Job Discussion Forums

[Hatcher]

I am curious what people expected or what perceptions they had vs what the KSA actually is, in their view.

For me, it is how many Saudis who consider the KSA to be the beautiful place on earth and almost paradise compared the most Jordanians and Egyptians who say it is incredibly tough to be here. I assumed that the Jordanians wouldnt have much trouble being here. My student from Kuwait said he found it tough here as well.

[cmp45]

Of course many Saudis will tell you KSA is the best place on earth...it is their home...they are going to be biased However, I have met a few Saudis that do not share this sentiment due to various (personal) reasons.

Most expatriate workers and students having a difficult time in KSA are more likely just homesick for their family, friends and all things familiar. This is normal. However, it is easier for people to project such feelings onto the host country, using KSA as the reason for all thier problems rather than addressing the real issues for their malaise....homesickness being one of the main reasons and differences in culture, customs and religon being another.
Your Kuwait student is a good example of this...

Obviously those that are stuck in a bad work situation may feel otherwise, but then again they can certainly choose to leave despite the problems or excuses they have for keeping them stuck in KSA. No matter what people may say about KSA; they chose to come, they can choose to leave.

Home is where I lay my hat.

Yes, KSA has its challenges, most places will have some challenges, perhaps KSA is more so, nevertheless, I take full responsibility for my emotions and attitude, I do not blame KSA for any of it. I was fully aware of the laws and restrictions before hand. If it gets to the point of bashing KSA when I am feeling down, then I will leave and go somewhere else.

[Hatcher]

Thank you. I was only asking about expectations and reality...

[Wilsonthefarmer]

[cmp45]

[fledex]

What I expected or perceived vs. what KSA is? I had lived in the Middle East and other Islamic countries before. So I was expecting it to be like those countries, but more conservative, like no alcohol at all. However, after being there a couple weeks, being watched by CID officers in our hotel lobby, being told to let them know where we went, who we went with, and being followed on the street by police, I felt like I was in one of the old Soviet block countries back in the 1970s (I was in Russia and Poland in the 70s, and in China in 1989). I know a doomed political-economic regime when I see it. I hope the Saudi regime will go the same way as the regimes in those countries went. It's not about culture, it's about repression. Yes, plenty of Saudis hate it also, but are scared to talk about it. The repression helps breed so many of the bad employers in Saudi.

[EYEBALL]

There is a lot more going on in the background than the rosy picture the official media paints in SA. I have to agree with cmp45, the current SA regime has a limited shelf life left to it. I also think that if the Saud family were overthrown, few tears would be shed anywhere. Rich Saudi's who can afford to get out are making sure they have "Plan B" ready WTSHTF in Saudi.

It has been discussed elsewhere on Dave's about your "exit plans." But consider, if TS does HTF, how much cash will they allow you to take out? They could limit the amount you are allowed take out, even gold and silver. How many teachers here do have Plan B ready?

[johnslat]

Dear EYEBALL,

Don't you send most of your salary home every month? I always did - I learned THAT lesson in Iran in 1978 -1979.

Regards,
John

[cmp45]

[johnslat]

Dear cmp45,

Good luck - I have NO regrets about my time there. I was very fortunate; I landed with a good employer and enjoyed my job a lot.

Of course, now I'm totally insane, but hey - there's ALWAYS a downside .

Regards,
John

[cmp45]

Well if ur insane now, then I am on my way,,,,so far so good...

[johnslat]

Dear cmp45,

"another 10 years..."

Clearly, you are (un)WELL on your way

Regards,
John

[fledex]

[scot47]

You cannot compare Bahrain and KSA. Completely different ! I remember back in the 1970s people saying that the Sauds could not last. 40 years later......................................

Of course if you look at the world through liberal, western, secular spectacles you may have problems in figuring out what is there !

[johnslat]

Slattery's Law

Revolutions seldom (if ever) happen in countries where much or most of the native population drive Hondas, Toyotas, or better brands.

Regards,
John