Korean Job Discussion Forums

[allovertheplace]

This is an honest question but I expect snarky remarks - oh daves.

But, as a single upper 20s male, is it worth 5 or 6 grand a month to work in the middle east?

For arguments sake - I am qualified to get a gig in Abu Dhabi and expect good pay. But is it worth taking the money for the absolute crushing boredom which I am fearful of?

Not really looking for advice but curious what others in a similar situation may feel. I am not a drunken philander, but I like women and beer. I do not crave parties, but having fun is nice. Have other debated this as well?

[hakwonner]

I have a 26 year old friend there at the moment who is making fantastic money. He says that life isn't so bad without booze/women etc, as he gets holidays every few months to go and party where he pleases. They even pay for his flights to go to those places.

Work there for a couple of years and you can save enough money to start a small business or buy property. In other words, it's life changing money.

I was on the verge of accepting a job in Saudi just before I came to Korea, but I'm thinking about heading there soon for the money. I'm also 26 by the way, and I enjoy booze and women also, but I reckon I can do it for a couple of years so long as I get those regular 'releases'

[Kaypea]

The money is appealing, and I'm sort of curious about the life, but as a woman who enjoys outdoor sports and activities... it's not for me.

[Radius]

HONESTLY, how much in jeopardy would you life be in if you went there? Because if people won't go there because they cant bang the locals or drink, hell Id go celibate for a year or two to stack a hundred G's. Isn't that what they're paying?
Now, on the other hand, if they are indeed paying that high because your chances of making it out alive after your contract is 50/50 bc some crazy terrorists wants to take out an easy target, then screw it. It's not worth it.

allovertheplace----what are the qualifications needed to work there?

[Skyblue]

There's a big difference between Saudi and Abu Dhabi I think. I don't know if I would like 6 months non-stop in Saudi. Three months, maybe four, and I could get the job done, go on holiday, and come back reinvigorated. I would totally do it provided the location is good (i.e. not too rural) and the holidays were well spaced.

Basically, would hope to have lots of opportunities to socialize with a good bunch of expats, and I could fill a lot of my time with reading, exercise, and sightseeing. The only missing part would be the romantic side, but that can be delayed.

[northway]

[Radius]

[northway]

[Radius]

[silkhighway]

I've researched the Middle East. Under the right circumstances I'd consider Dubai, and possibly Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. However spending two years in Saudi Arabia is about as appealing to me as spending two years in a Turkish prison. No thanks.

[northway]

[Sergio Stefanuto]

Is it worth going to the ME? There's only one way to find out. For me, absolutely worth it. Not having come sooner is probably my biggest regret in life

The only things I hate about Saudi are:

1. Child drivers
2. Not being able to get off with Saudi girls, who are the most attractive in the ME and possibly the world

But if one overlooks that, I'm very contented and have just re-signed my contract

[silkhighway]

[Sergio Stefanuto]

Well, I effortlessly save almost all my salary, and to a rapacious capitalist like me that's important. The Saudis import absolutely everything, including almost all their labor, from developing countries - so it's a saver's paradise. And here in the north of the country, it's probably the nicest climate in the world. Last but not least, Western compounds are like 5 star hotels - pool, very spacious.

[fromtheuk]

I am in my second year in Saudi Arabia. I love it. The downside is the students have the power here, much more than Korea, so you have to keep on the right side of them.

It can also be quite unsatisfying when you teach students who act like 5 year olds. All they want is to be marked present for the class and then do nothing but play around. Some students are good, but many aren't.

As already mentioned in this thread, some westerners find it difficult here because of the lack of alcohol/nightlife.

I've never heard about any western teachers in Saudi being targeted by terrorists.

Coming from England, the weather here is fantastic. I am also saving around �1,300 a month.