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Moving to Poland to work installing fire sprinkler systems [8]
I worked in fire suppression systems (specifically pumps) for several years before moving to Poland. Including an internship in Canada, which is where I went to college.
Based on my experience I will give you a few pointers;
1. Completely different sets of codes apply. While in the US for example they use NFPA and what not, over here you would be looking at a complex hybrid system of codes that varies from town to town and project to project, but generally revolves around PN-EN or often VDS. In some municipalities they are actually allowed to use municipal water directly (without a separate pump installation) for sprinklers or hose reels. In my last place of residence, the codes were based on NFPA, so I am still getting my head around the mosaic of codes over here.
2. You will have to deal with a level of corruption that might be exotic to someone that grew up in Canada.
3. Adding to point number 2, you will also deal with a different way of doing business communications. Knowing the language alone does not mean you automatically know how to do business communications. That will come with time and experience. In fact, not knowing Polish when I moved to Poland helped me learn the local business culture independently from the language, which made learning the language far more interesting since I could correlate between aspects of language and culture. It has been and continues to be a great learning experience.
4. You may face trouble with the reliability of potential staff. Some will even try to take advantage of you. I am not saying that everyone is horrible, most people are wonderful, but there is a certain mind set that is somewhat common to a particular generation... To make a long story short, don't assume that "can work independently" means what it says.
5. The tax structure here is more complex and less friendly, so you will have to outsource your accounting services which adds cost.
Having said the above, there are tons of positive aspects of starting a new business here, especially in your field. I deal everyday with great minds and interesting projects all over the place. Even with the challenges, I am very happy that I made the decision to start my own business here in Poland.
My line of work is relevant to your line of work - I supply pumps including for fire protection, as well as fire pump controllers. Feel free to write to me here and perhaps we can share our experience and cooperate one day.
