Moving to Malta
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Ok, this is the situation. I’m 38 years old, I’m married and have a 3 years old son and working in the IT for long, long time.:) The last 6 years I am working for a small Dutch software house (2 owners and 20 employees). We mostly write custom made logistics software for all kind of companies. For development we use C++ with a database. What more do you need for that kind of programs anyway? 2 weeks ago the owners decided, mainly for tax reasons, to open a new office at Malta. As most of the decisions made here, they became fast and unsuspected. We have to start there December 1. Only two of us could go there. And yes, I’m one of the lucky. At first I was very happy about it, but now I’m not so certain anymore. My hart say yes, me mind say no. (Sleepless nights) There are certain risks. - What if the owners decided to stop with the company. - Does my family like it there? And I'm sure there are more. So, what will you do? Anybody has done that, and wants to share some information? Maybe a CPian from Malta, who want to tell me the pro and cons.
Hello Rene, I work as a C++ programmer in Malta. Have been doing it for 5 years now. Malta is a beautiful place, plenty of sun and loads of fun. Moving to any country needs a lot of thought and Malta is no exception. Things work differently here than you might expect. This is a very strange country - especially for foreigners. Theres nothing wrong with it - its just different (like many other countries of course). Because of this, you must carefully consider many factors, such as job security, child education, cost of living, work permit, climate, taxes and so on. Also consider the fact that Malta might be going through some changes now since we are canditates to enter the EU, so you should also see how that will affect you, if it happens. You said that you are worried about your family's happiness in Malta. The best advice I can give you is to bring them here on holiday before commiting them to the move. Malta is not fun unless your familiy is happy. Hope that helps!! James Drinking In The Sun Forgot Password?
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Hmmm… Kind of hard decision. Some key questions before the decision: What would you do there? IIRC, Malta is a nice place to live. But what about a programmer’s life would be like in Malta? If you lose this job, which one will be the next? Do you have some savings so you can afford both moving to Malta and becoming unemployed for, say, 1 year? 2 years? And your kids? How far from your family they will be on Malta? Will they miss their grandpas, grandmas? I don’t know where you live now, but Malta can be a nice place for a kid to live. Probably you’ll be glad to be far from your mother-in-law, but what about your wife? In Brazil we normally say that the secret for a happy marriage is: you should live not so far from your mother-in-law that she needs to bring luggage and not so close that she can come wearing slippers. "In an organization, each person rises to the level of his own incompetence." Peter's Principle
Daniel Turini wrote: What would you do there? IIRC, Malta is a nice place to live. But what about a programmer’s life would be like in Malta? I will have the same job there than I have here. Programming. Daniel Turini wrote: Do you have some savings so you can afford both moving to Malta and becoming unemployed for, say, 1 year? 2 years? If I don’t like it there I can come back. That’s not really a problem. Daniel Turini wrote: Probably you’ll be glad to be far from your mother-in-law, but what about your wife? My wife is from the Philippines so I don't have a real mother-in-law problem anyway:-D It is not so funny for my parents, sure they will miss there grandsun. But a flight Netherlands - Malta is only 3 hours
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I would move there and see if i liked it, if not i just move home again. And if the company stops, is it that much difference if you are where you are now or in Malta? /Magnus
- I don't necessarily agree with everything I say
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Ok, this is the situation. I’m 38 years old, I’m married and have a 3 years old son and working in the IT for long, long time.:) The last 6 years I am working for a small Dutch software house (2 owners and 20 employees). We mostly write custom made logistics software for all kind of companies. For development we use C++ with a database. What more do you need for that kind of programs anyway? 2 weeks ago the owners decided, mainly for tax reasons, to open a new office at Malta. As most of the decisions made here, they became fast and unsuspected. We have to start there December 1. Only two of us could go there. And yes, I’m one of the lucky. At first I was very happy about it, but now I’m not so certain anymore. My hart say yes, me mind say no. (Sleepless nights) There are certain risks. - What if the owners decided to stop with the company. - Does my family like it there? And I'm sure there are more. So, what will you do? Anybody has done that, and wants to share some information? Maybe a CPian from Malta, who want to tell me the pro and cons.
Rene D wrote: I’m 38 years old, Are you that OLD Rene D wrote: 2 weeks ago the owners decided, mainly for tax reasons, to open a new office at Malta. As most of the decisions made here, they became fast and unsuspected. We have to start there December 1. That's a NICE country, I've been THERE on holiday. Rene D wrote: - What if the owners decided to stop with the company. You could go BACK to the netherlands or FIND another JOB there. Rene D wrote: - Does my family like it there? The WEATHER is NICE. :zzz::eek::(( **Le Ridder Noir
Considderd to be the worlds fastest knoppenbonker.
one year of working experience with the worlds fastest copie paster(about 2000 lines a minute).
And experience with the one and only NewEra Guru and Crystal Ace.** -
Hello Rene, I work as a C++ programmer in Malta. Have been doing it for 5 years now. Malta is a beautiful place, plenty of sun and loads of fun. Moving to any country needs a lot of thought and Malta is no exception. Things work differently here than you might expect. This is a very strange country - especially for foreigners. Theres nothing wrong with it - its just different (like many other countries of course). Because of this, you must carefully consider many factors, such as job security, child education, cost of living, work permit, climate, taxes and so on. Also consider the fact that Malta might be going through some changes now since we are canditates to enter the EU, so you should also see how that will affect you, if it happens. You said that you are worried about your family's happiness in Malta. The best advice I can give you is to bring them here on holiday before commiting them to the move. Malta is not fun unless your familiy is happy. Hope that helps!! James Drinking In The Sun Forgot Password?
Hi James, I have travelled enough to know that’s the most countries are different and that paradise not exists. So I make no illusions about that. Can you give some more information for the cost of living? Taxes? House rent prises? Child education? – what will cost a international school? Or can my son to a ‘normal’ school. Is everything in English or must he learn Maltese. And most important what is the cost of beer and cigarettes. What do you think, will Malta join the EU? Thanks Rene
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Rene D wrote: I’m 38 years old, Are you that OLD Rene D wrote: 2 weeks ago the owners decided, mainly for tax reasons, to open a new office at Malta. As most of the decisions made here, they became fast and unsuspected. We have to start there December 1. That's a NICE country, I've been THERE on holiday. Rene D wrote: - What if the owners decided to stop with the company. You could go BACK to the netherlands or FIND another JOB there. Rene D wrote: - Does my family like it there? The WEATHER is NICE. :zzz::eek::(( **Le Ridder Noir
Considderd to be the worlds fastest knoppenbonker.
one year of working experience with the worlds fastest copie paster(about 2000 lines a minute).
And experience with the one and only NewEra Guru and Crystal Ace.** -
_Magnus_ wrote: And if the company stops, is it that much difference if you are where you are now or in Malta? That’s true. But now I’m living in Netherlands the land with high taxes and social securities. ;)
Rene D wrote: _Magnus_ wrote: And if the company stops, is it that much difference if you are where you are now or in Malta? That’s true. But now I’m living in Netherlands the land with high taxes and social securities Yes, i meant that if the company stops and you move home, or if the company stops and you already are home, there is not that much difference. :) /Magnus
- I don't necessarily agree with everything I say
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Daniel Turini wrote: What would you do there? IIRC, Malta is a nice place to live. But what about a programmer’s life would be like in Malta? I will have the same job there than I have here. Programming. Daniel Turini wrote: Do you have some savings so you can afford both moving to Malta and becoming unemployed for, say, 1 year? 2 years? If I don’t like it there I can come back. That’s not really a problem. Daniel Turini wrote: Probably you’ll be glad to be far from your mother-in-law, but what about your wife? My wife is from the Philippines so I don't have a real mother-in-law problem anyway:-D It is not so funny for my parents, sure they will miss there grandsun. But a flight Netherlands - Malta is only 3 hours
So, what are you waiting for ?! Pack your bags, and don't forget sunblock lotion! Have a nice :beer: "In an organization, each person rises to the level of his own incompetence." Peter's Principle
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Yes, I look like a young god. But I'm really that old. You haven't told me that you been there on holiday. Don't you have anything better to do than posting on CP. ;P See you, (Maybe) Rene
Rene D wrote: Yes, I look like a young god. But I'm really that old. I thought you were much younger, because you realy look like a young god Rene D wrote: You haven't told me that you been there on holiday. Yes I told you, but you never listen to me Rene D wrote: Don't you have anything better to do than posting on CP. I also BONK and compile(20 minutes):zzz: **Le Ridder Noir
Considderd to be the worlds fastest knoppenbonker.
one year of working experience with the worlds fastest copie paster(about 2000 lines a minute).
And experience with the one and only NewEra Guru and Crystal Ace.** -
Rene D wrote: Yes, I look like a young god. But I'm really that old. I thought you were much younger, because you realy look like a young god Rene D wrote: You haven't told me that you been there on holiday. Yes I told you, but you never listen to me Rene D wrote: Don't you have anything better to do than posting on CP. I also BONK and compile(20 minutes):zzz: **Le Ridder Noir
Considderd to be the worlds fastest knoppenbonker.
one year of working experience with the worlds fastest copie paster(about 2000 lines a minute).
And experience with the one and only NewEra Guru and Crystal Ace.** -
Rene D wrote: _Magnus_ wrote: And if the company stops, is it that much difference if you are where you are now or in Malta? That’s true. But now I’m living in Netherlands the land with high taxes and social securities Yes, i meant that if the company stops and you move home, or if the company stops and you already are home, there is not that much difference. :) /Magnus
- I don't necessarily agree with everything I say
There is a little difference, if something goes wrong here. I still have a house a living and a unemployment fee. If something goes wrong on Malta I must go back to the Netherlands (working permit). And have nothing anymore. If I was alone I don’t hesitate for a minute, but I have also a wife and a child. Rene
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Le Ridder Noir wrote: Yes I told you, but you never listen to me That's true:-O. Le Ridder Noir wrote: I also BONK and compile(20 minutes) Live as usual;P
Nobody listens to me, because I'm too young Rene D wrote: Le Ridder Noir wrote: I also BONK and compile(20 minutes) Live as usual;P Yes, the normal day, week, year, life **Le Ridder Noir
Considderd to be the worlds fastest knoppenbonker.
one year of working experience with the worlds fastest copie paster(about 2000 lines a minute).
And experience with the one and only NewEra Guru and Crystal Ace.** -
Ok, this is the situation. I’m 38 years old, I’m married and have a 3 years old son and working in the IT for long, long time.:) The last 6 years I am working for a small Dutch software house (2 owners and 20 employees). We mostly write custom made logistics software for all kind of companies. For development we use C++ with a database. What more do you need for that kind of programs anyway? 2 weeks ago the owners decided, mainly for tax reasons, to open a new office at Malta. As most of the decisions made here, they became fast and unsuspected. We have to start there December 1. Only two of us could go there. And yes, I’m one of the lucky. At first I was very happy about it, but now I’m not so certain anymore. My hart say yes, me mind say no. (Sleepless nights) There are certain risks. - What if the owners decided to stop with the company. - Does my family like it there? And I'm sure there are more. So, what will you do? Anybody has done that, and wants to share some information? Maybe a CPian from Malta, who want to tell me the pro and cons.
I personally would jump at any opportunity to work overseas in a heart beat, just to experience a different culture firsthand. However, I don't have a family to support, so if I found myself in difficulty (either 'cause I lost the job or otherwise) I could always catch the next flight back home to Britian. The Netherlands is a wonderful place to do consultancy work in when you are based in the UK, but I should think living there would be very difficult with your high taxes. Find out what the cost of living would be in Malta (I have no idea myself). It seems from your other text that if you don't like it over there you can come back. If the job dies on you will your employer offer you your original job back in the Netherlands? Could you work that into a contract just-in-case? What field does your wife work in, or as your son is still so young is she homebound caring for him? If the latter would she consider working in a job such as child care (i.e. day care centres or even kindergartens) where she could bring in money and still care for your son? If the former, would she be able to find similar work there? James' advice aboiut taking a holiday first is a good one. Think how many people have jumped at jobs in the UK only to get here and find out that "Sunny Britain" is a dirty lie. (I'll just add that I am unsure of your sex because Rene is a unisex name in my eyes. If you are the wife then make the appropriate changes above.)
David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk
Whales are drinking all our water and eating our sailors...
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Ok, this is the situation. I’m 38 years old, I’m married and have a 3 years old son and working in the IT for long, long time.:) The last 6 years I am working for a small Dutch software house (2 owners and 20 employees). We mostly write custom made logistics software for all kind of companies. For development we use C++ with a database. What more do you need for that kind of programs anyway? 2 weeks ago the owners decided, mainly for tax reasons, to open a new office at Malta. As most of the decisions made here, they became fast and unsuspected. We have to start there December 1. Only two of us could go there. And yes, I’m one of the lucky. At first I was very happy about it, but now I’m not so certain anymore. My hart say yes, me mind say no. (Sleepless nights) There are certain risks. - What if the owners decided to stop with the company. - Does my family like it there? And I'm sure there are more. So, what will you do? Anybody has done that, and wants to share some information? Maybe a CPian from Malta, who want to tell me the pro and cons.
I guess I'd consider two things as the top priorities: would I want my child to grow up there, and will my husband be happy (friends, find a job, community). Family first. Marc
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I personally would jump at any opportunity to work overseas in a heart beat, just to experience a different culture firsthand. However, I don't have a family to support, so if I found myself in difficulty (either 'cause I lost the job or otherwise) I could always catch the next flight back home to Britian. The Netherlands is a wonderful place to do consultancy work in when you are based in the UK, but I should think living there would be very difficult with your high taxes. Find out what the cost of living would be in Malta (I have no idea myself). It seems from your other text that if you don't like it over there you can come back. If the job dies on you will your employer offer you your original job back in the Netherlands? Could you work that into a contract just-in-case? What field does your wife work in, or as your son is still so young is she homebound caring for him? If the latter would she consider working in a job such as child care (i.e. day care centres or even kindergartens) where she could bring in money and still care for your son? If the former, would she be able to find similar work there? James' advice aboiut taking a holiday first is a good one. Think how many people have jumped at jobs in the UK only to get here and find out that "Sunny Britain" is a dirty lie. (I'll just add that I am unsure of your sex because Rene is a unisex name in my eyes. If you are the wife then make the appropriate changes above.)
David Wulff http://www.davidwulff.co.uk
Whales are drinking all our water and eating our sailors...
David Wulff wrote: The Netherlands is a wonderful place to do consultancy work in when you are based in the UK, but I should think living there would be very difficult with your high taxes. That’s explains the all the English programmers over here.:) The profit tax here is 35% in Malta it is only 5%.:omg: David Wulff wrote: It seems from your other text that if you don't like it over there you can come back. If the job dies on you will your employer offer you your original job back in the Netherlands? Could you work that into a contract just-in-case? We are working on that. The biggest problem is, that in the Netherlands house prices are so high, you must have a double income. I have a rent house (don’t know if that is the right word). If I must rent a house again it will take 6 or 7 years to get one, there is a long waiting list. Rene
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Hi James, I have travelled enough to know that’s the most countries are different and that paradise not exists. So I make no illusions about that. Can you give some more information for the cost of living? Taxes? House rent prises? Child education? – what will cost a international school? Or can my son to a ‘normal’ school. Is everything in English or must he learn Maltese. And most important what is the cost of beer and cigarettes. What do you think, will Malta join the EU? Thanks Rene
Rene D wrote: And most important what is the cost of beer and cigarettes. Cigarettes Lm1.10 (2.60 Euros) 1/2 pint Local Beer 50c (1.19 Euros) James Drinking In The Sun Forgot Password?