Job Discussion Forums

johnslat · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2015 8:27 pm Post subject:

Dear Gamajorba,

Never wrote or implied that you were. What I'm talking about is posters who apparently think that their personal experiences in Saudi is the only valid one, that any other experience that differs from theirs must therefore be wrong and the poster who wrote them is either lying and just stupid.

As I've written before, one's experiences in Saudi depend in large measure on two factors: who your employer is and who you are.

Since employers in Saudi differ so widely, and since every person who goes to Saudi is different, the experiences are going to be all over the maps.

And they're ALL valid - for the individual person. But not for everyone else.

Regards,
John

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:18 am Post subject:

Dear Gamajorba

I thought that was your job. Very Happy

Regards,
John

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2015 3:09 am Post subject:

Several inappropriate postings have been deleted.

Stay on topic and avoid bickering, insults and calling out individual members.

This board requires civil discussion from its posting members.

Members that choose not to comply with this policy (as well as this warning) most probably will find themselves having to spend their time elsewhere in the very near future.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Adjusting to life and work in Saudi Arabia is difficult. Some people choose not to make the adjustment. Over the years I have seen a fair number of young liberals coming to teach in KSA and being turned into raving Xenophobes within weeks. That is their way of adjusting to the reality of Al Mamlika Al Arabiya As-saudiya !

Another way of adjusting is to revert to islam.

Yet another is to focus on the cash - and think of the holidays or retirement.

Yasuke · Joined: 10 Jan 2014 Posts: 178

Thank you all for giving me your insights. I noticed that the MOD had to step in and regulate some activity, but I hope others who might be lurking in the forum and scared speak about your experience add any insights you've gained while in KSA. Thanks

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

Just keep your head down. Remain patient. Be flexible. Be tolerant of ambiguity. Don't try and fix what you think is broken. Don't question everything and everyone. You're probably coming from a rule-based society, but this is more of a relationship-based society. You're asking why again...you know there's no answer to that question. Don't ask why. Just do what they tell you. Get to know your students. Don't let management find out you're having a problem with that class.

I'm sure this is advice many of us have heard and given on this forum and at work/home. Most of it is good advice. Some of it is excellent. Some of it is essential. For me, it's taken a really long time to internalise (is that the right word?) all of it and ADJUST. I think I keep on adjusting all the time. I've been in the Gulf for about twelve years, but I think I only now get what 'keeping your head down' really means.

I think that if your management notices that you can hit the ground running and be left alone to get on with things, your ride might be a little easier. Constant complaining, raising of issues, suggestions of improvement, questioning the reasoning behind certain things, etcetera will not make your ride easier. At least not in your first year (or two or three).

I sometimes look at my boss - who is an Arab and has been the boss for a long time - and how he deals with certain issues; what he says; what he doesn't say. And then I think: how many rookie teachers has he seen coming in here; thinking they know everything; wanting to change everything while looking down on things? And he deals with these situations really well. He defuses them really well. (I'm glad I double-checked the spelling of 'defuse'! Laughing

)

It's like some of us come to this part of the world forgetting that we have to prove ourselves capable as well. Capable of dealing with all of it, because it is really different and can be totally weird and incomprehensible at times.

Yasuke · Joined: 10 Jan 2014 Posts: 178

Pikginta,

Thanks for the detailed insight. Having been there 12 years, would you consider yourself 'crazy' as I've seen some refer to the long term teachers in KSA.

I ask because, KSA is often depicted as a barren, dull, 'backward', frustrating country, but when after reading your post you seem to have adjusted well enough to maintain your sanity. What's your secret? Do you travel often? Is your jobs better than most? Did you bring a family with you that helps to keep you grounded? Please share as much as you feel comfortable sharing.

Thanks

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Maybe it is time for "Yasuke" to share and tell us when if ever (s)he will head for the Magic Kingdom.

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

johnslat · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2015 12:28 pm Post subject:

Dear Pikgitina,

Thank you for enriching my vocabulary with what I think will prove to be a very useful word. Very Happy

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/diddums

Regards,
John