Anyone know much about Beijing Universal - job atmosphere, etc

[kohlby]

So, my husband decided to apply for a job at Universal. He has a good job but gets bored sometimes and figured it wouldn't hurt to apply. (He actually was offered a job at Disney about ten years ago but it was bad timing). He had no idea the job was not in Orlando, but was in Beijing, until the first phone interview. I was wondering what y'all knew about that site. I know it's brand new - that they're building it as he would have a part in that. We're hesitant for many reasons - the biggest being that after the job is done, he's done and has to look for another job and he'll be over 50 by then. He has job security right now. But I'm also not so sure about living in Beijing and wondered if anyone knew much about that site or has worked there or knows anything. He'll have a Skype interview next and we're trying to find out more info before that.

 

[macraven]

if he would only have a job for a specific time period and then have to job hunt at the age of over 50, wouldn't work for me.

 

[kohlby]

if he would only have a job for a specific time period and then have to job hunt at the age of over 50, wouldn't work for me.

Yep, that's one thing holding us back. He's never had trouble getting any job he wanted so I'm pretty sure he could find something afterwards. But, it could easily come at a pay cut. He switched jobs a few years ago and though there was a pay raise, the vacation time decreased due to starting out with a company vs being with another one for so long. (And the Disney job would have been a pay cut). We're trying to figure out if this opportunity would be worth a little risk. (We do have the recommended savings for a safety net. Also, I haven't been working much but could work more upon returning to the states). They haven't told him exactly how much he would make but did ask his current salary and said that was likely manageable. (But - I expect Beijing is more expensive than SC too. Even FL is more expensive than SC!)

 

[bumbershoot]

Beijing is terribly polluted. My husband, who has NO lung problems whatsoever, had to wear a thick filter face mask while there (and in Shanghai) and came home wheezing. It is terribly, horribly, polluted.

I will very likely NEVER visit there (or Shanghai...from DH's experience it isn't always that bad, but it can get BAD, and I don't want to risk it) because my lungs are already problematic.

 

[kohlby]

Still gathering info. He had his Skype interview and passed. He learned that it wouldn't be going right to Beijing - it would be Orlando for a couple years than Beijing for 1.5 years, so at least that makes planning quite a bit easier if we do decide to do it. (The kids being a couple years older is helpful too). He didn't get as many details as we need but he is flying down for the in-person interview on Monday. I still have no clue if this is an adventure we want or not. (And of course he needs to be offered the job as well).

I realize I probably won't get many details from others as the Beijing site is so new - anyone ever work for Universal for a different site out of the country?

 

[macraven]

I have no experience of working outside of USA but just wanted to wish him and you success with the upcoming job interview that is coming up


He will learn more info and details soon during the interview process

 

[KennesawNemo]

I am Chinese, but I am not from Beijing. It's a great city with lots of history and culture. It also has a very mature expat community. The food is to die for.

If you want to live an American life style there, then it'll cost you about the same as it does here if not more.

Personally, I wouldn't want to live in Beijing for an extended time. Aside from not originally from there, pollution would be my biggest concern. It's worse in China definitely but really bad in Beijing especially during winter time.

 

[kohlby]

Thanks Mac - I'm not sure if I want him to do well on the interview or not - so many conflicted feelings!

Thanks KennesawNemo - I am concerned about the air quality. IF we do end up going, wearing masks and having a good air filter in our home are high priorities.