Job Discussion Forums

[johnslat]

Dear Commenter,

Well, I'm glad to see that you're resisting any temptation to indulge in cynicism (or as MEB calls it "realism.")

I would like to ask, though, which of the comments you found to be cynical and nauseating? The reason I ask is that I didn't see any on this thread that I'd consider as falling into either of those categories.

Regards,
John

[Commenter]

I try to stay positive at all times, John.

A half full glass is much more refreshing than a half empty one, is it not?

As for cynical comments...

[johnslat]

Dear Commenter,

Well, I think I might call the first comment as one posted by someone who's suspicious rather than cynical. The fact is that there have been "shills" on this site, especially in recent years on the Saudi forum.
Also notice that rather than directly accusing, the poster said. "I have the feeling that . . . ," which, to my mind, at least, would indicate a "suspicion."

As for the second comment, while I'd have to agree with the first part, "you are totally at their mercy . . ." I'd have to say that the second part, " . . . and if you are a westerner, non muslim that does not care about getting brownie points..... well, you are really out of luck" crosses the line.

I'm very glad that you're doing well there, and I like your "half-full" attitude. I certainly have no axe to grind with the Kingdom. During my nineteen years there, all with the same employer, I enjoyed my job (well, since I stayed nineteen years, I guess I'd either have had to or been the world's biggest masochist.) However, I also know that there are a number of unscrupulous employers/recruiters/contractors, especially these days, who should not be trusted.


Regards,
John

[Commenter]

Thanks John.

I agree about the fact that there are a number of untrustworthy types that need to be avoided.

I certainly hope that I can continue to work here with an enjoyment that will also make me want to stay for a long time.

[DeApple]

Thanks MEB and John for your comments. I�ve never hated anybody and gave that company a lot more time and effort that they�ve never paid me for and they knew it and took advantage of me.

They put the life of a few of us in danger or at stake "literally" a few times and if I feel it is my duty to prevent other people from the same situation. I do have apologies in writing which I never had to give, doesn�t it tell you something ?

I still have good friends that come visit me in Europe (Syrians, Egyptians, Saudis, Jordanians) and have happily lived in Muslim countries for over 7 years. The management of that company is particularly bad and no comments from anybody is going to change that.

Also it strikes me that someone can write from KSA when the site has been blocked for over a year, I believe

[johnslat]

Dear DeApple,


"Also it strikes me that someone can write from KSA when the site has been blocked for over a year, I believe."

I'd guess that, like blackwellben, Commenter is using a "proxy server." We have gotten comments from people inside the Kingdom who say they're using that method.


I'm sorry you had such a bad time there.


Regards,
John

[DeApple]

No problem John, I took the good with the bad and made the best of it, as a matter of fact now I am a Saudi Government advisor, and will most likely continue helping a wonderful group of people there that are really concerned about improving their country.

Sorry cannot disclose details

My real hardest was to make do without the selection of foods and drinks available in Europe but above all not being able to drive my car (still is to this day)

[Commenter]

I am indeed using a vpn.

[Middle East Beast]

[dutchiris]

I spent a few months of my last 4 years working in the KSA with AETG at PNU and Al Faissal Academy and it was an irritating experience. The female compound at Al Marooj in Riyadh is a difficult place to live due to its lack of maintenance, smallness and lack of privacy; there is nowhere to go where you can be alone except your room.
You will have to negotiate bathroom usage as well as 'the TV' as there were only 2 bathrooms in each house and only one TV set. You will also have to be prepared to share the sitting room with your house mates and their friends which might get on your nerves if they aren't your kind of people.
The standard of furnishings and appliances is low and you may have to buy your own kitchen utensils.
The problems that arise in most group/share houses apply here and this might be irksome if you are no longer in your late teens to early 20s or into group living as a lifestyle choice.
More importantly, after spending 8 hours in close proximity with female students it is difficult returning to 16 more hours of the same with your colleagues.
The management at both PNU and Al Faissal Academy mirror the standard of the accommodation at the Al Marooj compound; somewhat run-down, substandard and in need of an up-grade.
There is only so much 'femaleness' a woman can take in one day. If you are determined to have this experience opt for a temporary work visa (or whatever is this year's latest visa option) as I suspect a year in these conditions may well give you a bad impression of the KSA and that would be unfortunate.

[HFG]

Weren't the living arrangements discussed prior to accepting the contract?

Perhaps people talk themselves into a situation that they know will not work but do it anyway. A few extra dollars is not worth it.

Stop that.

[Middle East Beast]

[DeApple]

dutchiris and MEB too right, I am so pleased to see comments based on reality, experience and common sense

Good day

[Betrayer of Hope]