Dubai is an OK place to stay/live/work in.
Not a bad place at all.
Adjust your wage expectations upwards.
I'm definitely warming to the idea. The company HR will have a figure and package already worked out, though I've been asked to let them know my expectations. I'll hold out and see what they offer, but asking the question here will give me an idea if their offer is worth it.
My old rule of thumb for working abroad is pay should be at least 30% over what you can earn at home and should offer expenses. Given that Dubai is tax free I assume I will also be saving another 20% So 45k bottom line plus expenses would make it worthwhile. No wife and kids and no mortgage so it's gonna go on holidays and savings.
Aside from the the monetary reward its a job that will secure my future and lead to potentially bigger earnings, so I'm not gonna beat myself up about the bottom line. I appreciate though that you say it's a good place to live, and that's what I'm looking to hear. All advice is appreciated.
It's not the only notable job I have lined up at the moment, and it may well be that I stay where I am. I'll have a better idea by the end of January.
Last edited by Neo; 27-12-2015 at 10:32 PM.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"
If the coins ok and you get a good residential package you can't go far wrong, in my industry(mining) things are bleak and likely to remain so for quite some time, as you say, no kids and no wife to factor into the equation, should be an easy decision to make, Watch out for HR, it's there job to try to fuk you over on your package( it keeps there yearly performance reviews good)
You will be considered slightly above a Pakistani labourer. Your status is expendible. If you think Thais have felang problems to the ME locals you may be a little lower than his camel, hawk or dog. The 45K will not last long if you are commuting to/from SE Asia regularly.
As a "specialist" the time to negotiate is before you leave the UK. Some countries have effective means of stopping foreigners from leaving.
Negotiation points:
1. Money paid in the bank of your choice, defined in a currency of your choice. 50% currency, 50% gold bars.
2. Medical expenses
3. Own apartment. You can always choose who to socialise with, not so an apartment sharer appointed by your company.
4. Maid service - A necessity, and he/she may have a friend or two as well.
5. 4wd car/truck
6. Paid holidays - is the UK standard 25 days per year now?
7. Semi annual business class return tickets
8. All taxes paid
9. A contract with a UK company to be written in, and under the jurisdiction of the, UK/EU legal system.
You can sit in a compound and drink, gamble, play with stewardesses or take the opportunity to learn Russian.
You can also enjoy the ME, souks and the ever available nightlife. Some locals enjoy new people and can include you in their many different/unusual experiences - camel racing, hawking, deep sea fishing..........
It can be 2-3 years of counting down the days or it can be yet another "life" to experience. Whatever you do negotiate before you step on a plane.
Last edited by OhOh; 28-12-2015 at 12:06 PM.
A tray full of GOLD is not worth a moment in time.
Good news.. I've landed the job in Dubai.
I'll be departing the UK around the end of Feb
Cheers will do of course and no doubt I'll have a few questions along the way
Good luck Neo I hope it works out mate
As you say your a single guy it's a good way to save a few bob without the temptations of home
The big money is contract work, no guarantees though eh, this is long term living in the region so it evens out, you get gratuity, yearly bonus etc. No worries Jim, see you in the sun
Congrats! Make the contract/years count - the world economy simply isn't getting better.
Enjoy the ride, it can be an interesting place
Cheers PH, the journey isn't over
Fantastic, keep us posted on life in Dubei
I would hope all the important questions have been answered all ready and incorporated into your contract.Originally Posted by Neo
Duh.. yeah. But HR couldn't tell me where to get a Mr Whippy
Good luck with it, Neo - but, take care! In Dubai, it's very very easy to spend every penny you have. It's easy to get big loans from the bank and then spend that too!
Luckily for me, I didn't live in Dubai, just visited from the Omani desert, but I knew many fellas who did live there and they were all broke...
Cycling should be banned!!!
Ahh, the Seven Emirates. Good on you and good luck with your future , Neo.
Try to do yourself a big favour/(flavour) - keep your mouth shut regarding your feelings and/ or personal viewpoints about Iran and Palestine when you're mixing it up with the locals = "Don't shoot yourself in the foot." They're not quite as tolerant as one would conjecture.
Something tells me you may come across some women from the ASEAN nations there as well.
Sincerest good wishes with your new position.
Best of luck; new adventures!
It's a done deal... had to wait on HR and with a bit of back and forth got a decent salary, the paperwork is now signed off. It takes a while to process with UAE so I'm off to France for a couple of weeks for company induction and training.
As and when is yet to be confirmed but hopefully should have my kit packed and flights booked by the end of next week
You get to choose your maid then?
I wouldn't want one even if I could.. decadence is not really my style, though its going to be plenty in my face in Dubai. I didn't have a deprived childhood, we were taught how to cook and clean up after ourselves
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