The company/compound thing

Any random suggestions are welcome!

Anytime, anything! Ask away!

Mandi

Someone has a degree and Cpa certification. Cool, wish I could say the same:)

I am feeling a lot better about the compound-esp. now that I had contact with a neighbor who was lovely. This experience is going to change us and we will have to be willing to go with that flow. The control freak in me has to take a chill pill. However, I will still be asking you all a lot of questions:)

This thread is to help shellyjean with her move to Doha, not figure out who has a degree and who doesn't.

You make as much sense as Twinkle surprise surprise!

"I have one (1) Ivy League degree with CPA."

and then...

"You do not know but let me tell you, CPA (American) is not a degree!"

So you don't have a degree at all - Ivy league or otherwise? I'm really confused!!!

www.qaws.org

Shellyjean, it really isn't a big deal. We live in a company compound and are friendly with everyone but our "friends" do not live on our compound. It actually is nice when you are new because the ladies that are around during the day will be able to help you out until you are mobile and find your place in Doha. And as mentioned you do not want to move to Doha and be looking for a place to live, can be extremely frustrating!!!!

Riya, traysliding down Libe Slope above Cayuga's waters listening to the Jenny McGraw Rag. Walking through the Yard past the Widener to cross the Square going over to the Coop. Yeah, been there, done that.

Mandi

Mandilulur and PM, "Ivies don't give degrees in accounting". You do not know but let me tell you, CPA (American) is not a degree! It is a certification awarded by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

I don't believe you have even seen any of the Ivy League institutions.

My husband is just not real social at all. I will be all over the place as much as possible without my own car:) And we will explore as a family. I just want my son to get the most out of this, and being totally insular as a FAMILY will be no better than compound insularity(probably worse). A lot of my reason to go there is to have the experience of being in an foreign country(Ok, I have a LOT of reasons I am looking forward to this:) ), so just meeting people from (mostly) Puget Sound will not serve that purpose at all. I have no idea who else will be at the compound, and besides, I like the people from the company that I do know. I just plan on being out of it a lot. I do want to make friends in my own neighborhood, that's what I do. . .but book/cooking clubs etc will be a welcome diversion.

shellyjean -

I lived "inside the loop" in Houston, and a gated community in the burbs is about as far from my comfort zone as you could possibly imagine. . .at least in Houston. Here, though it's pretty nice. It's sorta like being back in the 1950s in that kids can run around and play without worrying about them being snatched off the streets - real or perceived, we're programmed to be "fearful" in the U.S. by the media. . .and guilted into it by other parents.

Anyway, I'm very much enjoying my compound life - even though it is only populated by the employees of two companies. That said, I am not someone who focuses my social circle inside the compound. . .nor do I hang out with the company set. There are those who do centralize their social life within the compound (blech) and they really do focus their entire social life amongst other fellow employer's wives. (I'm incredibly uncomfortable around these people because they're so insular. . .but that's me.)

In short, it's up to you as to what you make compound life out to be. You can enjoy it or you can hate it. I look at it as being a great place to live, but I take my social life elsewhere.

It's your choice :)

shellyjean ... you will like Doha. The place is great for family life ...

You dont have to explain to strangers on the website forum who you are. You dont owe it to them. If you husband landed to a good job thats because he earn it and he and his family deserve it.

There are few bad things in Doha (the driving, the heat, red tape, etc etc). But there are few bad things in the UK too ...

Ahem, I am no school dropout, but I didn't finish college. I didn't marry a professional, I married a factory worker and backed him up as he achieved his degree and moved up in his company with hard work and a great work and character ethic. I am a homemaker-I have 3 wonderful kids to show for it. I volunteer and work when it works out for the family schedule or when my husband was laid off for 3 years and we reversed roles economically.

I am fine with living in the company paid for housing. We are not offered any alternative(like an allowance). I am concerned that my slightly anti-social husband will be uncomfortable at being forced to be neighbors with his co-workers-who I could never get him to invite over for drinks or dinner or an evening out. He is going to have to get over that if it is hard. I am excited to have a bunch of neighbors who are in a sympathetic situation with me-all the company people are pretty new to Qatar and so is the company. I also know that his company takes great care of its employees and will treat us as well as they ALWAYS have.

Whoever seems to have a gripe about women who have nothing to do but shop-I have never been one of the women who have nothing better to do and the money to just 'shop'. I take care of my family. If I turn into a recreational shopper, it will shock everyone who knows me (They think I am a charter subscriber to the Tightwad

Gazette:))

I know I am lucky, but it isn't because I am a lady of leisure. If I get to be one, great, but I don't see that happening:) I have done the wife/mother/full time worker thing before-I hate that and I'm not good at it like some women. I admire women who can do it all and maintain their sanity (or at least fake it better than I).

Should I apologise? I won't. I don't take it for granted either. We made choices, but now it may have paid off in that my son will get to take his first plane ride, go to a better school and meet people from all over the world. And see a camel. And we can afford to send my daughter to her last two years of college (she finished her AA transfer last June when she was 17).

lol

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Sorry, Riya, the Ivies don't give degrees in accounting! I'm talking about the schools in the US, such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale .. That's what I mean by "Ivy League."

Mandi

lol PM nice found :)

So now you have an Ivy League education with a CPA?!

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

I have one (1) Ivy League degree with CPA. I too met some American housewives and my impressions are no different than Twinkle.Twinkle. Accept the truth and learn to face it.

shellyjean, if I were you I will just go with company housing allocation. Saving all the trouble looking for a house yourself. Al Fardan always have a nice reputation, and their compound one of the best in town.

Social wise, you can do something afterwards. Once you arrive in Doha and get settle you can start looking around.

Twinkle Twinkle = troll - just ignore her, she won't go away, but at least your focus is on something/someone else who has a life.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

shellyjean, i never been to al fardan 5, but most of al fardan compound i been to are all nice.

If you are not too keen mixing with hubby's work colleque family there are loads of social gathering / society in doha (Qatar).

Ladies Tuesday Group (they meet up every other tuesday in Ramada Hotel)

International Potluck (once a month in al jazi compound)

expatwomanqatar.com have a meeting every wednesday in various location

QL Mums (once a month, the manager is one of our QL'er call Alumnar).

DEMK (have tons of activities, the owner of the site is our QL'er expatsueno).

When we came to Qatar 8 years ago, the first 2 years I dont drive, so i dont go out much and meet people. We end up socializing with hubby's work mate loads. Then after that I start going out and getting involve in the different community and make my own friends, some you dont want to see them again some you become good friend for years. Slowly my husband getting to know my friends too ... And till the day I left we have very good mixs social friends.

I am sure when you come here you will be able to do something similar.

All the best with your move x

Lol FranElizabeth!!!

Twinkle, don't be so bitter and judgemental....

looking to get a 50 qr phone card for sleeping the night with some local arab... some people have no respect for who they bed at night.

Power to the non believers, it’s a great feeling to have and hold.

Twinkle, I like bright, mouthy teenage girls, I really do - having been one. But let me tell you from experience that not everyone appreciates same, especially the vitriolic, judgmental part.

Mandi

I don't think she's a bright, mouthy teenager, Mandi. I think she's an 11 stone tranny who likes hanging out behind the Ramada and thinks 'she's' upsetting people on here. Yawn.... It's very entertaining, though. Perhaps she could ask Qube if she can have a slot.

I think she's just a little jealous. she probably wants to be an American housewife. Poor thing

Agreed, deedee, I have two Ivy League degrees and a bigger house back home in the States, BUT I love Qatar and choose to be here!

how the heck (I'm not swearing) do you know what anyone else deserves.

I am highly offended by your comments and expect plenty of others to be as well.

I am much too educated and civilized to make such comments toward you. Grow up

I still do not understand why you ladies complain so much. You have got so much far more than what you deserve and what you had back home. I have met many American ladies here in Qatar. They are housewives and majority of them are school leavers. Did some low-paid jobs like bank clerk or counter staff in their early lives, then got married to a professional guy. Ever since they do nothing except shopping, meeting other ladies, gossiping and complaining.

What if you had to stay in a compound neighboring with your husband's colleagues. Isn't it better to have some company than sitting most of your day in Starbucks?

Stop complaining and be happy with what you get.

One general comment about housing - although rents have stabilized and are even dropping here now - the previous 6 years saw double digit increases in rents. If you go for only the allowance, make sure that it's written into your agreement with the employer that they will pay the market rent for a 3/4 bedroom stand alone villa less than 3 years old(or whatever suits your taste).

Many in the GCC got caught in this bind over the past 5/6 years and had to pay out of pocket in order to stay where they were.

Qatar employers, like Saudi, tend to keep all their employees in one set of accomodation. Something I don't like but have to put up with here. I compensate, as I said, by going out and meeting other people in various social/sporting communities that have no ties to my employer. I won't go to the Harp because too many of my colleagues congregate there (the fact that the beer is too expensive, the food menu is limited and bland, it's way too smokey, you can't sit outside, and often there's no soap in the dispensers in the ladies toilet - also has something to do with my personal boycott).

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

I have to agree with a lot of other people, my husband and I aren't here for the money, his salary is slightly better than it was in the UK but nowhere near double, (if he had moved jobs in the UK it would be to a better payed one, otherwise not point in moving) okay we get a housing allowance but this does not cover our accomomdation, we add to it. We are here becuase we wanted to be, something different, an adventure, it isn't always about the money.

Wow, didn't mean to start a controversy.

This is something I would want without any excessive renumeration. That we are going to be better off for taking it is great, but the perks outside of the cash in our pocket enticed me. Like my son being in an excellent private school with students from all over the world. Being in a different culture, having this education and experience will be great for him. The nice housing is great, but I have a home I love already. No maid quarters, but a wonderful garden(need any tomatoes?) and amazing weather. Do I want the experience of being more comfortable and paying off debt? YEAH, but I would still want to do this if I was absolutely rolling in money here. I have a sense of adventure that took me to NYC when I was 18 and knew no one there. My husband was formerly military and disappointed that his only foreign(ish) posting was Japan. So we are ready for this in every way.

Just to clarify. This isn't going to be a 300% increase. And my husband isn't low paid here in the States. He works for a great company with great benefits and all that already-this is a promotion and transfer, he already has a job. And we won't be rich, but we will probably not have to take and bake our pizza-so I am good with that!:)

Very well said! I agree with you there! My husbands company wanted to put us up in a fully Furnished apartment. My husband told them he refuses to stay in one and wants the allowance to be able to choose our own place! I would not have it any other way as I am sacrificing my whole life to fit in with his and I am not prepared to be stuck in a place that I will not happy in! Neither should you!

Jackfrost, You lack commonsense. He does not discuss with me numbers on others pay. You are a poor creature.

How can you have knowledge on your daddy’s salary when you say …..My dad does not discuss numbers with me….. I think you are full of it… it’s now 4pm.. must be time for your afternoon name. we don’t want you tired for the fun tonight,, remember bed time is at 8pm,,,

Power to the non believers, it’s a great feeling to have and hold.

Twinkle Twinkle..

Fran, Where have you been? I phoned you so many times.. can't connect.. All okay?

What trouble you had with Drywood? you called me Drywood in your first post to me.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Dear PM, My dad does not discuss numbers with me.

Is there anyway I can become your favorite? What if I say 'yes' to everything you say, will you consider me polite and well-mannered girl?

Chelsea, I agree. My words carried a little confusion. I apologize.

with you?! That explains a lot about your attitude and how you interact with people.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Mandi, I am sure he did not earn his degrees here!

I moved here for some personal reasons that had nothing to do with money. I used to save too when I was working in India, something I haven't done since I moved here. It's not always about the money.

"Hurricanes are like women : when they come, they're wet and wild, but when they leave they take your house and car."

"All expatriates are here to make money. No one is here because he/she just wanted to be here."

This simply is a lie! I came here in 1989. A Qatari sponsored me, just so. I did not work. I brought a million Riyals with me. I stayed here until today, because I wanted to live here!

Sorry but you said "All expatriates are here to make money. No one is here because he/she just wanted to be here." Just wanted to point out that just because we're not Qatari doesn't mean we don't want to be here.

www.qaws.org

Twinkle, I hope your dad is earning a good salary here because of his experience and education not because of his citizenship. Otherwise his company is not getting their money's worth. I'm sure he is well-qualified to do his job here and his employer recognizes that.

Mandi

Chelsea, I agree it is different when you grew up here. I was not referring to them anyway.

That's not true at all. There are a lot of expats that grew up here that choose to get jobs here because they love the life! We're not all on huge salaries that means we can save loads each month. The salaries here might be higher then say the UK, but the rent is a joke compared to the UK as well!! We might earn more but we spend more too.

I went to uni in the UK and then chose to come back to Qatar because of the weather, the laid back lifestyle and the lack of crime. I'll NEVER make loads of money in my chosen career but then as long as we're making enough to live comfortably I'd rather be doing something I love then slaving away in an office. I would have been better off staying in the UK where there would be more opportunities for me but I didn't want to.

I love how it's just assumed we're all here and rolling in money - I wish!!

www.qaws.org

Mandi, All expatriates are here to make money. No one is here because he/she just wanted to be here.

I was born in the US and lived there for a few years before going somewhere else. I have a very good idea about lifestyle, costs and general wages at least in a few states, if not the whole country. Majority of working people do not make a lot of money in the US vis-a-vis what they earn here. Certainly not talking about CEOs' salaries.

I have a personal example to quote. My dad is earning 4 times his last job in the US. Thanks to his citizenship.

come and play with the big boys when your balls drop.

Power to the non believers, it’s a great feeling to have and hold.

I didn't say we were making peanuts, lol! I just suggest that although your father may have access to current salaries he probably doesn't have information on previous wages. Those of us recruited from America tend to have pretty good jobs where we were.

Mandi

Mandilulur, You not being one of those lucky Americans does not make it a myth. My dad is one of the top executives in a large MNC and he has got a first-hand information on the payroll. This is why I spoke with so much certainty.

Twinkle, NO one from the US makes six times their previous salary. US companies pay the same rate plus about 25% overseas bonus plus housing, etc. I just cannot let this myth be perpetuated. We are here because we choose to be here.

Mandi

shellyjean, You are lucky your husband is getting a job in these difficult times. Be thankful to God who is pulling you from a job of $50,000 in NJ to $300,000+ in Doha.

Good news, the compound looks a lot bigger than just 50 units(found it on a satellite map) Phew.

you dont want to live with your co-workers. youre already dealing with half asses on your work and when you got home its the same half asses you see... you'll never get a break!... all of us needs space from time to time...

_______________________________________________________

"You cannot propel yourself forward by patting yourself on the back."

so I know your concerns. don't worry. My husband almost turned down our offer due to the thought of having to see his boss over the weekends! He just imagined being out on Saturday mornings, washing the car, yelling at the kids and having the boss walk by. HAHA We don't hardly ever socialize with our co-workers that live by us in the compound. Some people do, we just don't. We tend to stick to the people we have met at church. Although the company people are very nice as well.

Power to the non believers, it’s a great feeling to have and hold.

boer, I would not refuse it in this situation since I WANT him to have the job. I can adjust to anything. I used to live in the Bronx. And in Upper Montclair, NJ. What is a little company town to further my husband's career?

We'll be ok. We will adjust. I am flexible and I will be glad to finally be acquainted with my husband's co-workers. The puget sound is huge, and people come from all over to work at the different factories.

I am just feeling outclassed. I have been joking that I am looking forward to having the lifestyle to which I would like to become accustomed. Kind of a serious joke, in that it terrifies me a bit.

Thereby confirming my rube status.

Quite honestly, I would refuse an offer from a company that dictates where I live. Maybe I'm just spoiled but all my life I have had my own space on my own terms. I won't accept anything else.

*** Light travels faster than sound. That's why most people appear bright until they open their mouths.

a different class of people.....they can't be that bad to be given the opportunity to live in Alfardan 5!! It could be worse you could be living in the industrial area!

don't know what the issue is here!

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Living and working with colleagues is almost an incestuous experience. My recommendation, get out, join the sailing club, the rugby club, any of the various sports clubs (Aspire Zone has some excellent facilities).

There is an Expat Mums club as well as the QL social group here, you can volunteer with the Animal rescue QAWS, I believe there is an American Women's group as well.

Find something outside the compound. You don't have to ignore your neighbours but I found it really stressful to have to live with a group of people who felt they were entitled to not only "observe" my comings and goings and activities but also to comment on them further to others.

I find that the female portion of the population is the most aggravating - men seem to be able to ignore things or be unaware of what's going on because it's none of their concern (not all men but generally) it's the women who tend to be the nosiest and most sh!td!sturbing.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

In fact, it has been the case with my employer, as well. I did not like it at all because at one point my work environment was hostile and things got very petty between various parties "spying" on each other. In fact, I hated it so much that I moved out and took a housing allowance that allowed me to find my own place.

3 years ago my employer discontinued the choice of housing allowance and I had to move back into housing provided by my employer. By this time, they had taken over a very small compound of 36 units. I didn't mind having them as neighbors so much (by this time most of the earlier personality issues have been resolved), but I never used the recreation facilities because I simply don't like to be with my colleagues after hours and you could never guarantee your privacy.

6 months ago I was finally able to move into a new place provided by my employer that has probably more than 250 units. There are only 5-6 of us at this site (with the rest of our employees spread between 4 other locations) and I never see my co-workers when I am at home (not even in the rec facilities.

As for you, you can always set limits to what degree you will socialize with colleagues and develop friendships outside (which is what I did when living among my colleagues). But you usually can't do much about being housed with your co-workers.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

to be honest with u, fortunately or unfortunately i never did have to live with colleagues!

Pay peanuts & you get Monkeys