Confused -need sincere advice- help please

sunilgodbole
By sunilgodbole

Friends

I am an Indian -44 years - manager in a pvt company in India with 19 years of experience in electrical engineering.

I have received an offer from a reputed company in Qatar thru an ex colleague who is currently employed there .He says the company is good and work environment is also fine.

I had a telephonic interview with my 'would be' boss (who is also an Indian residing there for around 30 year .This was followed by Reference checks by the company's HR department and subsequently they sent me an offer letter .This approach gave me some confidence that it is an organized company. The offer is as below ...

1)Basic : 16000
2)Children education : 75% of fees for 2 kids
3)Furniture allowance : 733 QAR per month
4)Medical insurance (covering 60 times basic salary
5)company provided 2/3 bhk unfurnished flat or 5600 QAR as accommodation allowance (my ex colleague tells me that the company has leased residential buildings and all employees are provided with a flat )or else 5600 QAR housing allowance.
6)Family status + tickets every year .
7)end of service bebefits
8) Bonus(which varies-this year the payout was 2 month salary)

I have informed my current employer about my intention to leave and they promised a rise with higher post .

Even after the raise -the difference works out to Indian rupees 70000(5100 QAR),

In India after tax I get 1.5 lacs per month and in qatar 2.2 lacs per month .

The move means better lifestyle + Indian Rs 70000 more per month more .

Is it worth while to take this offer.
The family (wife and 2 kids) are quite excited and forcing me to take it up as they are excited with the change in lifestyle .
But I need to take a professional call .

Would be grateful for guidance from people who have already taken such decision and moved ,would like to get benefited from your experience. Best regards .

By anonymous• 12 Jan 2012 10:59
anonymous

Hey man,

Sent you some info abt living here.

Hope you get it.

Lemme know if you need any more help.

Regards

Ahmed.

By t_coffee_or_me• 11 Jan 2012 15:13
t_coffee_or_me

No manager will make a decisions without knowing the facts.Sunil is gathering facts so that he can make a decision.

By han19• 11 Jan 2012 15:04
han19

Sunil, just do a ql search here for detailed expense list. Some one had posted a list this morning. It may help you.

By sunilgodbole• 11 Jan 2012 14:42
sunilgodbole

pdbngc , I'd rather make informed decisions rather than hasty ones - my style- and I have been quite successful so far . So spare the sarcasm it does not work on me .

From your thread I see You too have an opportunity in Doha -so what are you waiting for - be a man and jump on the next plane to Doha .

By pdbngc• 11 Jan 2012 04:24
Rating: 2/5
pdbngc

OMG... Sunil! Be a man and make a decision. You are a manager in India. Dont get carried away with what your visa or position will be in Qatar. As a manager, you need to lead and make decisions. So stand up and make a decision.

I guess I got caught up reading all the threads, and I don't even live or work in Qatar.

BTW... If I was your employer, I wouldnt give you the job as you cant make a decision! Oops, did I say that!

Good luck mate.

By sunilgodbole• 8 Jan 2012 11:49
sunilgodbole

Thanks again guys for your inputs.

I guess it boils down to how much you can save.

What is the monthly expense for a family of 4 (2 young kids)for a decent living in Qatar .

Would 25 % of the school fees be a big amount for a 3rd grade and Nursery (2 kids)

By han19• 5 Jan 2012 18:20
han19

That's the problem here, Polkadots, people get so used to this lifestyle, that they just cannot fathom the idea of ever returning back to India, and starting all over again, and that's when everything appears difficult and other problems arise, when you are forced to return back.

I hope you are able to take a good decision Sunil.

By anonymous• 5 Jan 2012 13:01
anonymous

Pal, It sure is a risk but if it works out fine has it's own rewards INR 70,000=QAR4800@[14.5 current exchange rate]since the cost of living here is higher this could be further reduced, remember you need to come up with the 25%of edu .fees,...Have you planned for that? Also it might be beneficial if your wife also plans to work, as the added income will be helpful,....At the end of the day it all boils down to the risk taking capacity of your self, and like Han 19 said earlier few people voluntarily leave after 5 years of a good job,...for all the cribbing there is definitely something addictive about this place.If you are sure to be comfortable in the event of going back whenever, then take this job by all means....

By anonymous• 5 Jan 2012 12:23
Rating: 3/5
anonymous

There is so much to say... and I ain't got much time. I am like you... basically. 2 kids (1- 6ys, 2- 2ys), and I moved to qatar from the UK. I am asain, and come from a backgroud of strong family values. My salary is almost the same as yours, and I have a If have some important facts that you may want to consider... but I don't know if I am too late. So if you are interested in my advise, please let me know if there is still time to accept or reject your job.

Regards

Ahmed

By Arien• 2 Jan 2012 12:18
Arien

Take it , my half cent added to Khanans.

Prospect would be better, No taxes too. Good luck

By karam• 2 Jan 2012 12:08
karam

If company is going to provide you car, fine else you have to Buy and spend addtional for that car every year. Also going through the Licencing procedure will cost you 30K minimum.

For Child education include transportation fees. Further more you will not find the classes ( if find not the quality of home country)for children. for any Extra activities of children have to spend more. Finding the resources to get done, spend more.. with more headache pain..

Further how is the job security in Mannai, I don know..

Do through plan and take decision.

Best wishes for new year.

nJoy

By han19• 2 Jan 2012 11:09
han19

hi sunil, you have some nice plans chalked up, but realistically speakng, very few people leave after 5 years, unless they are told to leave, its an addiction to this place, the lifestyle, the money, etc, etc, there will always be priorities back home to fulfil, committments to fulfil, and its always the case of " i will leave tomorrow, let me just finish this committment for now".

your children are quite young, so its some time till you decide about how to go about high school education. most parents would send their children back home to continue in india or they will complete their x or xii here and head back to india or elsewhere for higher education. at this stage, either the children head back themselves or mommies decide to relocate for supporting the children for education.

why should you continue in india? you have made a place for yourself, you have stability there. once you come here, i cannot say for sure that you will be able to make the same mark for yourself once you do decide to return.

i will not comment on work environment, because work place politics takes place everywhere, so there is nothing like a very good work environment or very bad. you need to be smart to survive.

How good is mannai? can find out and tell you later. if someone has accurate information of the company on present date, then please advice.

can you survive without this 70k difference? how is this going to make a difference in your life? only you can answer this question.do remember that expenses here keep rising, but are not in sync with salary rise.

Whatever you decide, I wish you All the Best.

By sunilgodbole• 2 Jan 2012 10:44
Rating: 2/5
sunilgodbole

Thanks for your interest ,I see most people who are in Qatar suggesting me staying back in India ..I have a few points to discuss with you as you are probably from same background and age group.

The offer is from the Mannai contracting division .

They are not negotiating salary any further ,shall I take it ,it is more than in India by 70 K .

I think if the company is good and if you perform then salary /bonus will come naturally .

My son is in 3rd standard now and my daughter is only 2 1/2 ,I am thinking of a 5 year stint until my son reaches 8th standard after which I can return ,he will have 2 years to prepare for 10th and can get into a good college .I can start a business here when I get back .

What is you advise since you know more now.

Would be grateful for a reply .

Thanks .

By alfa Q• 2 Jan 2012 08:15
alfa Q

& they have many divisions but my friend in contracting division was getting 25K and company provided family accommodation. Four months salary as bonus was usual earlier but now things have changed & he left the job for his own business in Dubai.

By t_coffee_or_me• 31 Dec 2011 15:06
t_coffee_or_me

Wish you the same!

By sunilgodbole• 31 Dec 2011 14:50
sunilgodbole

Thanks guys for your valuable inputs .

I have worked for a MNC earlier in Mumbai and am now in Pune for last 7 years, my designation here is is now Asst Gen Manager.

Life is good here /money is also Ok - but after 7 years in my current company I felt that I should change and why not abroad /Qatar ?

In Qatar the designation offered is also Manager and the VISA says Electrical Engineer .My responsibility would be managing operations .It is with a Mannai Group company .The job profile looked challenging -I like to take up challenges but not at the cost of family life and kids education /upbringing.

I respect all your views and will keep everything in mind before coming to a final decision.

I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous new year .

Cheers

By han19• 29 Dec 2011 10:35
Rating: 4/5
han19

your allowances are not good. 5600 qar if you dont get a unfurnished company accommodation. you wont get a 2 bed flat for that amount.

school fees should be 100% reimbursed, not 75%.

are they providing medical insurance, you have only mentioned the total cover?

whats the position being offered, manager??

you should not leave a manager position to come as something lower here, just for the additional money.

your friend said that the company is good, and the work environment is fine, its definitely crap.

I go with TB and DD advice. Your company does not want to lose you, and they are willing to recognize your loyalty and years of service by suitably rewarding you.

How old are your children, and which class are they studying in? Think about their higher education too.

which part of india are you currently residing in? your wife will feel like being in a jail once she comes here, unless she decides to work, and getting work is not easy.

think think think........

By Phoenix_Rising• 29 Dec 2011 09:32
Phoenix_Rising

take the promotion and live a happy life :)

cheers!!

By alfa Q• 29 Dec 2011 09:27
Rating: 5/5
alfa Q

_your close ties with your extended family & friends, marriages, birthdays & last rites.

_your freedom to change jobs, security of job, promotions etc

_street smartness of your children. They will not be able to cross road on their own & will depend on tuition.

_IIT, IIM, IAS & MBBS etc for your children will be distant dream

By Phoenix_Rising• 29 Dec 2011 09:18
Phoenix_Rising

will you be getting gratuity pay for 19 yrs of service if you leave current job?

By karam• 29 Dec 2011 08:40
karam

would you like to share your info here? From which part of india u r ? If company is any of QP group, then defenately bargain with this offer as mentioned in previous reply by Mercurie. if it is not of QP group, then stick with your current job where you are getting promotion and increament both. Additionally in any case you will not find the freedom,life,enjoyment as you may have in india.

Do serious thinking and talk to Family. Atleast if such offer from Dubai then you can consider but not from Qatar.

Rest is yours.

Good luck

By mercurie• 28 Dec 2011 13:24
Rating: 5/5
mercurie

Offer is not good enough.. A good offer for your experience will be

>=25K Basic + School fees + Company provided accomodation + Yearly tickets for self and family + Private medical insurance for self anf family

By saprkss• 28 Dec 2011 13:03
saprkss

I think for your experience your offer is less, more over ur well settle in India and in good position. My opinion is if the difference is more than 1lakh then you can think of it.

By anonymous• 28 Dec 2011 12:41
anonymous

The bargaining parity too is in his authority at present.

By Captain_Lost• 28 Dec 2011 12:35
Captain_Lost

Take it ... Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyykkee eeeeeeeettt

:D

By anonymous• 28 Dec 2011 12:30
anonymous

Moving to Qatar is not an advisable option. You seem to be settled in a company that has recognised your efforts and who wish to retain it by means salary increments.

Bearing your age in mind, I would suggest you carry on where you are. Should you come over and face an unpleasant situation, your chances of finding a suitable position back at home would be very slim.

By Khanan• 28 Dec 2011 12:21
Khanan

take the offer!

By arafin• 28 Dec 2011 12:17
arafin

With 5100QR difference only? better stay in your present job. Since they are giving you a raise and promotion probably they value you as an employee. Here maybe you will find otherwise. Besides, cost of leaving here is quite expensive and 5100 riyal discrepancy from your present salary is not that exciting to look forward to. If double that amount, maybe you can consider.

By FlyingAce• 28 Dec 2011 11:59
FlyingAce

Relocating means Basically Starting allover again....

Talk with your family, see your current situation back home, if you are saving a good amount and living a Good life then i suppose it's useless to come here and start your life again!!!

By seasons• 28 Dec 2011 11:52
seasons

DD is right, I don't think its worth it.. In Qatar as well as in your new company you might run into things you never expected.

By t_coffee_or_me• 28 Dec 2011 11:46
Rating: 4/5
t_coffee_or_me

Good offer but only drawback of working in gulf is no job security.

By seasons• 28 Dec 2011 11:45
seasons

Hahaha!! Surinder he's asking for advise.. :)

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.