Seeking words of wisdom
So here's the deal.
I am currently living and working in the UK, working in the public sector.
In honesty, I dont have a bad job, the income isn't bad, though much of my salary goes towards paying off debts (expect to be debt free by November 2014). Work's alright, but as with all public sector workers, future's are uncertain.
I pay into a pension scheme, which i've been paying into for years.
For sure, by all accounts, my life is relatively secure.
Now, I've been offered a job in Qatar. I consider the salary and package to be very good.
The truth is, I am apprehensive about leaving my current secure lifestyle, and going to the unknown. But on the same note, I think of a Qatar as a wonderful opportunity, can pay off debts quicker, and might never get the chance again. I am scared of having regrets either way.
Can anyone share any advice / words of wisdom please?? Would be much appreciated..... Thank you.
If you stayed here in Qatar for two years would you be able to get a job like you have now in the uk again? or would you go back to be stacking shelves?
I wouldn't risk the pension, the comfy life you seem to have etc for a life over here.
there can be a lot of stress involved, even if the package seems great....if your company doesn't get paid and you are living from week to week not knowing if there will still be a job for you when you come back to work after the weekend.
would you come alone or with family, children? getting them into a good school can be a nightmare and it is expensive.
money isn't everything
GET OVER HERE.....only if the debts are on your mind, otherwise, stay there n live peacefully.
say NO to WAR!
Lots of good advise on things to consider from the above post'ers.. There is a word you should become very familiar with, it's "tolerance". This word will apply across the board here in Qatar, in all aspects of your coming and goings in and around Qatar.
If you are good outside of your "comfort zone"..then it would be a good move..If however, you expect things here to be the same as if in the UK, then you may have some difficulty..
The culture of Qatar is conservative, so depending on your nature, it may or may not be an issue for you.
I have lived in Qatar for 9 years. It has worked out for me.
One more thing..it does get quite hot and humid here, but normally that only last about two months July and August..It is amazing what you will call good weather, once you have dealt with the worse months...lol
Yes most of them are right.
try to do some financial comparison before you decide. if your moving here with family its a bit high expenses.
in UK you have a stable job and have no limits with anything ... you can enjoy your freedom as a citizen of your country.
Check out my blog about living and working here. You might find it useful. It was my first move to a foreign culture as well. Bottom line - well worth it. http://waggingthedog.wordpress.com/category/qatar/
If it helps I left a public sector job in the UK (NHS) to come here and don't regret it one bit. Sure, I am in the twilight of my career but I didn't want to end my working life quietly either. I have brought family here with me and left lots behind, it's an experience and a challenge for us all but you only live once!
Do a serious analysis of your package (salary, accomodation, schools, air tickets, etc) and work out how much you could save. If you can think about saving say 6 months equivalent UK salary before paying off anything and how long that would take then you have bought a bit of security should things go pear shaped here. Good luck!
Yes you can pay off the debts quicker. Just remember that you will have left a secure job with gilt edged pension for a role with minimum promotion prospects. However , you wll get a tax free salary, good weather and chance to travel ..
Hi UKeuro75,
Key issues I would suggest you consider in making your decision:
Firstly, do you have any family who would be involved in the shift? What are their needs?
Secondly, are you needed around UK/home area? (by family, friends etc)
Thirdly, you should think about your priorities. If the key priority is paying down debt, it can be a good option here. But you need to think about the cost of shifting and living here, which can be high.
Then you might want to factor in what your options are after your stint in Qatar.
After reviewing all the above, you can decide whether the remuneration/opportunity here is worth the risk, the costs and the change in lifestyle upon coming here.
I assume you are a UK citizen with no UK immigration issues. In Qatar, you (as an expat) will face the same visa issues, exit permits, NOC and other bureaucratic issues all expats go through here (which requires a lot of patience and perseverance). Good luck.
And as they say, "Growth demands a temporary surrender of security".
Good Luck!
You can't climb the ladder of success with a cold feet. Welcome to the dreamers club.
Remember the proverb:"those who dare...win"
Qatar is much more better for u. You build opportunities here by yourself. I'm born here, i cleared all of my debts working regularly .
Thanks