'Goodbye, Australia'

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This week an edited extract from an email sent by "Harry". It touches on two important issues - valuing experience that comes with age and valuing experience accumulated overseas (no matter what your age). Harry writes: "At 46, it appears that I am now an old coot. I don't feel like one; I even have all my own teeth.

After decades of top performance in management (with glowing references and having never been sacked)I decided to work overseas and took a position in Asia managing an AUD$60 million business with over 200 staff, as well as working part time as an associate professor at a university. I've also done consulting work for multinationals in England, Italy and Japan. Now back, I've found overseas experience (unless it's America) is nothing more than 'white space' [on a resume]; it simply doesn't count.

I know I'm luckier than many; a history of good jobs and no pressing financial problems, but where did my country go? My wife and I are seriously considering going back overseas where we are both considered to be seasoned professionals backed by international experience. This time, however, we may stay overseas until we retire, just like another 900,000 Australians. '

Goodbye, Australia, and have a parochial day!' To my 'aged' countrymen and women I can only advise that, if possible, look out into the world for the balance of your career; we are still well-regarded and respected everywhere else but here."

Read Harry's comments in full in the Your Say section of Kate's Blog - that's my very own Blog on work and career matters.

By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au

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