Job Discussion Forums

apollolight · Joined: 02 Nov 2011 Posts: 25

I have gone on to several forums now and asked about living in Saudi and lots of people have told me to not even think about going there. They have said it is not worth the extra pay being offered as the life there is incredibly oppressive.

I have also seen lots of things in forums about passports being taken by employers and also have seen a lot of things about dodgy recruiters. (it seems like the contract you are offered may not be honored once you arrive).

After all this I feel like I should now completely cross Saudi Arabia off my list of possible places to go.

Does anyone have anything positive to say about living and working there? Is it only bearable because of the high wages? (but now I'm afraid the offer I was given may not even be real)

Is there anywhere else that you can earn nearly the same money but have a much better life teaching English?

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:26 pm Post subject:

Dear apollolight,

Quick answer: the UAE.

But to answer your question accurately, one would first have to know your qualifications and experience.

And no - living in Saudi doesn't have to be a terrible experience - IF you get the right employer, are a direct hire, and have the right sort of make-up to last in a country that doesn't offer much (an understatement) in the way of outside diversions/recreation.

Regards,
John

volgaman · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:15 pm Post subject:

The worst thing about Saudi is the BOREDOM! tick tock tick tock...

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:26 pm Post subject:

Dear volgaman,

"We humans have this great evolutionary trait that allows us to quickly adapt and become accustomed to new environments and scenarios. For prehistoric man, I�m sure this helped a lot. For instance a thunderstorm would only terrifying the first time it was experienced.

But for modern man, this concept means one thing: we get bored easily. Or maybe a better way to say it is we get used to things very quickly. Marriages turn ugly, lottery winners commit suicide, and that �exciting promotion� just doesn�t do it for you anymore.

Many people say �I will be happy when _______ happens and when I have _______.� Well as you should know from past experiences, you�re going to get bored of _______ soon after you have attained it. We�re constantly wanting something different, especially when it comes to the concrete.

If this boredom effect happens with everything, then how could you ever be happy unless you are happy right now?"

http://www.highexistence.com/human-capacity-for-boredom/

Regards,
John

Badar Bin Bada Boom · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:37 pm Post subject:

Saudi is much more difficult for a young or youngish man (married or not) who hasn't worked in the Kingdom before. Adjustment is very difficult, generally speaking. I had that trouble in my early 40s first time around, even with a lovely young wife to keep me company. Second time around it's 20 years later, I'm old, mellower and even though single now, I don't mind where I am as long as I can take off at least twice a year. But what makes it worthwhile and tolerable are two major factors: 1. Beaucoup de salary, making retirement look rosy, and 2. unusually nice students, considering where we are.

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

With all due respect, John...poppycock!!! Laughing

There are some dream vocations out there with people who are truly passionate about that work, they live for it, they breathe it, and, yeah, they're...happy!

This begs the question--Would they be happy teaching English in KSA, or working at Walmart, or selling insurance? I doubt it...seriously.

You can tell me I'm nuts...for me that's a compliment! Very Happy

MEB

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 10:48 pm Post subject:

Dear MEB,

And yet - I was happy teaching English there. You clearly weren't.

But I'm not going to use my personal experience as the benchmark for what everyone else would/should feel.

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Life is what you make of it - even in KSA. But I will repeat my advice - CHOOSE YOUR MASTER CAREFULLY !

apollolight · Joined: 02 Nov 2011 Posts: 25

thanks for all the advice on working in Saudi...I really think that I'm not going to take the risk with this particular job offer. Even if I knew for definite where I was going to be I might considerate it, but after all the incredibly negative stuff I have heard I think it is best to leave it...

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

johnslat · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2011 6:10 pm Post subject:

Dear MEB,

"You play the cards you're dealt . . ."

True - but no one has to sit in and play at the Saudi table. That's a choice.

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you don't like the game, leave the table.

volgaman · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 12:26 pm Post subject:

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

johnslat · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2011 8:09 pm Post subject:

Dear MEB,

Hardly anything quite that drastic. Just call on your own experience: you move to another table where the rules (and the "ambiance") are different.

Regards,
John