Job Discussion Forums

[kylemcgee]

Hello -

I've been offered a teaching job at a nice the Oman College of Management and Technology for RO1100 a month. The college is close to Muscat which I like, but I'm worried about the money.

Is this enough to survive and save some money? Are private lessons possible?

I should also mention that I am a MA (in ELT) holder with 8 years experience. I have been offered RO 1400 before, but that was further away from Muscat. Should they be offering me more? I asked for more, but they said no..

Thanks!

Kyle

[jdl]

1100 is enough. You could easily be able to save half that with a very enjoyable lifestyle. Is the 1100 base salary or total pkg?

Privates are illegal but possible.

1100, 1400.......which is more important.....money or Muscat? I personally prefer living away from Muscat for cultural and educational reasons so for me the choice is a profitable 'no brainer' as they say.

[veiledsentiments]

As long as it is 1100 plus a provided flat, I agree with jdl. I too prefer being close to Muscat.

VS

[kylemcgee]

[Duffy]

For a decent apartment even out in Seeb you must be looking at paying at least 300 OMR per month. That does not leave a lot to live on and save.

Duffy

[kylemcgee]

[balqis]

I was offered 1000 OR plus housing etc.. a uni not in Muscat and for 20 hours a week, over-time a possibility but no clue at what rate.

I think at your college, judging by their faculty names, most of the stuff will be either non-Gulf Arabs or Pakistani and Indians. This fact may basically explain your salary. Still, good money for a life-style with ease, but your savings - be it your aim - may not be as spectacular as with my 1000 and the housing in the province of Oman.

Bear it in mind, if you don't mind my point, that lots of Asian people in the Gulf, not only mere workers but also taxi drivers or for example nurses, office-workers or regular teachers, survive for circa 100 of the local currency a month, be it Dinar or Rial, so you can walk away from this basic survival sum quite a long way and still fit into some 200 or even flashy 300 a month budget and still make your savings.

All in all, if you prefer Muscat for a safe start in Oman, then you may take the job just to enter the culture and the custom, and then maybe after a while, say a year or so, venture on more remote and ethinc areas with better money and perks.

balqis

[thegoodprofessor]

Watch out for the overtime. Several of us did this and got paid for 1 month but never (even now) never got paid for the other 5months!

Oman is a tricky place. There are lots of booby traps. As soon as you relax and begin to think that everyone is so very honest you will find yourself taken advantage of. Most people are kind and friendly but when you work for places they are not so easy. I've been here 4 years and have seen a lot.

You can live on that amount but rent is steep in Muscat. Bargain with them. Ask for more. All schools will negotiate. I have always negotiated and been able to get more. It's fair just don't get too greedy.

[isabel]

U. Nizwa overtime- OR 10 per hour. There is a lot of overtime available, but the oldtimer trolls seized all of it this last year. I am hoping the new management will control it better next year. The former totally corrupt AD is now gone, and the new guy seems to be fair and professional.

Personally, I would not take a job anywhere near Muscat for less than OR 1400. Oman is not cheap, and it is getting more expensive. You will need a car and a flat. There is no real public transport, and taxis are expensive. I can't imagine you getting anything decent in Muscat (Seeb, etc.) for less than OR 300- there goes a third of your pay. Factor in a car, food, etc., you will be eking out a living. OR 8 for overtime is, in my opinion, an insult.

Try for one of the College of Technology or Applied Sciences positions. Or one of the private universities. They offer housing and decent packages.