Advice
I have a question and I'd like your advice.
I have a PhD in Computer Science from the USA and I'm working as an assistant professor at an American university here in Florida.
I have been contacted by the University of Qatar and at first, they are offering me $60,000 (tax free of course) to move there, along with benefits (house, schooling, and medical insurance). Now I know I can get a little more than 60K from them but I doubt it'll go beyond 68K.
Is this a good offer? With all the benefits, it's an increas over my current pay, but I'm at a good school and acheiving good things.
In general, I feel this is a low offer by Qatar's standard. What do you think?
Thanks a lot.
Sam
Dear all,
Thanks for the comments.
1) I'm not an American (though a Permanent resident). This should help with the taxes.
2) I do have familiarity with the Middle East. I was born in Kuwait and lived there for 17 years. I had my wedding in Doha in 2004.
Sure the place is not that great, and that's exactly why I'm asking. Is the money I'm getting good enough to keep up with life there?
Does anybody know anything about the University of Qatar? The atmosphere? the students level?...
Thanks again for all the help
you state:
"With all the benefits, it's an increas over my current pay, but I'm at a good school and acheiving good things."
Then stay. The offer isn't that great, probably only marginally better financially than what you are currently making. People don't typically achieve good things here compared to what they can accomplish professionally in the west.
Mr_Marco
Hey man dont accept the place is so boring is doenst matter how much money they pay you. I am on my way out after 7months in this place and thank god for that!
Sorry bud its the truth....
Go work in Abu Dhabi or Dhabi its much more fun and there is plenty to do, Doha is so boring it is unbelievable!
Be glad you don't - they so totally stink. Fries my behind to be honest.
did not know about those taxes back home
:-)
Also most American expats still have bills to pay in the US. Most of us keep our homes there too which require a mortgage payment and taxes.
And the big kicker that I mentioned above - Uncle Sam will take about 35% of that income in the form of federal taxes because even if you live abroad you still pay taxes. And if you are from a State that collects income tax and still have a home there - you will be paying tax to the State as well above and beyond the federal 35%.
So that figure is wittled away pretty quick therefore that 60K is not as good as it looks.
i could discust this for hrs and hrs.I look at it in a different way,thats all.
And will not change my point of view.
Cheers and have a good afternoon
:-)
This salary is low, you can obtain a better offer, if you consider that you have a phD. Try to negotiate something better.
It is still a good deal. here you don't pay any local taxes, the accomodation will be free and there won't be so many old people around.
sorry,i see it like this.and for sure i will have the same good life with 600000
i dont know why all is only about money.
sorry
*WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU KNEW YOU COULD NOT FAIL?*
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/home
BTW - in my opionion for a pHd at a University in Qatar that is a good base salary assuming you also get the 30% increase for living overseas which most of the American Universities offer here. and oh yeah - the 30% increase for working overseas is taxable too.
Be careful - tax free is not really tax free. I am an American working here. Read the tax laws and understand what they mean. Everything they give you, housing, transportation, school tuition for kids is considered income under US Tax law. Even though you can take advantage of the foreign income tax exclusion you will still have to pay income tax at higher rate on the balance. The rate for your taxes is for your adjusted income before the exclusions.
So if you get 60K for income, 48K per year for housing (which is about average for housing allowance here), 7K a year for a car, annual leave benefit of 4K, plus 16K for tuition your total package is 135K per year. The exclusions will not cover your entire package. Have a tax account review your package before you accept it just so you know what your tax burden will be because boy was I suprised. It was never explained to me in detail. I found out the hard way.
I't a pretty good deal if you consider that you haven't any Middle Eastern Experience(assuming this is correct)But your salary is not exceptionally good.
just who cares about 8000 more or less?
well me i would not.
but maybe i am not normal.
;-D
I'd like to help you, but, before I do so you need to answer my question: Hillary or McCain?
so why you think it is not enough??????????????
sorry but i cant understand you
60 K Yearly or Monthly???
The Venezuelan Sensation!!!