Job Discussion Forums

Sole Survivor · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

I've signed and returned a contract to a school in Dubai for work beginning in August. Is it common in the UAE for a school to change their mind even after receiving the contract?
I'm asking in order to keep my options open, if needed. I wouldn't want to be stuck looking at the last moment.

Thanks

twarin · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 14

Given the depth of logistic incompetence in the UAE, I wouldn't be surprised if they withdrew your contract, reinstated it the next day then compromised your mistake of asking for a job by offering you employment as a cleaner in the student dorms.

Anything Goes. Expect the inconceivable.

younggeorge · Joined: 15 Apr 2005 Posts: 350 Location: UAE

Depends which school it is. There are some you can trust but many that you can't.

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

Why do you think that they have changed their mind? Not hearing from them for long periods is the norm, especially this time of year as the academic year is ending with its attendant workload. Have they notified you that the offer is withdrawn?

But, yes, it has happened in the past. I know of people at even the relatively trustworthy employers like HCT, who have been informed literally the day before their flight that the offer was withdrawn. This is normally related to a problem with the security check of the applicant.

VS

Sole Survivor · Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

My paranoia is most likely a result of my 2 years spent in a highly incompetent and untrustworthy school. Like an innocent child who finds out that Santa doesn't exist, this school has made me a cynic and a pessimist. Hopefully, my new post will once again make me a believer (don't laugh)

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

Sorry... I couldn't stop myself... Laughing

but you haven't mentioned your employer so you may very well be stepping from the frying pan into the fire.

The only way you can know the answer to that is by communicating with current or past teachers at the school you are talking to. The majority of the horror stories of Gulf employers seem to be from K-12 international schools... perhaps because there are more of them, but the bad seem to way outnumber the good.

VS