Software or IT jobs

[Smitty1219]

Hello all, I am currently trying to decide if moving to Taiwan is plausible or not, and was wondering if someone could give me an idea of my chances at succeeding.

Currently I have two 2-year degrees in IT and computer management systems, and am slowly working on a 4-year degree (part-time).
I also have 2+ years working as a software and web developer.

I have visited Taiwan for two summers already, and have been learning Mandarin for about two years now.

My plan would be to either start by teaching English, and start looking for another job when I get there, or finish my degree in Taiwan (along with taking more Mandarin classes) while looking for jobs.
Am I just talking nonsense or would it actually be possible for me to find a decent computer related job?

Any guidance would really help, thanks~

[creztor]

You've got a snowball's chance in hell of finding a computer related job. It wouldn't be impossible, but why hire the white guy when you can get a local serf to do your work for 18k a month, 12 hours a day? You'd be much better off to work overseas and then get posted to Taiwan if you wanted to work in some IT/computer related job.

[headhonchoII]

Just work remotely as a freelancers/contractor.

[Smitty1219]

You've got a snowball's chance in hell of finding a computer related job. It wouldn't be impossible, but why hire the white guy when you can get a local serf to do your work for 18k a month, 12 hours a day? You'd be much better off to work overseas and then get posted to Taiwan if you wanted to work in some IT/computer related job.

Yea, I've had people tell me that, but if I already get the working permit then it wouldn't cost them extra to hire me right? Or do working permits not follow you if you switch jobs?

EDIT:

Just work remotely as a freelancers/contractor.

That would probably be the best solution. The issue is that market is really flooded at the moment.

[creztor]

You'd work for 25k a month doing 10 hours a day? I am also pretty sure that there is a law that sets the minimum pay for certain fields for foreign workers. It is something like 40k+ a month. I would just use HH's advice above and work online/for yourself.

[Smitty1219]

You'd work for 25k a month doing 10 hours a day? I am also pretty sure that there is a law that sets the minimum pay for certain fields for foreign workers. It is something like 40k+ a month. I would just use HH's advice above and work online/for yourself.

Point taken.
Thanks for the advice.

[PigBloodCake]

Like what the posters said: you'll earn crappy pay.

How bad is it? Software IT pay in the 'wan is getting close to the pay in India.

Now how f***ed up is that?

[Brendon]

I'd be a bit less pessimistic. Lately there's an uptick in tech startups here, with more VC money around and good (small) companies looking for good engineers and paying them reasonably.

And even my first full-time programming job here in like 2004, when I was really a pretty crap developer, paid ~75k and had sensible hours.

The local guys earning 20 or 30k a month are earning that because it's what they're worth, frankly.

Go to tech and entrepreneurial meetups, have some side projects of your own and some portfolio work, and work hard at developing a serious specialty, and I think there's a reasonable chance of getting worthwhile work.

[Smitty1219]

I'd be a bit less pessimistic. Lately there's an uptick in tech startups here, with more VC money around and good (small) companies looking for good engineers and paying them reasonably.

And even my first full-time programming job here in like 2004, when I was really a pretty crap developer, paid ~75k and had sensible hours.

The local guys earning 20 or 30k a month are earning that because it's what they're worth, frankly.

Go to tech and entrepreneurial meetups, have some side projects of your own and some portfolio work, and work hard at developing a serious specialty, and I think there's a reasonable chance of getting worthwhile work.

Yea I've heard stories from friends that have to work with teams from India and the like, although I'm not trying to bash anyone it seems a lot of the lowered paid workers are kind of copy-paste code monkeys.
Anyway I'm not claiming to be an expert, but I think the most important thing is being able to learn quickly while working on a project you're not familiar with.

Actually working for a smaller company is what I would prefer because it allows for better teamwork, and more flexibility while developing projects.
Where do those companies usually post job offers? I'm guessing I'd just have to Google around or physically go there, but if you have any tips let me know.

[PigBloodCake]

Anyway I'm not claiming to be an expert, but I think the most important thing is being able to learn quickly while working on a project you're not familiar with.

That's important wherever you work.

Actually working for a smaller company is what I would prefer because it allows for better teamwork,

Not likely in the 'wan.

and more flexibility while developing projects.

Again, not likely in the 'wan.

Where do those companies usually post job offers?

Usually through headhunters as 104.com.tw are used by companies that are too cheap to use headhunters.

I'm guessing I'd just have to Google around or physically go there, but if you have any tips let me know.

Hind---->Taiwan. Capisce?