Job Discussion Forums

[b18 pjc]

Hi all!!
I have been offered a position at UAEU, which I am really delighted about. Our only concern is that that my wife really wants to work, she says she can't go for 4 years without working!! She has been working in banking here in ireland, but is happy enough to do anything ie admin, sales, general shop assistant, anything. We get the impression that it may be difficult to get general work, can anyone provide an insight? Thanks in advance folks!!
P & J

[Ka-CHING!]

You're correct in thinking that it's difficult to find work in Al-Ain. On the other hand, there are lots of organisations she could volunteer for. There's a natural history group, musical and theatrical groups, for starters and thay all need admin work done for them. That might be an option, but you really shouldn't count on her finding a job in Al-Ain.

Some spouses find work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and commute on a weekly basis.

[blues clues]

She can always try ELS. As long as she speaks English, and if you're there for the summer months, they could be desperate for teachers at that time...Not saying your wife would be hired out of desperation, but better chance of getting in when they're really busy. Then she'd be set for a while. She could always get her CELTA Diploma from British Council, making her more qualified. Best of luck.

[Needmyjob]

The UAEU doesn't usually offer a 4-year initial contract, to the best of my knowledge. Is this your plan? If so, you need to discuss it thoroughly with your wife, because the lack of work opportunities is a serious issue.

What are your wife's qualifications? Does she seek work for career development, personal fulfillment, extra cash, or some other reason?

Unlike places with free economies, "anything" is not available herel Employers have to sponsor employees in most circumstances. More and more jobs are reserved for locals.

I doubt that just by being here, a person can get a job with ELS (or any other school, for that matter). These jobs are competitive too!

The UAEU used to suggest that it would be easy for spouses to pick up work. Nowadays, that is no longer the case. In the fall, when last-minute teaching jobs may become available, there are likely to be people available with teaching qualifications, experience, and financial need.

Some spouses find work by marketing their skills like cooking, hairdressing, home repair, etc. Others use their time here to upgrade their skills and get certificates or degrees. Still others volunteer for local organizations, try to start a business, or dedicate themselves to family.

Bottom line: Count on ONE salary for the time you're here.

[blues clues]

ELS competitive???? That's a new one. As a part-time worker, one doesn't need qualifications, or experience for that matter. Depends on student numbers, and their need for teachers. Summer months are very busy at ELS in the Gulf. Many teachers, mostly parttimers, are working on a full-time contract under a different sponsor and so they leave for the summer months. This leaves the institute in a desperate situation. Once one is hired for summer employment, chances are they are kept on for future, if classes are available.

[veiledsentiments]

Blues... I don't think the poster meant 'competitive' in a necessarily good way. Just that there are quite a few people looking for part time work with no or limited credentials who are stuck with places like ELS. There is competition at both ends of the food chain.

VS

[Needmyjob]

Thanks, VS and BC. Keep the thread alive!

The original poster wrote that he'd been offered a job at UAEU. That usually means he'll be coming in August. To my mind, it's a bit premature to suggest his wife could get on immediately at ELS--she won't even have a residence visa until late September at best! I still think the main point is, she'll be extremely lucky to find a job she likes. I hope he writes back to let us know what they decided.

Now, without incriminating myself--because it IS illegal for an employee to work (even part-time) without their sponsor's express consent--my impression is that the local language learning institutes do indeed have a summer rush. They often offer one-month courses for children during June, July and August, as well as similar short-term exam prep courses for older students.

If you were an employer who pays cash, and whose reputation is largely based on exam results, who would you prefer to hire--a hungry, experienced ESL teacher or an inexperienced native-speaker wife?

I rest my case at the bottom of the food chain. It sustains everybody!

[blues clues]

uh huh, yes, may be illegal to work at another place of employment....while under sponsorship.....but then, running red lights is also illegal. Locals seem to get away with it though....hmmmm, wonder which is more dangerous.