Job Discussion Forums

nomad_25 · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

I'm sure you all get fed up with these kinds of posts and I'm afraid I'm not a teacher, but I'd be really grateful it you could help me.

I'm a 25-year-old British journalist and am currently considering a job offer to work in Muscat. I'm very keen on the move but have doubts about how many English speaking people of my age there are likely to be in the city.

It's not that I don't want to mix with different people and get to know the culture, I just feel that, at least when I'm starting out, I'd need to be able to build up a network of at least three or four people of my age and nationality.

Am I likely to able to do that? Are there any particular clubs or societies which might make it easier? My worst fear is that I could move to Oman and find myself isolated and, as a result, fail to make the most of the country.

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

Hi Nomad25,

My immediate reaction (and you probably know it if you have been reading my messages on this board) is to tell you that the Gulf - outside of Dubai - can be rather dull for people in their 20's. The reality is that the vast majority of Western expats in the Gulf and particularly in Oman are older and/or married.

BUT... considering that your field is journalism... you would likely have access to a larger and more diverse population of expats than the average English teacher. If your goal is to learn the culture and your field in an important part of the world these days... Oman would be a perfect place.

Social activities? There are great beaches, a fascinating culture, scenic road trips in the desert and mountains, the HASH, etc. On a smallish scale, there are things like drama groups, history societies and darts groups at the pubs... the usual things that expats tend to set up everywhere they go. If you are into sports or outdoor activities (and can tolerate a bit of heat), there is plenty to do.

You may or may not find people that you want to keep as your friends forever - you may end up with friends that are not your age or nationality, but I think you could easily spend a year or 2 or 3. Just don't expect to find Ms Right, as single females will be a bit thin on the ground if that is one of your goals. But, the bright lights of Dubai are a nice drive or bus trip away. (about 5 hours or so away)

Being a journalist, which means that you are likely not terribly shy and retiring, Laughing

you should have no problem avoiding isolation. A person's happiness with their choice of living in Oman depends a great deal on their goals and expectations.

VS

nomad_25 · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks very much for your advice - you've pretty much confirmed my own feelings. I'm not too bothered about the social side not being the same as it is in the west - the whole reason I want to move to a different culture is because it is different!

But I do have my doubts about how happy I would be if I can't at least mix with a few similar people, in the early days at least.

At the moment I'm thinking I may turn the job down - I want to live abroad but think somewhere like Singapore or Dubai may be more suitable. But I change my mind pretty much by the day!

Are there any people in there twenties on here who could advise me?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

So you want to go somewhere exotic, but at the same time only socialise with other 25-year-old Englishmen !

Speaks for itself !

Try a Club 18-30 holiday ?

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

Well Scot... 25 years old was many years ago for us, but as I recall, I sort of thought that I could have everything. Cool

(so much for that fantasy... but eventually managed most of the things on the list...)

At least our OP has shown that he has thought things out a bit. Much better than those that just jump on a plane because they heard that native speakers could land high pay jobs in the oil patch.

VS

nomad_25 · Joined: 19 Apr 2006 Posts: 3

steppy-boy · Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Posts: 61

Honestly Nomad 25, you are the sort of person who would put his/her toe in the water to test the temperature before deciding to dive in.

Maybe you should change your name to Aunt Bethel_25.

guangho · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

My friend was your age or maybe a year older when he was living in Oman-outside of Muscat btw. He liked it fine but each person is unique- what was okay for him may not be for you. PM me if you want more info.

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

In reply to what seems to me a very valid and sensible question, here's what experience has taught me. Oh, I am a wee bit older than nomad25 and have five years' experience living in strange (and I do mean Strange) countries.

I absolutely adore Oman and its people. Connecting with local people socially has never been this easy, either in my home country or abroad. Anyone with the tiniest modicum of social aptitude (like me, for instance!) can have a vibrant social life. But this "social life" generally involves local people and local entertainment, aka "sitting with people". And sitting. And sitting. For meeting younger Western people and indulging in back-home pastimes, one may be hard-pressed. As VS has noted, foreigners are plentiful, but are usually past thirty and here with a family. As to entertainment, there is the great outdoors, a minor trickle of blockbuster films and middle-of-the-road cover bands beside emptyish hotel dancefloors. Hip, beautiful, young foreigners who actually live here do exist, but might not be beating down your door from day one.

So is it worth it? It depends on you. I consider Oman well worth the gamble.