possible move/what to consider?
I am new on the site... please help!
I am in the US and applied for a job that, if I accept, would bring me to Doha for 1-2 years. I applied based on the type of work but unfortunately I did not know much about Qatar at the time. But I have been trying to learn! The hiring manager suggested that I come here as one source of learning more about the country and to chat about people's experiences here. So, what things (pro and con) should I consider as an American thinking about moving to Qatar?
If you're thinking of moving here for adventure find another place. If you find a job here that pays well then it is a different story. The salary proposed will put you just above the poverty level with the cost of living here.
If you don't have education or a profession (lawyer/medical doctor/educator) then you won't likely find good work here that pays well. If you do have credentials or professional expertise then it could be a good place to work if you find the right job.
As an American (if you're use to living in the USA) you'll need at least USD$ 4,500 per month (multiply that times 3.65 for Qatari Riyals) to be comfortable. That assumes they are also providing housing (it should be furnished) in a nice location. Ask them where you'll be living? Make sure they aren't giving you a roommate and you should also receive a transportation allowance. If they want to give you a housing allowance don't go for it. Insist on their providing housing for you and make sure it's nice.
Good luck -- I have lived here for over 2 years and like it but it has to be the right job and the right reason to live here.
depends on your field, kp.. the best salaries i think are in the Gas-Oil field.. but you never know...just keep searching..keep in mind housing is extremely expensive here, so it's better if the company provides you with the accommodation rather then giving you a housing allowance..but it's hard to talk about the salary, since i dont know what is your occupation..Highly qualified professionals can make US $10-15K a month + allowances...
well thanks! that is really good information.
qatarisun i applied for the job based on the line of work... i can go anywhere really... wasn't finding work that i am happy with where i live now and when this job was brought to my attention i thought, hey - why stay in us?
also i didn't know what the cost of living was like there - i thought the salary sounded low, but i didn't know if i was missing something...
what is a decent salary over there? i mean i know you can make any amount of money.. but what would be a reasonable amount to expect? also are there certain industries that are more popular than others? i suppose that i should start looking for another job offer...
hey, kp! 1200-$1500/month?? I don't know what is the position, but the salary is just way too low! since it's "considerably less than what you make now", what makes you coming here in the first place?? here everything is more expensive than in US, maybe except of gas...why would you like to move in here?? unless there is some personal issue...
you'll be fine if you let go of the America is best mentality. I did that when I moved to the Uk and now that I'm back in the states I think it is so much nicer over there.. Go figure!
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
>>consider the following:
-NO drink and drive (call for the cab)
-NO kissing on public and f** on the beach or in the car
-NO pork, as DaRu said
-NO too short skirts (you are not gonna like by yourself the way the guys stare at you)
thanks qatarisun! i don't even like those things here in america - lol! maybe i would get along just fine.
the job is $1200-$1500/month plus free housing and health care. will that get me very far? that is considerably less than what i make now but i don't know what the cost of living is like, comparably. if it is quite a bit cheaper it doesn't matter if the take home is less.
thank you alexa,
i do hear there are a lot of americans there! what are the best things about qatar? are there things that americans miss... things that are not in the country? do americans feel safe over there?
i must admit... i don't know much about qatar but i have been talking, talking, talking to people and i want to learn, learn, learn. my curiosity has been peaked and i definitely want to at least visit, if not stay.
consider the following:
-NO drink and drive (call for the cab)
-NO kissing on public and f** on the beach or in the car
-NO pork, as DaRu said
-NO too short skirts (you are not gonna like by yourself the way the guys stare at you)
-YES i guess either better salary or more interesting career, or both
-YES challenge and adventure
-YES new experience in your life
-YES the chance to learn about different country and its culture
-YES to learn more about yourself, being in a different environment
-YES to improving yourself through overcoming obstacle and difficulties (which you will have a lot specially in the beginning) and developing new qualities in your character
hmm so did you get your call how much were you offered.
yea if your performance was good they might keep you for more than 2years too and thats how it is here. ppl workin here for last 10-20years in same firm.
So just get here with out any worries. you have everything here just no pork. Islamic country so no romancing with bf in public. dress what every you like.
[img_assist|nid=73057|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]