Job Discussion Forums

positivity · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 9

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I had a phone interview last week with Bell for an EFL instructor position at KSU through Obeikan and have been trawling through these forums since then, I have taught in the UK for 20 years and this is the first time I have considered working abroad - I have not laughed so much since Obama came to power!! Thank you to everyone for being so entertaining!

I would have thought that a modicum of flexibility/adaptability is an essential requirement for anyone considering working in Saudi - some of the complaints and whinges on this forum about admin/HR/managers/colleagues would be laughable, if they weren't so sad.. unhappy people are unhappy anywhere and are quite 'happy' to project their own inadequacies onto their situation. When in Rome.. etc. If you have problems dealing with 'administration of life' in Saudi, think of the poor saps who were born there and who have to deal with it all their lives.

I am glad there is a hard-core of veterans who give (or try to give) a balanced view - NCTBA, veiled, Mia, Cleo, et al; I doff my hat to you all.

As a newbie to teaching abroad, is it wise to negotiate hard? my family is staying in UK (kids at uni, wife working) so I would be going as a singleton. 45 years old, my first degree is in Chemistry, PGCE in post-16 education, CELTA two years ago (at the insistence of my funding body for the ESOL centre I was running).

Any and all information would be great and gratefully appreciated!!
Laughing

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

It sounds like Saudi Arabia might be just the right place for you. And Bell might do you a good turn. Who knows?

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Yes, negotiate really hard and tell us all what happens. Rolling Eyes

Maybe you will be the exception.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:15 pm Post subject:

One thing always to remember when you engage in negotiations is to know what you, your experience, and your creds are worth in any given situation. Now, by situation...at this time...I'm referring to the global recession and the many, MANY people who are out there selling themselves cheap.

Jes' like in any situation where money is to be exchanged for goods...the "goods" here being you, your experience, your creds, your financial situation, etc...always be ready to walk away from a deal. If you're all that, chances are they'll reconsider.

Always be ready to walk away from a deal.

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:23 pm Post subject:

Dear positivity,
Should you be hired by Bell and go to Saudi, I hope you will continue to post here. I, for one, would be very interested in learning whether or not your ideas about unhappy complainers undergo any modification once you've actually experienced some of the "administration of life" there.
While I sincerely hope that your positive attitude remains unaffected, since you are, as you wrote, "a newbie to teaching abroad", Saudi may present some unanticipated challenges.
I was very fortunate during my time there, having had a good employer. I did, however, meet a number of other teachers who had to deal with much more adverse circumstances. As a result, I wouldn't dismiss all those who post "complaints and whinges on this forum" as "unhappy people" who "project their own inadequacies onto their situation." There are, in my opinion, many legitimate and justified causes for such complaints.
I hope that your situation there doesn't fall into that category; however, your post brought to mind this quote:

"He jests at scars, that never felt a wound."

Regards,
John

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:42 pm Post subject:

Dear Positivity,

You think THIS is fun? Just wait until you get to KSA itself. The fun never stops . Wink

Let us know what happens. Good luck in your job search.

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

destionable · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 46 Location: wherever

Dear Mr Positive:

As some other experienced posters have commented...all this negativity about Saudi may just not be a load of unhappy BSers. I recall the first time I went to Saudi...Jeddah...I once drove past this huge building with hundreds of cars parked around and busy nervous people walking everywhere...so I asked my friend: "My my what place is this?" To my demise he answered, " The Ministry of Labour disputes!"

But the best of luck anyway.
Destionable.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 6:01 pm Post subject:

Dear destionable,

"To my demise he answered . . ."

My sincere sympathies upon your passing - but, looking on the bright side, you surely must have gone to a far, far better place.

(Sorry - I really couldn't resist. ) Embarassed

Regards,
John

positivity · Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Posts: 9

thanks for all the good words guys n gals. I will keep you informed, if only so you can all have a good laugh at my downfall..! I have tried to live by the Chinese adage: be like the reed that bends with the wind but does not break,rather than the mighty tree which can be uprooted.

Or, more prosaically, Bruce Lee: 'Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves'

It's stood me in good stead so far,but it could all turn out to be the proverbial crock in the Magic Kingdom!

I have quite wide but vicarious experience of other cultures through my time teaching asylum seekers and refugees, but any and all guidane will be gratefully received.

destionable · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 46 Location: wherever

Ha ha ha! Nothin wrong with that John boy. A perfect metaphorical use of the word. Look it up in the dico.

Happy trails
Destionable Razz

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

As the Buddha said- Trust everyone and keep your hand on your wallet.

Being naively positive and trusting is not a virtue, in my estimation.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:07 pm Post subject:

Dear destionable,
I promise I'm not being smarmy when I ask if you could recommend a dictionary. All I get is this - or something quite similar:

�noun
1. death or decease.
2. termination of existence or operation: the demise of the empire.
3. Law.
a. a death or decease occasioning the transfer of an estate.
b. a conveyance or transfer of an estate.
4. Government. transfer of sovereignty, as by the death or deposition of the sovereign.

I'm feeling a little dense - not getting the metaphorical usage.

Regards,
John

johnslat · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:14 pm Post subject:

Dear positivity,
Well, I'd say your stated philosophy/behavior certainly seems to be a good one to bring to the Kingdom. Patience, flexibility, a keen sense of humor, curiosity, a taste for the "exotic", tolerance, adaptability, self-sufficiency - all those come in handy.
I truly wish you all the best in your upcoming adventure.
Regards,
John

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