Job Discussion Forums

Georgetowner · Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 6 Location: Abu Dhabi

I was wondering if someone could help me out.
I am currently employed in the United Arab Emirates...the job's fine...pay, housing even the admin are all right. It's just that I'm pretty burnt out (I've been here nearly 6 years) and it might be time to move on.
The problem is that I have a nagging feeling that there are still a few high-paying EFL positions in the Gulf and I can't seem to find them. I suspect there's a lot of nepotism so to speak..hiring friends on recommendation etc. if they do exist.

I know about Aramco..but is there anything else? Should I just pack my little bags and move on? I'd stay (even in Saudi) if it was worth my while.
If not..then on to "greener pastures" in every sense of the phrase.

By the way...if you care to respond..I'd appreciate advice from people who actually have their feet on the ground here in the Gulf. I know all the generalizations about the place already. I need something current and specific.
Oh, BTW...I have a BA and MA in Linguistics , the usual certificates and ten years experience in several countries..and I'm a US citizen.

Thanks

Georgetowner · Joined: 29 Jun 2010 Posts: 6 Location: Abu Dhabi

Thanks for the PM Sheikh!

Sounds interesting...maybe I will stick around for a while longer.

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

BAE in KSA is the best payer. Total in Shahama are looking for an instructor worth about $400-500 per day negotiable. The PI pays well with shorter holidays. ECAE is also a good gig in terms of money. Spearhead training pay 2500 per day.
Tom

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Mammon is a fickle deity. Hard to pin down.

HCEG1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

BAE is not the worst by a long chalk. Just try some of the lesser paid outfits who teach cadets. If you are single it is still the best paid job because your slary is for keeps - you can, if you decide, not spend a cent and still survive as absolutely everything is provided - rations, shelter, security, transport, holidays - so in a way all your salary is potentially cash in hand with no basic expenses. Beg to differ.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 4:20 am Post subject:

I believe "worst place to work" was the thrust of the reply. Everything that you said is conditionally true...however, there is a VERY valid reason that the Yamama Project pays so well.

One day walking down the halls of TSI will explain why they, basically, have to bribe people to sign on...

HCEG1 was spot on in reporting that it's the "worst place to WORK"!!!

NCTBA

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

At BAe you teach a max of 6 contact hours per day - 7 if you are unlucky. You start early and finish early. You go in (switch off for many) teach and go out again. Simple, souless but doable and the students don't really give you any hassle due to the harsh realities of being a cadet. Worked there for two years and still in contact with people who have been there for 20 years +.

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

Mine comes close, Tom. $74K cash annually to start and 4% annual COLA. Company car, free gas, housing of course, full medical including full US and Gulf coverage. 85 days vacation. Five classes a day, go home between 11:30 am and 12:10 noon; work week between 26 and 27.5 hours; every fourth Wed. off; no harassment.

Six contact hours a day is excessive.

I do pay for my own food, satellite TV and internet.

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

HCEG1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

Jeez Criminy, who was it, Johnny Paycheck? who sang "You can take this job and shove it"? No offense! And dirty Harry would say you have to ask yourself one question --"Do I feel lucky?"

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Jul 31, 2010 3:08 pm Post subject:

That's why NOBODY should take "advice" from TLS. If you do, you're sure to be suckered into a daily commute from Al Ain to Dubai or Abu Dhabi...'cuz Tom thinks that's a good, practical idea.

Remember THAT commute time is being discussed on a contemporary thread...

NCTBA

teflerlifer · Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 27

I'm interested in BAE,but HGE1 you really seem to hate it there. I have seen and heard about the new super compound and thought it was pretty good, they do have all the usual facilities( more than a normal compound). As to being 'in the middle of nowhere'. i thought it's location, just 5 kilometers from the causeway road to bahrain, was an EXCELLENT location!
That is if you drive- you do drive don't you?
Regarding hols - you get 50,000 quid (pounds - tax free ) a year and get around 10 weeks vacation, essentially 2 months, and you still complain?
my advice- is wake up and smell the roses. or go back to asia or europe where you will also work as hard or harder for 1-2000 dollars a month.
and again, if you are yet another 'single' male fuming with frustration in saudi why the hell did you go there in the first place!
i have looked at a lot of jobs, bae has superb pay and benefits- not the least a real pension plan, immediate share scheme worth $1000 a year, 3 flights a year, the $75 grand, the gratuity, the annual bonus that rises to $8000 a year after 5 years, a new elementary school for your children on the compound, school fees for 2 children after that, etc, etc.
so your students are tired, bored,and spoilt Saudi's. ain't that the same throughout the whole kingdom for teachers?
yes by all means goto hct in the uae - cuz noone complains there !!! Razz

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

Yeah, well, I've heard for years and years that BAE takes it out of your hide. I get the same pay, company car with free gas, and no one takes a pound of flesh from anyone. Oh--and I go home at noon.