Job Discussion Forums

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Thought that would get your attention. Many posters in the past have asked 'where can I make money?' The answer is usually 'the Middle East' I am not debating this fact. I am currnetly in the Gulf and living very well. But WHY? Why are salaries higher in the Gulf? Is it because the governments of Gulf countries think" Oh we have so much oil and gas. Let's share our wealth with expats" I think not. It's because the students are a nightmare. if salaries in the ME were the same as say Eastern Europe, would we want to work in the Gulf? Again, I think not.
I was also wondering why jobs in Korea and Taiwan appear to pay more than other countries. Are students in those countries also a nightmare? They can't possibly be as bad as they are here

bnix · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 645

A good assessment.As one who has worked in Asia,two countries in the Gulf,three in eastern Europe,and one in South America....the ones(in my experience) in the Gulf were the worst.....of course,there are good and bad ones everywhere...but overall,I think dmb is right. Some"adult" students deciding to "decorate" the walls with crayons... Rolling Eyes

Linda L. · Joined: 03 Jul 2003 Posts: 146

Some people never seem to find their place in life and must stay on the move to stay ahead of the bill collectors, tax collectors and other enemies, real and perceived, including failure. I feel soooooo sorry for you!

I sincerely hope you finally find a nitche somewhere where you can experience some degree of success and satisfaction. Best regards.

tjpnz2000 · Joined: 22 May 2003 Posts: 118 Location: Japan

Interesting question. My assumption was that it was because the ME demanded the highest qualifications, I always read MA or forget it.

I also thought there wasn't much difference between the Big three of Asia; Japan, Korea and Taiwan paying the most money after you factor living cost and convert it all back to New Zealand dollars. Then comes China and then the `nice but dirt poor` places like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Hey, what do I know?

T

guty · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 365 Location: on holiday

Interesting thread DMB. Are salaries that much higher in the Gulf though? Not really, its the TaxFree status and free accommodation that makes disposable income higher in the Gulf. Gross income is not so different in many jobs in the UK, Japan, Germany, the US to name a few.

But that said, the fact that disposable income is higher means they cant ask for, and often get, better qualified staff in the ME. If the salary was directly related to the behaviour of the students, UK summer schools with French or Italian teenagers would pay a fortune!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

My salary in Saudi is LESS than I would earn teaching in the Unspeakable UK.Howevere I do not pay tax to finance Blair's Wars. I live in rent-free accommodation. I do not pay for utilities. And in Saudi Arabia I am in a country where basic essentials like food are reasonably-priced.

Best of all I can save out of my salary. How many teachers in the UK save money out of their salaries ?

dyak · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 630

Only those that teach from 9am to 9pm... but then I've seen them sleeping in their classrooms... as have their students...