Job Discussion Forums

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

I'm trying to get a job in KSA for the simple reason of money. From the other posts here, it sounds as if there is almost no other reason to go to the country.

My question to all is what are the items/activities that can burn up a paycheck? I'm not a drinker and I hate shopping so what should I avoid in order to hold onto as much money as possible?

Thanks.

DirtGuy

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

You obviously won't be spending your money on booze. Grocery items aren't expensive, but if you eat out a lot or order food delivery on a daily basis, the costs add up. Any travel runs outside the Kingdom could also eat up your riyals because you'd have to pay for hotels, transportation, eating out, and so on. It really depends on your personal lifestyle and whether you'll be supporting a wife and children living with you as well.

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

No wife or kids. It will just be me. I'd like to travel but if it means not being able to send money home, then I'll stay put. I actually like my own cooking so I plan to cook most of my meals.

DirtGuy

McBrainiac · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 61 Location: Somewhere warm

In my opinion, there is nothing to spend money on in country, period. Best place in the world to save money, bar none. It even beats Japan for this purpose because the cost of living over there not to mention lots of things to spend your money on everywhere.

sofaspud · Joined: 28 Oct 2011 Posts: 7 Location: UK

I feel you DirtGuy, that's the only reason I'm taking up an offer in KSA.
First thing I'm going to do is pay off my healthy student loan...
God bless Student Finance UK. Crying or Very sad

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 11:50 am Post subject:

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

BBBB,

I appreciate your input and what you are talking about is something that does concern me. My situation is that I am 54, tons of experience teaching but bumping up against that 55 age limit I keep hearing about, and having serious money problems due to a floundering business in the States. Unless I can send $2K back here each month, I lose 4 years of work and many, many thousands of dollars invested into a trailer park business I was stupid enough to buy. Given the choice of losing my investment or staying in KSA for a year, I'll take the latter any day of the week. There is also the possibility of making enough money to pay my bills AND travel a bit. Got to keep optimistic. Besides, I've been stuck in Youngstown, OH and Pittsburgh, PA for 4 years. Given the nature of these 2 places, I'm well prepared for what awaits me in KSA.

DirtGuy

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:45 pm Post subject:

Compared to KSA, Pittsburgh same-same Paradise, teacher. You must be joking. There is nothing in Ohio or Penna. that will prepare you for KSA.

The age limit here for starting (not leaving) is generally 60, not 55.

I don't know what your academic and experiential qualifications are in TEFL. If they're "good" enough you can make anywhere from $41,500 to $80,000 to start. Universities are on the lower end and some of the military-related ones are on the upside. This is tax-free, of course, with free housing.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Automobiles. I know someone who just ended up 40,000 SR out of pocket as a result of an "incident". The only protection is Divine Providence.

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

BBBB,

Yes, I see what you are driving at. OH and PA has the American culture to which I am accustomed but it doesn't have decent paying jobs or, in the case of OH, any type of jobs at all. At least over there I will have some money for a change.

It looks to me like I will have the following guaranteed expenses:

food costs for what I cook (the majority of meals)
lunch at a cheap cafe
taxi and/or other transportation costs for anywhere other than the school
some sort of expense for whatever passes for entertainment there
possible health club expense for exercise
clothing costs at least initially
some items to furnish the flat at least initially

Am I missing anything?

Given an absolute bottom salary of $3500/month and my need to send back at least $2K monthly, is the remaining $1500 sufficient to cover the above expenses?

Thanks for your help.

DirtGuy

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:20 am Post subject:

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

Ahhh...the joys of military contracts and compound living...even in the nexus of Hell!

It's a great gig if you can get it!

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

BBBB,

This info is good and I appreciate getting it. My planning is getting easier the more such info I get.

I'm sure I will be in for quite a cultural shock but that's OK. There are far worse situations than what you have descibed and I hope you never have to find out about any of them.

Thanks again.

DirtGuy

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

You'll easily be able to send 2 k home a month. Just don't go to Bahrain. Groceries are cheap as are takeaways. Depending on where you are housed you'll probably have access to sports facilities and cable TV will be providied. At 54, having a 'dull' life will be manageable for a year I'm sure. It won't be the KSA that drives you nuts, it'll be your colleagues probably. I'm in Kuwait right now but was in Saudi..........it sure ain't eastern Europe! Vinnell are advertising right now....bad students but probably good money.

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2011 9:03 pm Post subject:

Vinnell should be avoided, at the bottom of your list, due to work conditions and the way people are treated there.

I agree about colleagues driving you crazy. We only have a couple. One has a boorish loudmouth that drones all day and when a bachelor reaches workday's end, there is no antidote--no woman's voice to soothe him, other than on TV.