Job Discussion Forums

[uptownpro]

HAVE ANY OF YOU GUYS EXPERIENCED A DISCOURAGING TONE FROM YOUR FAMILY ABOUT MOVING TO SAUDI???? ITS KIND OF SAD BECAUSE I WANT MY FAMILY TO SUPPORT ME... WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK???

[johnslat]

Dear uptownpro,

If you live your life in such a way as to make other people happy while you are miserable, you'll lead a wasted life.
Do what YOU want to do - and send them photos of yourself in Saudi having a good time (and I hope you will.)

Regards,
John

[ttgirl]

@ uptownpro

I agree with what John has to say. Unless the family you're speaking of concerns your spouse or children, then you should do what you want to do. I hear people talk about what they wish they had done when they were younger and blame it on others or things. If you have the opportunity to do something, especially if it's positive, then do it, so you won't have regrets or wonder what might have been.

From my experience, I've had family, friends, co-workers, even strangers who at one time or another have tried to discourage me from traveling, not only abroad but even outside of my state or hometown... Some may generally be concerned. There are many reasons why some may not want you to go, but when it comes down to it, it's your choice to make, and you'll be the one responsible for it, even if you allow it to be influenced by someone else.

My first time abroad was going to Korea, and trust me there were many who were very negative about it and felt it was very dangerous and a bad idea. Lol...I went and am still alive and compared to the big city I lived in at home, the crime rate where I was in Korea was almost non-existent. I'm heading to Saudi soon, and yes, again I received more negative attitudes. That's okay, though. I feel much safer in the place I believe I should be than in a place where someone else just wants me to be. Things can happen no matter where you are, even in the comfort of your own home and in places people feel are generally safe. It's even possible that when you go, your experience in Saudi could give some a different attitude about it. You'll never know unless you experience it yourself! You're the one who has to live with what you choose to do in your life.

[johnslat]

Dear uptownpro,


"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
--Mark Twain

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

I was 40 years old when I hit the Gulf - embarking on a second career. I only regret that I didn't get this idea when I was 30. Yes, many in the family and friends were certain that I had lost my mind. But... they got over it.

That said, I would never suggest that a younger person (single? under 30?) head to Saudi or, in particular, go to Saudi for their first Middle East or overseas experience. Not because it is dangerous, but there are cultural roadblocks that can be avoided in the rest of the Gulf. These constitute the reasons that I never did work in Saudi. I know so many teachers who had an unpleasant experience with one of the many iffy employers in Saudi and thus never moved on to the more pleasant countries.

VS

[Bebsi]

So, Uptownpro, your family thinks you're crazy for going to Saudi, eh?

Been there, have they? If not, their opinions don't count.

Even if they had been, their advice might be worth listening to, but not necessarily following.

I go along with Johnslat and Veiledsentiments. You must follow your heart. Yes, some Saudi employers can be a bit dodgy, but then, that applies anywhere in the world!

Go for it, the Gulf can be a great place.

[Sheikh N Bake]

Concur with VS. KSA is certainly not recommended for younger Western men, even if they are there on married status.

[TeresaLopez]

[veiledsentiments]