she or he is equally supported by the cash you’ve lent her over time.
• Except your longterm plan is to have your mom transfer overseas with you, now could be the time to begin speaking together with her about how she’ll cope with out you–and vice versa.

Asset Overview

Let’s check out the place Jamie’s cash is correct now.

Money: $8,077

On the seaside with my girlfriend

Because it stands, this can be a sturdy emergency fund. Nevertheless, it’s vital to do not forget that your residing bills are artificially low. When you’re residing by yourself, your bills will improve fairly a bit and so that you’ll want to make sure you’re sustaining your emergency fund financial savings when you’re paying on your personal hire, utilities, meals, and many others.

Investments: $5,471

Whereas it’s superior that you simply’re invested available in the market, maintain retirement investing in thoughts too! I’m wholly unfamiliar with retirement plans within the Netherlands, however, that is one thing you wish to begin doing as quickly as doable. The sooner you start saving on your retirement, the higher off you’ll be in the long term.

I do know it’s arduous to consider retirement while you’re simply beginning your profession, however your older self will thanks! Discover the retirement account choices provided by your employer and/or the federal government and decide what’s going to take advantage of sense so that you can start contributing to. My suggestion is to plug into on-line FIRE communities within the Netherlands to get their recommendation. One place to begin is the Mr. Cash Mustache discussion board sub-group Dutch Mustachians.

Wanting Forward

You’re doing every little thing you may at current; however, you need to maintain the next pointers in thoughts for the long run, as your earnings–and your bills–improve:

1. At all times maintain an emergency fund of three to 6 months’ value of your spending:
   • That is your buffer in opposition to debt and it’s an crucial a part of everybody’s monetary well being.
   • Your emergency fund needs to be saved in an easily-accessible account, akin to a checking or high-interest financial savings account. It shouldn’t be tied up in illiquid belongings, akin to homes/vehicles/vintage china OR the inventory market.
   • It’s best to be capable of withdraw the funds instantly and at any time. That’s why it’s known as an “emergency fund”–it’s there to make emergencies simpler.
   • A part of this train is to at all times make sure you’re money flowing your bills each month and never spending greater than you earn.
   • Make sure that this stays on observe as your earnings and bills improve.
2. 

   My bicycle: how I get in all places

   Make investments for retirement:

   • As famous above, it’s vital to maintain this prime of thoughts and to prioritize it forward of different funding automobiles.
3. Stay debt-free:
   • You’re off to a implausible, debt-free begin–purpose to maintain it that manner!
4. Optionally available: Discover different funding choices:
   • Should you’ve accomplished steps 1-3 and are prepared for extra, you can begin researching the world of funding choices.
5. Ongoing: Rebalance, check-in, scan for brand new funding alternatives:
   • Put your self on a schedule of checking in on the entire above:
     • Is your emergency fund staying in keeping with your spending?
     • Are you continue to on observe for retirement?
     • Have any money owed cropped up that should be paid down?
   • Whereas it’s a linear checklist, it’s additionally one it’s worthwhile to regularly loop by means of as a result of life occurs and issues change.
   • Because you’re already invested within the inventory market, you’ll wish to rebalance your portfolio regularly and make sure that your investments match your plans, your age, and your private threat tolerance.

Jamie’s Query #3. I wish to work overseas as welder–anyplace on this planet the place they want a welder.

I’m no welder, however right here’s my common recommendation:

Welding helmet selfie

1) Make your self fascinating to future employers:

• Study as a lot as you may at your subsequent job.
• Safe all of the certifications and attend all of the trainings you probably can.
• Be an superior worker to make sure you obtain nice suggestions.
• The extra skilled you’re, the simpler it’ll be so that you can discover a job overseas.

2) Decide if will probably be best to stay throughout the EU:

• I’ve to think about this would be the case. In mild of that, ought to EU member states be the start line on your analysis?
• Should you’re prepared to go outdoors of the EU, take into account what components of the world enchantment to you:
  • What climates do you take pleasure in?
  • Do you wish to be city or rural?
  • Do you wish to be someplace with public transit?
  • What languages do you communicate?
  • What meals/recreation/tradition do you take pleasure in?
  • How lengthy of a flight house are you prepared to tolerate?

3) Analysis, analysis, analysis:

• Ask your welding colleagues for recommendation, learn on-line welding boards, and analysis the place you’d be capable of get a piece visa.
• Are there international corporations you may work for who would ship you to totally different components of the world for numerous totally different jobs?
  • If an employer is managing your visa paperwork, it’ll be quite a bit simpler on you.
  • Alternatively, you’ll have much less management over the place you go.

4) Take your time these subsequent few years to immerse your self in studying:

• Study as many various kinds of welding as you may
• Study as a lot as you may about the place you’ll be capable of get a job overseas

Abstract:

1. 

   Flying to see my girlfriend

   Contemplate taking Job #2 to be able to study the talent of TIG pipe welding at your employer’s expense.

2. Work with a therapist to:
   1. Set agency boundaries with family asking you for cash and free labor.
   2. Heal the previous monetary and emotional traumas of your father’s loss of life and your subsequent function as supplier on your mom.
   3. Set up a wholesome relationship with cash and spending.
3. Onerous as it’s, know that your family could by no means pay you again:
   • Should you resolve to lend cash to anybody sooner or later, take into account it a present, not a mortgage.
4. Proceed saving cash as you’ve got been and monitor your account balances as your earnings and bills improve.
5. Analysis retirement account choices and start saving on your retirement now.
6. Start to speak along with your mom about how she’ll cope while you transfer overseas.
   • Begin making a plan together with her now in order that it’s not a shock while you do ultimately depart.
7. Begin researching the place you is perhaps prepared/capable of work overseas.
8. Really feel assured and completely happy that you simply’ve put your self in a FANTASTIC and enviable monetary place! You’re going to do nice!

Okay Frugalwoods nation, what recommendation do you’ve got for Jamie? We’ll each reply to feedback, so please be happy to ask questions!

Would you want your individual Case Research to seem right here on Frugalwoods? Apply to be an on-the-blog Case Research topic right here. Rent me for a personal monetary session right here. Schedule an hourlong name with me right here, refer a good friend to me right here, or electronic mail me with questions (liz@frugalwoods.com).

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❤️ The dearth of neighborhood and assist you are feeling in your monetary journey.
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👎 Undesirable monetary routines/expectations you’ve arrange along with your children and wish to change.
😬 Disgrace and guilt over not taking cost of your monetary life sooner.
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