i had my own construction business back home before i came to Dubai. it turned over anywhere between 500K-1M dollars a year. i can honestly say that those few years taught me a lot about people, money, law and everyday interaction with others. it was tough going and very stressful. maybe i was too young to start something up at that age, but at least i had the balls to take a risk and run with it.
the stress killed the desire to run my own business. i was working crazy hours and basically ran myself into the ground. the stress was unbearable. i then was offered a job here in the UAE, and things have been pretty cool after that. i have no regrets closing it down.
i have no regrets starting the construction company up because i learnt so much about so many different aspects of the construction industry, but ive never looked back since moving here. will i ever think about starting my own business again? yes, but not in construction and not in Australia.
i have no plans to go back to oz and work my butt off again.
on the subject of tax laws - they differ from country to country. im not sure about the US. aussies must pay tax if they are residents of australia. if you are not a resident you are not obliged to pay tax on money earnt overseas as a non resident. i currently am not obliged to pay tax since the UAE has no income tax laws. ASU, id be checking with a tax proffessional.
and yes, how can we forget cadres TE thread..
worth its weight in gold i tell you!