Convince me...

Blog
By Blog

Somebody convince me - my husband and I have travelled alot. All our 3 children have been born in different countries. Why would I want to trade what they have now - a great school, a city that can cater for all their wide-ranging needs and interests, a climate that is wonderful in the summer although a little dreary in the winter, greenery and stunning scenery, involvement and real 'flow' in all the activities they are in, a house with a huge garden, their animals etc, a potential career for myself - somebody convince me why I should come to Doha when I can't necessarily get my kids into a school of my choice let alone any school, where they can't necessarily continue with their activities (if there ain't enough schools, then there surely ain't enough activities to go round either), where there doesn't seem to be specialist centres to help with some educational needs 1 of them has, where there isn't a big yard for them to run around in, and where my career is put on halt again - what this comes down to is that I think Doha sounds like a very competitive place and that sounds like a ton of stress to me. Outstanding money would be an obvious answer, but if I went out to work here, I would earn exactly what we could save over there. Is it worth it?

By oldrabbit• 22 Sep 2007 04:55
oldrabbit

My child, sometime we need to go to the other side of the mountain to truly appreciate the far away view of our home. Listen to your heart. What does it tell you?

By clickaddress• 20 Sep 2007 12:57
clickaddress

L

By osla11• 19 Sep 2007 19:25
osla11

well said squarepeg , u cant make yours dream true if you are coming to doha just remember children playing with pets in your own green garden,having peace temperature and yours neighbour so close and helpful all your dream will be washed out here in doha, never go for money as i suggest.

By Squarepeg• 19 Sep 2007 18:35
Squarepeg

Stay put. Recognise when you're well off. Money isn't everything and even if you could name your own salary it wouldn't compensate for what you'd be giving up.

By iman0493• 19 Sep 2007 09:50
iman0493

Don't come.

By Blog• 19 Sep 2007 09:16
Blog

Depends on your priorities I guess...whereas there was a point in my life where I would have agreed with you, I have to be honest and say that the money is not enough to sway me (perhaps it's just not good enough). Besides one of my children needs a little more support which I'm not sure is on offer just yet out there re: my post: Vision Training. It is a lovely region to be in - enjoy it, we certainly did. Its the people that made our travels in the region so special - such unbelieveable hospitality and goodness. Thanks for your reply.

By anonymous• 19 Sep 2007 09:04
anonymous

Blog ...the money will bring you here.

All you have said is true, but the money will bring you here.

As it has been for all of us here, and in the Gulf. Although the rising rents are taking away a lot of that charm here in Qatar.

By silversurfer• 19 Sep 2007 07:53
Rating: 5/5
silversurfer

Blog,

given your cirmcumstances as you paint them, I would say there is no way that you should come here.

Every school teaching 'western' curriculum is full, and most cannot even tell you how long thier waiting list is (per a survey that I did last week).

Most people I speak to say that there is very little to do in Doha, and after six months here I have to say I think they are mostly correct.

If the money on offer was unbelievably good, you might consider coming on a single basis for a year or so.

Overall, this is not 'real life' as you might understand it as a westerner (is it OK to classify NZ as 'western'?) - more a case of treading water, taking on the cash for later, to do something postive with once your life re-starts.

Let us know what you decide!

By anonymous• 19 Sep 2007 06:51
Rating: 3/5
anonymous

Like everyone says here and I would also agree with them, it seems you convince already yourself not to come. You and your family are settled on where you are right now and besides you said you'd experienced travelling from different places. You better check also what the feelings of your family about your plan of moving again.

Goodluck on whatever decision you will make about this.

Cheers!

*** I don't like to commit myself about heaven and hell - you see, I have friends in both places. M. Twain***

By novita77• 19 Sep 2007 06:07
novita77

hi blog ... you already convince yourself not to come here. And i agree with you ... if your kids settle out there, why would you want to come here ???

By Blog• 19 Sep 2007 05:07
Blog

Please bear in mind (for those replies from people without children) that decisions you make are more difficult once you have children and one has all their needs to consider. Sorry if I sound negative - we know the Middle East well from 10 years ago (backpacked through Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Oman, Turkey, UAE, Bahrain and lived in one Middle Eastern country for 4 years) - I know how beautiful this part of the world is which is why I'm struggling so much with this decision - maybe you're right and maybe I have answered my own question - I can't change the way it is, and the fact is so many people want to be in Qatar for lifestyle, money, work etc, which of course puts a strain on available resources there. I would put up with that myself but I don't think I can do that to my kids (I'm not the homeschooling type). Take care.

By lynnie• 19 Sep 2007 03:32
lynnie

sit here and convince you? You seem very against it already so just stay where you are.

By anonymous• 19 Sep 2007 03:12
anonymous

If u know all that already??? As Cornellian said, u answered ur own Q!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

./`I don't wanna waste another day-Keepin it inside, it's killing me./`

By Cornellian• 19 Sep 2007 03:04
Cornellian

I think u answered ur own question.

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