Reader Case Research: Dutch Welder Goals of Working Overseas

Jamie welding

Jamie lives within the Netherlands and not too long ago accomplished his diploma as an all-around building employee, with coaching in welding. He’s at the moment 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 previous, Jamie has extra perception, dedication 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 brilliant future!

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The Aim 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 folks. I’ve featured ladies, non-binary people and males. I’ve featured transgender and cisgender folks. I’ve had cat folks and canine folks. I’ve featured people from the US, Australia, Canada, England, South Africa, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany and France. I’ve featured folks with PhDs and other people with highschool diplomas. I’ve featured folks of their early 20’s and other people of their late 60’s. I’ve featured people who reside on farms and folk who reside in New York Metropolis.

Reader Case Research Pointers

I in all probability don’t must say the next since you people are the kindest, most well mannered commenters on the web, however please word 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 objective is to create a supportive setting 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 ideas and concepts.

A disclaimer that I’m not a educated monetary skilled and I encourage folks to not make severe monetary selections primarily based solely on what one particular person on the web advises. 

I encourage everybody to do their very own analysis to find out the perfect 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, at this time’s Case Research topic, take it from right here!

Jamie’s Story

Jamie and his girlfriend

Howdy, Frugalwoods! My identify is Jamie, I’m 21 years previous and I reside within the Netherlands. I simply completed my MBO 3 diploma as an all-around building employee, with coaching in welding and am at the moment switching jobs to turn into a full-time welder. My girlfriend, Rosalyn, 22 years previous, works as an accountant and lives within the Philippines (Iloilo). I met her on-line through an app that was meant to speak with folks and make mates, however we needed 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 look ahead to presumably shifting overseas collectively. I don’t personal any pets and don’t have youngsters.

I discovered about FIRE from my buddy Jay. She’s given me suggestions and proven me numerous stuff I did fallacious. I’ve modified these issues for essentially the most half, however there may be nonetheless rather a lot 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 relations 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 have 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 at this time.

I additionally wish to transfer away from the Netherlands finally, 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 finally obtain my targets.

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

I at the moment have two job provides to contemplate:

Jamie welding

1) a higher-paid, normal 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 lessons. Pipe welding has the potential to pay much more in a while, however I additionally suppose it’s one thing that may be discovered on the job, since I already know normal welding.

I do wish to journey overseas finally, for the journey, and simply to study totally different folks and locations and see if some other place is a greater match for me than the Netherlands.

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

I ultimately wish to work overseas for 1 to 2 years, after which determine 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 the perfect a part of your present way of life/routine?

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

I nonetheless reside 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 need to have the ability to journey the world and never have to fret about funds on a regular basis.

Profession:

• I’m excited about finally having my very own welding office or store, and doubtlessly rental properties.

Jamie’s Funds

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

Revenue

Notice: I additionally usually earn €500-€1,500 per thirty days from my facet jobs, however I didn’t embrace that within the whole because it’s variable.

Money owed: None

Property

Autos

Bills

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

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 unsure, 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 keen 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 anticipate 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 must go to highschool as soon as every week, which this firm would pay for. Nonetheless, since I don’t plan on staying for years at this firm right here within the Netherlands, I’d finally must pay all of it again. In order that’s a little bit of a destructive about this job.
• Which ought to I select?

2) I would love ideas on learn how to higher my monetary state of affairs.

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

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

• Does anybody have recommendation on learn how 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 undertaking on my identify with 5 certificates)

Jamie, you might be doing fabulously properly for being solely 21 years previous! I actually wasn’t this financially organized at 21 and I feel many of the readers will concur!! I commend you for eager to plan in your future at such a younger age.

You must 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 affect 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.

This can be a nice downside to have!! When you’ve clearly outlined the professionals and cons of every job, the selection is fairly clear for my part: Job #2 the place you’d study TIG pipe welding.

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

“Completely take the job in TIG pipe welding as that’s a ability that’s at all times going to be in demand. Plus it’s nearly at all times worthwhile to get further coaching if you’re younger. Keep at this job during the coaching program and get good at it. Be taught the whole lot you possibly can and get as many certifications as attainable out of your employer. It’s an incredible present to obtain coaching paid for by your employer.

TIG pipe welding is a real artwork kind and a specialised ability that folks can pay rather a lot for. You might be younger and energetic, so get good in any respect the bizarre physique positions you might be put in whereas pipe welding (above your head, round a bend, and many others). There are millions of miles of piping on the planet that must be welded by a gifted TIG pipe welder. Anyplace the place there’s industrial exercise, there’s a necessity for extremely expert TIG pipe welders. Realizing TIG pipe welding ought to open up worldwide jobs for you.

One factor to remember is that welding might be on a increase/bust cycle as a result of the key customers of pipe welding are associated to grease and fuel. When oil and fuel are booming, there’s a ton of cash to be made. Once they’re crashing, the job market is tighter. On condition that, the extra trainings and certifications you have got, the extra employable you’ll be.”

Thanks, Mr. Frugalwoods!

my remaining college examination undertaking, my instructor was amazed how properly 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 educate you MIG and he replied:

“Should you’re an excellent TIG welder, MIG could be very straightforward to select up. TIG welding is way more difficult and finest discovered from an expert. Then again, you should buy an affordable MIG welder and educate 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 possibly can whereas younger is SO SMART. I’ll inform you from expertise that life usually solely will get busier and extra difficult as you become older. Do it when you’re YOUNG and unencumbered!!!!
2. Having your employer pay for this coaching is incredible. Benefit from this present!
3. It should look excellent to any future employer that you simply stayed at this job for awhile. Future employers wish to see that you simply follow a job and don’t depart it after a brief time period.
4. Taking this job gives you time to avoid wasting more cash and do extra analysis on the place you may wish to/be capable to work and reside overseas. Additionally, in case your relationship along with your girlfriend progresses and turns into extra severe, it’ll be good to take her opinions into consideration as to the place you may transfer. Working this job for a number of years gives you the time to discover all of those totally different choices and concepts.

Jamie’s Query #2: I would love ideas on learn how to higher my monetary state of affairs.

You might be 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 seashore in Iloilo

1) Earn more cash:

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

2) Cease lending cash to your loved ones members:

• This can be a difficult subject 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 kinfolk and you will have to let this cash go. It’s not your fault as you have been making an attempt to be a useful, caring particular person; however, it’s very attainable they gained’t ever pay you again.
• Going ahead, I feel it’ll be helpful so that you can give you some techniques/methods for safeguarding your self from these requests.
• Should you do determine to lend cash sooner or later, I encourage you to consider it as a present reasonably than a mortgage. It is rather laborious to recoup private, casual loans and so, when you have the monetary skill and need 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 present

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

• I strongly suggest you contemplate going to remedy. I say this as a result of a therapist might assist you to decide how to reply to requests for cash from your loved ones and in addition offer you coping methods for therapeutic your previous monetary traumas.
• You might be so younger and will probably be in such an exquisite place in a while in the event you take care of 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 endure from and it’s not your fault.
• You talked about you have got a concern of spending cash, which is one other factor a therapist might assist 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 plenty of 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 intend to maneuver overseas, you’ll must work together with her on learn how to separate yourselves.
• As you famous, your residing bills are very low on account of her assist and she or he is equally supported by the cash you’ve lent her through the years.
• Except your longterm plan is to have your mom transfer overseas with you, now could be the time to start out 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 true now.

Money: $8,077

On the seashore with my girlfriend

Because it stands, this can be a strong emergency fund. Nonetheless, it’s vital to keep in mind 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 in your personal hire, utilities, meals, and many others.

Investments: $5,471

Whereas it’s superior that you simply’re invested available in the market, hold 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 attainable. The sooner you start saving in your retirement, the higher off you’ll be in the long term.

I do know it’s laborious to consider retirement if you’re simply beginning your profession, however your older self will thanks! Discover the retirement account choices supplied by your employer and/or the federal government and decide what is 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 start out is the Mr. Cash Mustache discussion board sub-group Dutch Mustachians.

Wanting Forward

You’re doing the whole lot you possibly can at current; however, you need to hold the next tips in thoughts for the long run, as your earnings–and your bills–improve:

1. At all times hold 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 ought to be stored in an easily-accessible account, equivalent to a checking or high-interest financial savings account. It shouldn’t be tied up in illiquid property, equivalent to homes/vehicles/vintage china OR the inventory market.
   • You must be capable to withdraw the funds instantly and at any time. That’s why it’s referred to 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.
   • Be certain that this stays on observe as your earnings and bills improve.
2. 

   My bicycle: how I get in every single place

   Make investments for retirement:

   • As famous above, it’s vital to maintain this prime of thoughts and to prioritize it forward of different funding autos.
3. Stay debt-free:
   • You’re off to a incredible, debt-free begin–intention to maintain it that method!
4. Non-compulsory: 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 spanking new funding alternatives:
   • Put your self on a schedule of checking in on all the 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 must be paid down?
   • Whereas it’s a linear checklist, it’s additionally one you’ll want to frequently loop by 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 frequently and be sure that your investments match your plans, your age, and your private threat tolerance.

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

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

Welding helmet selfie

1) Make your self fascinating to future employers:

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

2) Decide if it is going to 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 in your analysis?
• Should you’re keen to go outdoors of the EU, contemplate what elements 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 keen 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 to get a piece visa.
• Are there international corporations you can work for who would ship you to totally different elements of the world for varied totally different jobs?
  • If an employer is managing your visa paperwork, it’ll be rather a lot simpler on you.
  • Then again, 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:

• Be taught as many several types of welding as you possibly can
• Be taught as a lot as you possibly can about the place you’ll be capable to get a job overseas

Abstract:

1. 

   Flying to see my girlfriend

   Think about taking Job #2 so as to study the ability of TIG pipe welding at your employer’s expense.

2. Work with a therapist to:
   1. Set agency boundaries with kinfolk 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 position as supplier in your mom.
   3. Set up a wholesome relationship with cash and spending.
3. Arduous as it’s, know that your kinfolk could by no means pay you again:
   • Should you determine to lend cash to anybody sooner or later, contemplate it a present, not a mortgage.
4. Proceed saving cash as you have got been and monitor your account balances as your earnings and bills improve.
5. Analysis retirement account choices and start saving in your retirement now.
6. Start to speak along with your mom about how she’ll cope if you transfer overseas.
   • Begin making a plan together with her now in order that it’s not a shock if you do finally depart.
7. Begin researching the place you could be keen/capable of work overseas.
8. Really feel assured and comfortable 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 have got for Jamie? We’ll each reply to feedback, so please be at liberty 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 non-public monetary session right here. Schedule an hourlong name with me right here, refer a buddy to me right here, or e mail me with questions (liz@frugalwoods.com).

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Cash is one thing we’re not supposed to speak about and so many people don’t. We harbor secret issues, joys, frustrations, questions and don’t have an outlet for them. That is that outlet! These teams are the place to debate each single bizarre cash query you have got. These teams are the place to share each single cash success you expertise. These teams are the place you’ll discover camaraderie and assist.

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These Teams Exist to Tackle:

❤️ The dearth of neighborhood and assist you’re feeling in your monetary journey.
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👀 An incapacity to stay with the habits promoted by the Uber Frugal Month for the long-term.
📚 A concern that you simply’re the one one that doesn’t perceive monetary terminology & jargon.
🧠 Lack of readability in your long-term targets and the way your cash may affect your future.
🤷‍♀️ A disconnect between you and your companion/partner about how cash ought to be managed.
👎 Undesirable monetary routines/expectations you’ve arrange along with your youngsters and wish to change.
😬 Disgrace and guilt over not taking cost of your monetary life sooner.
🤦‍♀️ Embarrassment over your lack of non-public finance information.
👏 How one can create a sustainable cash plan that you simply really can–and can–observe.

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