So....

Today I HATE it here, but I HATE my job more and am looking at alternatives....I have personal reasons for not being able/willing to go home right now, so just because I need some shred of hope, I thought I would pose the question:

How does someone go about looking for another job with another company while working as an ex-pat in Bermuda?

Do I have to get permission to seek employment from immigration, and if I do, will they tell my current employer? Is the job hunt the same as it is at home (ie send out resumes and pray that the prospective employer isn't my current boss' auntie)...

Like the subject line says, I am probably just frustrated with the thought that I have committed career suicide by coming here, and that I haven't learned ANYTHING in the past 2.5 years (unless of course I go overseas on conference, which doesn't matter because they don't apply ANY of my knowledge here - they actually do the complete opposite of what I suggest!!!)...and I know it's just a bad case of the "grass is always greener on the other side" - but I am curious = so please amuse me....

Also, what happens with my current company, so they HAVE to release me, or can they be bums about it and not do it.... I have fufilled my initial contractual obligations to them, and when they renewed my work permit, they did not issue me a new employment contract binding me to any terms or anything!

Just wondering............

Nothing is a secret in Bermuda.

J-Pat -

I don't believe that you're legally able to look for a new job whilst holding a work permit issued by your present employer. I'm not sure exactly what the process or options open to you are, although I think it may require you relinquishing your current work permit and crossing your fingers that somebody elsewhere is hiring.

J-pat,

Don't quote me on this but I believe (well, this is how it used to be) your allowed one (1) change of employers. Your new employer has to obviously apply for a new work permit for you, however Immigration will need something from your present employer stating that they are willing to release you. They will then transfer the existing time left on your permit to the new employer.

The problem I have seen with this is that some employers would rather see you back home than going to someone else. This is prevalent if you are in customer service area (they don't want you stealing their customers)

Well, this is a small market, so I can see alot of fuss being kicked about...

I work in insurance...

I am just soooooooooo frustrated at work right now...I don't understand why they would bring me all the way here for my 'expertise' then do exactly the opposite of what I suggest...I wouldn't care., except, I am expected to 'clean up the mess'...which I just cannot do anymore!

I'll just go in tomorrow and resume my position of the highest paid data entry clerk in the universe...whatever - I'd like to think that I'm not as shallow as that, but apparently, I am!

Hey J - I'm sorry to hear things have gone from bad to worse. 

The members have given you good information; even if it is bad news.  You are stuck with the employer unless they are willing to write the letter of release.  Given they have just laid out something like $1500 for the three year permit fee, you may have to finish your term with them.  The employment contract, or lack thereof, isn't worth the paper its printed on unless you are willing to fight it in a Bermuda court.  What do you think the chances of getting a fair shake are, even if you have all of the facts on your side?

It isn't impossible, though.  Since is always comes down to who you know and who likes you, anything can happen! 

Keep us posted and find those small joys in each day to help you get through.