Glass World

During lunch they were introduced to some peruvians. They were executives working in multinational companies in Lima. At that point they started realizing the great controversy in Peru. On the one hand you had the very poor people, that represented nearly the 80% of the population and on the other hand you had the rest of the population, living comfortable or even luxurious lives. Very soon they would find out that in Peru, like in all L. America, it is possible to live in a glass world. You could have the illusion of a comfortable life, with nice cars, restaurants, houses, clubs, cheap asistance at home, etc. At the same time a family not very far from the nice areas in Lima, could be living with 150 dollars or less per month.

Peruvian Food

On this first day the weather was very sunny. This was strange for August, because for Lima this is the heart of winter and during that time the weather is usually very cloudy. Anyway, they went to a restaurant named Tanta to have lunch before they started shopping. This is a very famous restaurant in Lima, especially for Lunch. It is not vey luxurious, but the food is excellent. Peruvian food is a unique experience. It has many influences and produces an extraordinary result. Whoever eats in Lima will never forget it. There was also a pleasant surprise when the bill came. The prices were very low. Compared to Greece they were about 50% cheaper.

Lunch Break

During this first day our hero found out something that was totally strange to him, but absolutely common in Latin America: Lunch Break. At about 1 o’ clock almost everybody that could afford it would go out to a restaurant to have lunch. That was strange for our hero because in Greece this was not the case. He was very surprised to see so many people in the restaurants. He imagined that the companies would be empty at this time. Later he would see that he was right.

Two Greeks in Peru

After a few minutes the CEO came to pick them up. He was very pleasant and was clearly happy to see them. He had arranged for them to meet an English speaking house broker immediately. We want a house in San Isidro our hero said. Good idea said the CEO. The broker has already found 4-5 in this area. Let’s go meet here. Two Greeks in Peru looking for an apartment. This could be interesting, our hero told his wife. For the next couple of hours they were looking at houses. However they were lucky. They liked the first house they saw. It was a large apartment in San Isidro, very near the golf court. It had three bed rooms and an office. It was perfect. They made the arrangements and booked the house immediately. The next step was harder. They had to find furniture and appliances.

The Next Morning

None of them were able to get any sleep that first night. The jet lag was a problem. They were also missing their son. Both of them however were pleased with the TV. There was a cable company, a subsidiary of Spanish Telefonica, which offered a package of great English speaking channels, much better than those that could be found in Greece. These channels had mainly American series that were clearly up to date. This was a relief because they did not know what to expect. They went to have breakfast and once again realized that English speaking Peruvian people were difficult to find. In any case they were waiting for the CEO to pick them up. They went out of the hotel and were pleasantly surprised. The area they were located in, San Isidro, was absolutely beautiful. This was a district outside the center of Lima, considered to be one of the nicest areas in the city. The houses were beautiful and there were many parks around. There was also a large golf court that people jogged around. The people living in this area were the upper class of Peru and expatriates. Furthermore, this area is considered one of the securest in Lima. Our hero and his wife did not need to think much. They would find an apartment in this area.

Bye Bye Greece- Welcome to Peru

The ride from the airport to the hotel was quite an experience: Bumpy streets, old cars, crazy driving, casinos, bad constructions and beggars everywhere. In other words, a typical third world country. “Where are we?” His wife asked with a smile. They checked in the hotel late that evening. The jet lag was getting the best of them. There was an 8 hour difference with home, so they were affected. They were going to meet the CEO the next morning, so during the first night they tried to rest. In the hotel our hero saw that his impression from the airport was correct. There were not many English speaking people. That would be certainly a problem. Furthermore, they were told not to go out by foot on their first day, since it was already dark, due to security issues. This could be dangerous for people that did not know their way around. Bye Bye Greece, welcome to Peru our hero thought.

New World

The airport was very old, nothing like the modern ones in Europe. After getting off the airplane he was surprised to fall on a very big line. This was something new that we would get accustomed to: Immigration. He had rarely seen such a line in the past since there is no such thing in Europe for EU citizens. But this was L. America, a totally new world. In this line he found out that nearly no local spoke any English at all. This would be a challenge, he told his wife. After being in the line for about 1,5 hour they finally finished. The hero’s driver picked them in the airport along with an employee from the company. Luckily the driver spoke some English. They left for the hotel.

Please Fasten your Seatbelt

The day came. They would be leaving Europe in the morning and arriving to L. America in the afternoon. Of course they would be taking advantage of the time difference. The duration of the trip would be 17 hours. The most difficult part was leaving their son temporarily behind. It would be the first time, but they knew that it was the best solution. The trip was very long and quite tiring. Many thoughts were crossing the hero’s mind concerning what he would find at the end of the journey. Not exactly second thoughts, our hero rarely had those, but he was concerned. These thoughts were interrupted by the pilot’s announcement. “Please fasten your seatbelt we are landing in 15 minutes”

12.000 Miles

After he left his old job, our hero had approximately two weeks to make all the necessary arrangements. They had decided with his to travel to Latin America 10 days before his first day at the job. In this way we would time to find an apartment with his wife and purchase all the necessary items. They would leave their baby with his grandparents and his wife would return back home in order to get him. They knew that it would not be possible to search for an apartment or shop with a baby. It would be difficult for everyone. These two weeks were exhausting. Among other tasks (see friends, tax issues, banks etc), they had to move from their apartment. Luckily they had an old apartment in which they could move their furniture. They had agreed with the group that instead of moving their things to L. America, they would either rent a furnished apartment or purchase new furniture from there. In any case it would be cheaper than transferring furniture 12.000 miles away.

Goodbye and Good Luck

He did not know how to start. He had being working for almost 5 years in that company. One of the largest companies in the country. He had a good relationship with everyone. The problem was that this company at that stage did not provide opportunities for career advancement. Finally, just like that, he we went into his boss’ office and told him. His boss immediately offered him a significant increase in his salary in order to stay. Our hero, although flattered, could not accept it. We had given his word. His boss did not like it, but he seemed to understand. It sounded like a great opportunity for him, so he did not want to be an obstacle for his development. He wished him the best. Our hero gave a month notice. On his last day the company organized a big party for him. Everybody was there in order to say goodbye and wish good luck. Even the Chairman of the board, one of the most important businessmen in the country. Extremely emotional moments that he would never forget. A benchmark had been set...

Big Surprise

The next day he communicated with the HR director and formally accepted the offer. It was done. That same day they told their families. Everybody was shocked. It was not something you hear every day. The most difficult part for the families would be the fact that they wouldn’t have the heroes’ son living near them. He was nearly one year old and everybody adored him. But everybody understood that this decision was in the family’s, including of course the little guy's, best interest. Day by day friends also found out. The same reaction from everyone: Big surprise. Then came the hard part. The hero had to notify his current company.

Let's Do It

The following weekend was quite stressful for our hero and his wife. They had to make a decision. A decision that would totally alter their life. Many thoughts were going through their minds. The offer, stock options, according to company policy, the distance, the foreign country and the difficulties, the good job he was leaving here, the kidnappings, etc. The company had promised our hero to offer him a job in group headquarters after his return to his country in three years. Our hero did not take this very seriously because he knew that this depended on the job openings available at headquarters then. The most important incentive for him not only to change a job, but to move to another continent, was the stock options. This would give him the opportunity to improve his family’s life. The phrase “according to company policy” did bother them, but they had to show goodwill. Our hero and his wife thought that it would not be possible for a multinational company like that to be dishonest to an executive it was going to hire and send to another continent. It would be against all business ethics. Therefore the trust his friend was asking for, seemed reasonable.

Sunday evening the decision was made: Let’s do it.

Trust

After waiting for a couple of hours he saw him. Of course, his reply to this issue was the one expected: Don’t worry. This is only a legal term, because the exact number of stock options that each executive will receive is not yet exactly determined. Our hero asked for a modification in the offer that would make him feel more secure. This is not possible his friend said. But I promise you that the stocks you will receive in 5 months from today, will give a net pay of what we have discussed: at least an amount equal to your total annual salary. You have to trust me and the company.Our hero was very troubled. It was clear to him that there could not be any modification in the offer. In this form however, it made him feel insecure. One the other hand, he did not want to show bad faith and loose a good opportunity. He asked the HR director for a couple days to think.

According to Company Policy

As you can imagine by now our hero did not receive any written offer for nearly a week. The stock options made the compensation package very attractive. The only risk was the stock price, but our hero estimated that there will not be any significant fall in the price for the next couple of years. After a week the HR director sent a written offer by e-mail. However things were not exactly as discussed. The part concerning Stock Options, one of the most basic elements of the compensation, was a bit grey. It said clearly that our hero was entitled to stock options, but a strange phrase was also included: “according to company policy” Our hero did not even try to call the HR director. He went to his office in order to meet him in person.

Stock Options

Besides medical insurance, which of course is included in the package, you will also have a furniture allowance for you house, he continued. Furthermore, and this is the good part, you will have stock options. Our company compensates its high level executives with stock options each year. You of course will be included in this program. What amounts are we talking about, our hero asked? I cannot tell you exactly, but I estimate at least an amount equal to your total annual salary. This means double money! What do you think of our offer now, the HR director asked? This sounded very attractive to our hero. This meant that his family’s income would be more than doubled compared to what they are currently making. With this amount, the risk is worth it, he thought. When can I have it in writing he asked? Don’t worry, the friend said. I will send it to you by tomorrow. The only thing I want from you is to find a good investment in the country that you are going, in order for us to invest together. You see, I am also receiving stock options. Leave the rest to me.

The Offer

We want you to join the group he said. I have discussed it with the Financial Director of the group and I have an offer for you. First of all housing expenses will all be paid by us and we will also pay your tickets (family included) to visit home 3 times a year. Come on, our hero said, this is something that all expatriates have. Tell me about the salary and the bonus. Our hero heard the number and made some quick calculations. It was not good enough. The money was slightly more, about 10%, than he made with his wife at home. This assuming that we would receive his bonus. It is not enough he said immediately. Sorry my friend, but this is not worth it. I am not taking such a risk and moving my family to the other part of the world for a 10% increase in our income. And don’t talk to me about housing expenses and tickets. Wait, said the HR Director. There is more.

Family Talk

Our hero expected an offer. Nothing came for nearly two weeks. He did not call his friend because we knew him and did not want to make a call with no answer. In the meanwhile he had discussed the issue with his wife. Crime and the level of security concerned them, but after researching on the Internet they had concluded that certainly there was an issue of security, things were not like Europe, but it was a manageable situation. On the other hand the wife had to leave her job. Therefore our hero’s compensation would be compared with both salaries received at home. In conclusion, the decision was that with the right offer they were willing to go for period up to three years. They would return home when their child would be 4 so it would not have any problems with school issues. They thought of it as a great opportunity to save some money. They decided not to tell their friends and families, until they had something concrete in their hands.

After a period of two weeks, the phone rang. It was the HR Director.

Money

Our hero had heard about kidnappings before, but it was the first time that he would discuss this issue like this. Don’t worry said the CEO. You will not be in any danger. The insurance is just a precaution and the driver will speak English and assist you in your everyday life. Our hero decided to research this issue on the Internet and discuss it with his wife. After the meeting with the CEO, he had a meeting with his friend the HR director. Everybody wants you he said. It’s a sure thing. I envy you; you are going to be living in Paradise. I bet that you will not want to return back, he continued. Our hero thought that the HR director was exaggerating. Hold your horses he said. I have to see an offer first. Don’t worry he said. This is not an issue. You are going to make a lot of money.

The Shock

The meeting with the CEO went quite well. He seemed like a nice professional that our hero could collaborate easily with. The focus of the meeting however was not business. The CEO obvious liked our hero and wanted him to join the company as the new Financial Director. The focus was on the quality of life. The CEO was saying how nice life was in that L. American country, that our hero will have a very big house in a beautiful area, that he will have a nice car, help for the house, health clubs, etc. Furthermore everything is very cheaper, about 50% cheaper compared to Europe. You will make a lot of money he said. It sounded like paradise on earth. However our hero asked a question and received an answer that shocked him. I have heard that there are many kidnappings in Latin America. Is that true? Don’t worry replied the CEO. You will have a kidnapping insurance and a personal driver for protection.

The CEO

Suddenly after two months the phone rang. It was the friend. Hello he said. I am a bit late, but I have news. The CEO of the company we are talking about is coming to Group headquarters in order to meet you, if of course you are still interested. Our hero said that ok I am willing to talk, but what took you so long? You know things move slowly here, we also had other projects, etc. Our hero new that this company and especially his friend were not very efficient, but this two month silence and suddenly the CEO coming to visit (an 18 hour flight) seemed very unprofessional. He didn’t ask anything more about this delay, because he could not expect a serious anwser, but replied positively. Ok let us arrange a meeting he said. This CEO was from the same European country, but lived for many years in L. America. He would be coming in a week.

The “Friend”

He did not get any feedback for nearly two months. He tried calling his friend, the HR Director but he did not answer his cell, or returned the calls. This was quite frustrating, but unfortunately his friend was like that. Not only to our hero, but nearly to all people. He answered the phone only if he wanted something himself. Our hero despised this attitude and that is why they never became really close friends. He believed that this kind of behavior displayed an arrogance which he did not like at all. He decided not to call him anymore and wait. In any case after two months without any news, he thought that there won’t be any further step. He was also angry with his friend. He thought that his behavior was totally unprofessional and that he is inadequate for his position. Unfortunately during the next year and a half our hero will find out, the hard way, that he was right.

The Meetings

After a few days our hero went for a meeting with the ΗR director and another group headquarters financial executive. They explained to him that the position was Finance Director of the local subsidiary in a Latin American country. They told him that the company was very important for the group and that the prospects would be very good for his career. They also told him that life would be very nice for him and his family. They told about another expatriate working there with a very large apartment in a beautiful area. Our hero had researched life in that country and was not totally convinced about its quality, but thought that it was premature to discuss this issue. Another meeting followed with the Group Finance Director. He was an interesting fellow that made some clever questions. Our hero thought that he did well in both meetings. However he expected feedback from his friend.

Let's Talk

The same afternoon our hero went home. He told his wife about the phone call. She was surprised. My friend said that the money will be very good. Yes she said, but Latin America? I know our hero said, but maybe this is our opportunity. Both of them grew up comfortably, but their families were not rich. They wanted to collect money in order to purchase a house and in general be able to ensure their son a better life. I will have to quit my job, the wife said. Yes I know, but my compensation will more than cover this. In any case our goal is to make significantly more money than today. If this is not the case, we will not accept. Very simple. Ok, his wife said. What do you propose? I will call my friend and ask him to talk about it in person, our hero replied.

The Phone Call

Our hero was living in Europe, working as a manager in a big company. He was quite happy with his job and happily married with a one year old child. One day the phone rings. It was an old friend, currently working as an HR Director in a large multinational group. I have a job offer for you he said. However it is not here but abroad. Where? Our hero asked. In Latin America, the friend answered. Forget it, our hero said. It is too far. Listen the friend said, it’s a great opportunity. The money will be great. At least think about it. Our hero said ok, I will discuss it with my wife and get balk to you. However he was thinking that there was no chance for something like this to happen.

Hello

This is my story. A very interesting expatriate story. I will be making these posts each couple of days, like small episodes of a series. I hope people find it interesting, especially my fellow expatriates!