Job Discussion Forums

tater · Joined: 07 Jan 2011 Posts: 7

Tell me straight...
I was offered a position at U of Nizwa and the salary isnt as high as I would have hoped (I am currently working on my masters - I have come to the conclusion that is probably why) - so Im curious, How expensive is it to live in Nizwa? My husband works from home, and we are hoping that we could live off my salary alone to save his. Is it far off to think we can live off 1000 (including allowances) - and even save from it?

We are debating between Nizwa or staying in Morocco.

thanks for your input.

tater.

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

As always... it depends on your lifestyle. If you have kids, it would be difficult, but if you're not heavy partiers, I'd say yes you could. The first year will be tight getting things set up... getting a car... etc, but after that it should be do-able. I would be able to save on that salary, but I'm pretty frugal.

VS

lynnknows · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:55 pm Post subject:

If its just you and your husband, I would say it is doable if you can do without a lot of extras. I know a few Americans living in Oman and they are managing quite well WITH children. So, it can be done but it will be harder. As a matter of fact, my best friend is there and she has 11 children. I have no idea how they manage, but they do. She and her husband are two of the most amazing people I know.
I know a few other Americans in Oman and they have been there for years and love it.
It all depends on your lifestyle. If you plan on running to UAE every weekend. You will be broke. If you are content with a quiet lifestyle and a treat every now and then, you will be ok. I am not saying you have to do without everything. All the people I know have Big SUVs and go to hotels, shop in UAE, and do other things to make their life enjoyable. They just do things in moderation.

I am on my way to Oman myself. I have talked to many people there. All of them say they have no problem saving money. This will be the lowest salary I have had since my first year in UAE, but I want to get experience with adults. All of my teaching jobs have been with children. My plan is to work here a few years and them move on.
I was worried about the cost of living there too. This is why I talked to so many people I knew before I accepted my offer.

urbanversion · Joined: 27 Jan 2011 Posts: 426

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

lynnknows · Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 10:08 am Post subject:

LOL, I would not call any of the university students adults in any Gulf county. However, this is the term used to discribe them...LOL

Maybe I should have said I have only worked with k-12 students and I would like to have experience working with university students.

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

If you've a mind to save, you can. Western foods are expensive, and restaurants even more so. Drinking out is expensive. The licensed liquor stores are remarkable affordable. The list goes on, but you get the drift.

From what I have heard about wages in Morocco, you should be better off in Oman. The first year is tight, but you should be able to save. Better still, you can finish your MA and and have university teaching on your CV.

lizziebennet · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 355