Job Discussion Forums

yolajeff · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 9 Location: USA

I have Bi-Polar disorder that is being treated. I had no problem getting my visa (in the US).

As far as Markemark�s comments go I would say it depends on the individual. I just finished 4 years in rural Nigeria and adapted much better than most of the other Ex-Pats I worked with. I don�t expect KSA to be easy (I didn�t expect Nigeria to be easy either) but I have done a lot of background research (this forum has been invaluable) and feel I am prepared as can be. Depression is a very complicated (and treatable) disease and the challenge of a new situation is not necessarily a bad this for a person who has it. From the number of ex-pats in KSA statistics would say quite a few suffer from it. Personally I find living and working the US depressing.

What I would suggest to anyone with a mental disorder is to talk carefully with their psychiatrist before going over and be ready for some difficult times especially at first. It is extremely important to build some kind of support system over there.

johnslat · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 6:19 pm Post subject:

Dear yolajeff,
I agree totally that " . . . it depends on the individual." One thing I learned in Vietnam was the amazing variety of responses that individuals can have to the same situation/stimuli - and how many of those responses tuned out to be very different from what most would have anticipated.
On the plus side, a lot of mood-enhancing drugs are available over the counter there.
Regards,
John

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

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

Perhaps it is more about the word "working"??

VS

yolajeff · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 9 Location: USA

VS, thanks for the correction.

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

Now if only we could find someone to pay us to just hang out at the beach... Laughing

VS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 1:58 am Post subject:

Ya know...about five or so years ago...on Dave's I think, there was an advert for an ESL instructor in the Maldives. I 'memper a chill going up my spine as, at the time, I was an avid diver. But, then, I remembered that I had a wife and child.

The next mouse click was the saddest in my life... Crying or Very sad

NCTBA

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The only job I can think of that would be worse than living on a resort in the Maldives is working on a cruise ship.

When the Maldives wants to build a new resort it puts an island up for tender to the highest bidder. The winner of the tender then proceeds to ship everything necessary for the building of the resort (including sand for the concrete!) and then builds the hotel and imports workers from the capital or from abroad. There is nothing on the island apart from the hotel, and of course as staff not a guest, you wouldn't be allowed to use many of the facilities for guests.

And if you're on an oil rig at least you know everybody else is in the same boat, but you're going to be perpetually seeing people who after a week on the resort are going to return to the world while you're stuck for months on end.

Still, at least it would have made you appreciate Saudi!

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

My neighbours were with VSO in the Maldives for two years. The husband went mad for the local women and he had to be sent home, his wife just went mad. See NCTBA, you still have your sanity ( well........ mmmmmmmm. )

johnslat · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject:

Dear NCTBA,
Looks like you may have escaped yet another "Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it" scenario.
Dear LOL,
Of course NCTBA still has his sanity - in the original, unopened container that it came in. Never been used, good as new.
Regards,
John

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

So is mine John. I've just lost the can opener and the instructions.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 4:06 pm Post subject: