Job Discussion Forums

PeterParvo · Joined: 18 Dec 2011 Posts: 103

Saudi definitely isn't for everybody, and it's true that there are risky employers. I guess I was lucky with a good employer, good wife and kids, good location and good friends.

It was a winning situation for all of us. We got the money, it strengthened us as individuals and as a family, and of course the awesome people we met.

Going to Saudi for one year or two almost doesn't make sense. In my opinion you have to do five to make it worthwhile.

Anybody who wants to PM me can as far as directing you towards one decent employer I know of.

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

delphian-domine · Joined: 11 Mar 2011 Posts: 674

PeterParvo · Joined: 18 Dec 2011 Posts: 103

Saudi/Arab management is a complete nightmare and you wouldn't last very long there teaching kids.

I have to wonder if you people who write about enjoying life aren't either in your 20s or 30s and/or are single. Yes your life in Saudi wouldn't be like living two blocks off the Rynek in some Polish city, but doing five years in Saudi can give you something for your future.

It was a wonderful experience to live through something really different and to show us just how good our life in Poland or wherever is. As I've written before, we had awesome friends there (some of the best being Polish) and we had fun. It did take a couple years to get to that point, hence my harping about staying for five as opposed to one or two.

I would do it again. That being said, do not take older kids there. We got out when our kids were just starting elementary school. KSA is okay for little kids, but a nightmare for older ones.

Richfilth · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 225 Location: Warszawa

So on one hand, KSA isn't for people between 20 and 39 (seeing as you've written off their opinions as invalid), and on the other it's a great place to build up a nest egg for your future. But not if you have kids over the age of 10.

Therefore, if your life has fallen apart and you need a good cash boost to get to where you should be at the age of around 40, then Saudi Arabia will help you.

For other people who are either enjoying life or have already established themselves, it's not viable.

PeterParvo · Joined: 18 Dec 2011 Posts: 103

Generally speaking, you have to be motivated to go and stay there. Usually young and/or single guys aren't motivated. However, married or older ones generally are. When I got to Poland single and at the age of 32, being a barfly was fine but once I got married my motivation changed.

There just aren't that many young single guys in KSA and for good reason; they should be out chasing p***y and drinking beer.

The bottom line is, don't dismiss it out of hand. If your motivation is right, go for it.

salamiandbacon · Joined: 13 Apr 2012 Posts: 41

iknowwhatiamtalkingabout · Joined: 02 Sep 2011 Posts: 97

I've applied for and been offered work in Saudi in the past, and I'm glad I didn't take it.

I currently live in Asia and make (and save) pretty good money while enjoying a good lifestyle with plenty places to go, plenty to do, loads of company etc. I don't have to live in a sandpit with religious police and maniac bosses. My only problem is pretty dull students.

Fair enough, I'm not on Saudi money, but when I leave here I'll have saved plenty money. Enough to allow me pretty much free choice of where I go next. I have holidays every ten weeks and can afford to go good places on them. My next 3 holidays will see me visit Germany, Sweden, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Maldives. Financially no problem. I'm racking up air miles, staying in nice hotels, enjoying going to nice places. This year I've been to Australia and Indonesia. The sandpit isn't the only option.

I understand the money makes Saudi worth it for a lot of people. Not me though. A lot of my mates have worked there or still do. None of them like it and the reports are all pretty samey.

You only get one life. You could get hit by a bus/drop dead tomorrow. If that happens to me I'd hate it to have happened after I spent years living in a complete dive planning for a tomorrow that never arrived.

I'm fine financially, and I enjoy a good life. It doesn't have to be a choice. Living in places like Saudi just strikes me as a waste of a life. I understand some people think it's worth it, I just don't think it is.

Daktari · Joined: 08 Mar 2010 Posts: 57

Long-term, it's a slog in Poland and the kelly is elsewhere. Why does everyone focus on Saudi though? The best money is in the oil field rotations and they can be anywhere there's oil. They're usually 4 on 4 off or 6 on 3 off (weeks) on full pay all the time. Some of these jobs are in Africa, some in the Gulf and some in Asia. You don't even have to pay for your grub and you've got free gyms, home brew, sat tv and if you're lucky, lovely beaches to pass the month by....even totty in some places.
That Sharter had it right. Come to think of it, he hasn't posted in a while-probably too busy having a good time. He was right in much of what he said. Poland is expensive now, wages pitiful and it's a real sh*g after a few years. Most of you lot haven't been teaching 10 years yet.

salamiandbacon · Joined: 13 Apr 2012 Posts: 41

The rotations are good, but often the headline day rate seems better than it is. You don't get paid when you're not working and you've often got problems with job security. If they don't need you, they can drop you like a stone and then you've got dead time until you pick up more work. Many of the places you end up working are a lot more dangerous too!

PeterParvo · Joined: 18 Dec 2011 Posts: 103

I've heard it many times that I could go to Asia, but with a wife and two kids I don't think it would have worked. My employer in KSA was pretty accommodating with the family.

I would never call our time there a waste of life. It gave us many things, i.e. strength as a family and as individuals, some serious perspective on what's going on in the world and in human relations, among other things.

Speaking specifically about Poland, I was pretty much done with it when we left. I just ain't Polish and can't tolerate things there anymore. Where we are living now, people are so nice and courteous, and my job just kicks the crap out of the work situation I'd have in Poland.

To each his own.

Richfilth · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 225 Location: Warszawa

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"It seems Saudi will take anyone."

But not everyone can take Saudi !

Master Shake · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 1202 Location: Colorado, USA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

KSA is ok. Some people are just too soft !