Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Adventure ? I came here because it was an improvement on Skid Row !

johnslat · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 2:09 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,

I dunno - Skid Row's not bad. Least I don't have to share my warm doorway with a door-mate.

But I do wish those kids would stop stealing my shopping cart.

Regards,
John

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

Emile Cioran · Joined: 15 Aug 2010 Posts: 26

Markemark · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 82 Location: ksa

Tilly, does anyone here actually think they're making a pot of gold?
The only people who do make that kind of claim are the BAE systems employees and guess what- I trash them when they do. Most people here are self depreciating. It's the OP who's making all the claims.
As for TEFL, I agree with you, it's not akin to being a rocket scientist and I consider anyone who does it a social failure if in it for the long haul, or a backpacker if in there for a much shorter stint. And then you die man...
Look man, we're all in a world of schit. The pot of gold? Now where's it at, recession, inflation, preparing for life under our new Chinese overlords.
The whole thing's going down. Us as TEFLER's, we aren't much worse off and yes, we're at the bottom of the heap.
Now where are you at, man? You ready to admit you ain't nothin' but trash also?

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 5:27 pm Post subject:

Neil Down · Joined: 08 Dec 2010 Posts: 3 Location: SAUDI

Grendal · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 6:47 pm Post subject:

trapezius · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 7:54 pm Post subject:

His salary (10,600/month after deduction of rent) is perhaps 2/3 to 3/4 of the salaries of most of y'all, but it is still very good compared to what expats in general make in Saudi.

A couple of posters obviously need lessons in decency and politeness. And they should also learn to be more thankful for what they have and not to insult those below them financially.

Good luck with your job, Emile. I would happily take your salary if I could (but not the sharing accommodation).

Happy New Year to everybody, in 66 minutes! Cool

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Wow, what an interesting thread. I'm not sure who is the most pathetic poster here.

Is it Emile Cioran? Not because of what he earns, which while below what most western TEFL expats earn in KSA, is something he himself is happy with. No, but because if he really is happy with himself and his life, why does he feel acompelling need to publicly post a vitriolic diatribe here against Scot47, to basically go, "Nah nah, na na nah"?

What about tillymd, who reminds us that mean people suck. Yes Tilly, they do, including people that feel an irresistible need to come in here and tell everyone that they are all utter failures in life because they work in TEFL. Obviously, you yourself are a very successful person, and are in a position to preach from a great height. Are you a major player in IT or banking? Do you own a chain or restaurants? Perhaps you're a celebrity chef, or a TV presenter? Maybe you're not motivated by money or power, and you're a leading human rights spokesperson for the oppressed? A ground-breaking investigative reporter?

What's arguably sadder than casting aspersions on others however, is casting them on oneself. OK, markemark, you appear to still be in TEFL (and still in KSA?) and are apparently suffering from low self-esteem, but why drag everyone else down with you? Not everyone teaching English in KSA feels like a chronically depressed loser who despises their lot or sees themselves "at the bottom of the heap". Nor should they. Maybe some do, but I would say no more than in any other profession or location in the world. You don't seem mean-minded, but please spare us the self-flagellation. Spare yourself, more to the point. You don't deserve it.

We all do what we have to survive, in our own way. Most of us are trying to get through life as best we can, and should avoid beating people up, including ourselves.

Back to you, Emile. I really doubt that Scot47 was ever trying to be mean or spiteful. As one of the longest established and KSA-experienced posters here, he usually provides a word of advice and sometimes warning, which is interpreted as cynicism and negativity by those who insist on wearing rose-tinted glasses at all times. If your experiences have turned out better than you were warned about, you should be genuinely happy. You truly don't come across as such, however, in your self-admitted 'purgatory'.