Job Discussion Forums

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

Here's a tip on how to save money on renting a place: A friend that I worked with at KAU in Jeddah (American) rented out one of those small rooms one would see on the first floor - sometimes in the parking lot under the building of a five-story apt. building. There are mostly used by the "super" of the building - the guy that takes out your trash and/or washes the cars around the area. He went around to several places near the KAU campus and found a one room place for 400sr a month! He told me that he has to lean his mattress up against the wall when he walks up in the morning in order to be able to move around the room.

On another note, I also believe that it is very easy to live on around 1500sr per month. This is after you figure in the housing pay that most people get once-a-year. Some months, I might spend only 800sr.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

And do not forget vthat you can economise by stealing toilet paper from work. They sometimes have water and tea bags that you can take for free.

The Bangaledeshi cleaners often eat collectively and if you smile at them they will invite you for some free grub.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

johnslat · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:13 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,

I must say that it's very generous of you to share your 500 Club techniques for maximizing saving.

Of course, now that you're a gentleman of leisure, you don't need to use them anymore.

Still, it's good of you to keep the old traditions alive. Very Happy

Regards,
John

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

John,
Part of the oath of the Fellowshiup of Five Hundred is that we must encourage new arrivals to become full members. At no cost, of course.

This is a requirement of the Mighty Mammon, who rules all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammon

(Those slow on the uptake may not recognise the use of irony in this post. It seems that the use of this figure of speech is not taught in US College Courses.)

johnslat · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 7:50 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,

I believe that I'd use the term "sarcasm" rather than "irony." Very Happy

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"Sarcasm" is when people are being harsh and cruel. Surely you are nor accusing this sweet old Caledonian of that ?

johnslat · Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 9:44 pm Post subject:

Dear sweet old Caledonian,

Good heavens, of COURSE not. Your easy-going temperament and temperate language have made you a legend on this forum.

And, as you age, you become, hard though it must be to believe, even more mellow and avuncular. Very Happy

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I shall tell Cousin Willie at Springfield High that I am held in high esteem !

randall020105 · Joined: 11 Jun 2012 Posts: 22

Well now! I shall on that fine day treat y'all to an ice cold pint... given the honour of rubbing shoulders with such fine specimen as these fellows... scholars I tell ya!!

*clearing throat*

i'm not sure i'm quite prepared yet to lean t'ward near-bum status yet...

Regards,

R.

randall020105 · Joined: 11 Jun 2012 Posts: 22

Update - I got my contract a few days ago.

I will keep anyone updated who would like to do similar or who's following the

thread. I'll do my research, but the person handling everything is a really

cool guy who kinda takes the new recruits under his wing and helps them

settle in before they arrive. Accommodation is all sorted out, transport to and

from work... almost everything. I literally just have to rock up.

There must be something I'm missing... I'll do more research and hear

what's more to read over here... any pearls of wisdom from the veterans

in the KSA..?

R.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

The OP was "how much can be saved?"

I know a couple of hundred teachers in the KSA and I can say with certainty that many of them have a base salary of 15,000 SAR per month at a university... Further, many of them have two jobs as most are here for one reason only. I know one guy who was here for 30 years. Both he and his wife worked at the uni during the day and at the BC at night.

SCOT says to slow down and enjoy the ride. Not everyone can slow down as many have to keep busy to keep their wits. And further, the KSA is a not a place where I want to have a lot of free time.

One post on here said that you cant really save that much more because your spend so much of your time getting out on vacation. After my time here, that is my feeling as well - I need a vacation on a regular basis and that eats up extra savings. Yes, some are very happy here... they can save! Great!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

One of the great blessings of being in KSA is that we have TIME. Use it wisely.