urge

Seen the other threads on Hong Kong, but trying to get some newer info. For a newbie; any way to get a string of days off, maybe at least 7 days, if not 10? Looking at commuting possibilities. Is it realistic since I've heard the schedules are getting changed up a bit.

I know about the housing pay issues, so what is the current scoop? Can you refuse the housing pay? (Yes, i know how expensive it is). Might be an option for a single guy to get a ridiculously cheap, yet micro small place. Or can you take a lower monthly housing pay, if you don't want to bring your family out and just get a pad for yourself? Not sure how FedEx is handling the previous issues (heard some had to pay back...)

Is FedEx frowning on commuters, even if there is a way to either not take the housing pay or receive lesser amount? Like some previous posts said, it's your days off, and you have the right to keep your phone off.

Any insight would be helpful.

RedeyeAV8r

One bit of Advice.

If you are a new Hire (i.e. On Probation) and you are thinking of Commuting to HKG, I think you might want to reconsider. You cannot afford to miss a trip or No show for an R day. Just one guys opinion YMMV).
I've been here 17 years and would not commute to HKG from the US, although we have a few folks that do.

No, you do not have to take the Housing allowance. Which is $4500 month.
You could not take the Housing and Live in Singapore, Manila or Bangkok.
where the rent is less than HKG. Although with a Family you would still face many of the same issues as HKG.

If you do not take it you can certainly live anywhere you choose, the US included, but I again remind you that you on on Probation and I imagine you would be a nervous wreck at the end of your probationary year.

You will also be Junior and all the other folks who do commute want the same thing as you. A string of 7-10 days off, but they are Not on Probation. You know the drill, Seniority Dictates.


As always Good Luck.

RedeyeAV8r

Deleted for duplicate post.

av8rdude

If I were you, I would not try gaming the system, especially as a new hire on probation. One missed trip could cost you a potentially mult-million dollar career. Are you a gamblin' man?

The bottom line is: do you want the job, AS OFFERED, or not? If you do, then go for it and be ahead of everyone hired afterwards for the rest of your career. But do the job they hired you for, in the manner they expected you to do it. Nobody outwits management for very long, and when they're caught, the price can be very high.

If you just can't accept the rules and conditions of the job they offer you today, I understand you can decline without "ramifications" and wait for an opening more to your liking. You may wait months, or even years, but at least you MAY eventually have a shot at that career you want. If you take a slot under false pretenses, though, it could be a very short career indeed. Again, are you a gamblin' man?

Please remit 2¢ for this sterling advice. Make your check out to the For What It's Worth Department.