BAE System Saudi Arabia
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BAE System Saudi Arabia
Hey,
Does anybody know the conditions of service, flying rate, living arrangements etc of the BAE Systems instructional position in Saudi ?
Thanks.
HG
Does anybody know the conditions of service, flying rate, living arrangements etc of the BAE Systems instructional position in Saudi ?
Thanks.
HG
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Google BAE Systems and get in touch. They won't be shy about telling you about the package, given your experience. The cash looks excellent up front, but be prepared for a big culture shock, particularly if you have a wife.
BIG HOWEVER: Network with your Aussie mates and anyone who has been there. It does not suit everyone, the devil is in the detail, as it were. I haven't been there and (probably) never would, but know many who have. Depends on how much you want/need the money.
Having said that, it's not a prison sentence and if you don't like it, you can leave - provided they give you your passport back.
BIG HOWEVER: Network with your Aussie mates and anyone who has been there. It does not suit everyone, the devil is in the detail, as it were. I haven't been there and (probably) never would, but know many who have. Depends on how much you want/need the money.
Having said that, it's not a prison sentence and if you don't like it, you can leave - provided they give you your passport back.
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A2's right. That's probably the biggest factor. If Mrs isn't happy, I guarantee you won't be. Think very hard. I see from other posts you are interested in other jobs. Personally, better crap pay in a job/place you actually enjoy than great pay in a place that you are constantly wishing to leave.
It's not a dress rehearsal.
It's not a dress rehearsal.
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FWIW, having spent five years in Saudi Arabia, I can say it's nothing like people who haven't been there think it is.
There are cultural differences, of course, but those only seem to affect those that approach the experience with a prejudiced attitude. Go there with an open mind and you stand to benefit a lot from the experience, and not just professionally and financially. Personally, I had a great time there.
As with any major decision if you are married, you will need to take into account your spouse's input. From their perspective, it could be potentially a mindnumbingly boring experience as there isn't anywhere as much to do over there as in Europe in the way of entertainment, etc. (although check with BAe, it might be that they could help your spouse find a job there--contrary to popular belief in the West, it is not true that women are not allowed to work.) On the other hand, the lack of "mass" entertainment venues like pubs and cinemas means that you get to spend more time together, so if your marriage works, chances are the experience will only strenghten it (and vice-versa, unfortunately).
And btw, BAe's operation in Saudi is reputedly an excellent employer.
Hope this helps.
/LH2
There are cultural differences, of course, but those only seem to affect those that approach the experience with a prejudiced attitude. Go there with an open mind and you stand to benefit a lot from the experience, and not just professionally and financially. Personally, I had a great time there.
As with any major decision if you are married, you will need to take into account your spouse's input. From their perspective, it could be potentially a mindnumbingly boring experience as there isn't anywhere as much to do over there as in Europe in the way of entertainment, etc. (although check with BAe, it might be that they could help your spouse find a job there--contrary to popular belief in the West, it is not true that women are not allowed to work.) On the other hand, the lack of "mass" entertainment venues like pubs and cinemas means that you get to spend more time together, so if your marriage works, chances are the experience will only strenghten it (and vice-versa, unfortunately).
And btw, BAe's operation in Saudi is reputedly an excellent employer.
Hope this helps.
/LH2
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Echo the previous sensible post - the Memsahib will be the deciding factor on whether you stay or not. BAE now provide multi entry-exit visas, so you'll have a lot more freedom to travel than in my time there. Try to go with a goal in mind (pay off mortgage, see the world, put kids through uni etc) and re-assess every 2 years or so. Above all, don't believe what you read in the press about KSA - go with an open mind. Good luck.
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Thanks guys,
Some great advice. I'm just looking for options post RAAF.
Just two questions if I may. How would young children cope in Saudi ? Is it "safe" outside the residential compound ?
Some great advice. I'm just looking for options post RAAF.
Just two questions if I may. How would young children cope in Saudi ? Is it "safe" outside the residential compound ?
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I left KSA some time back but can provide a bit of input to your question.
Small kids enjoy it. Safe play environment - inside walled compound - pool nearly every day, does not rain etc. Also means wife is fairly fully occupied and not bored to death so quickly. Junior schooling in KSA fine, though some loss due to block leaves not meshing with term times. After 11 - boarding school recommended. We had a great time, but I was delighted when we left. Work environment was very oppressive at the time, and getting the sack was a great relief. My bank manager loved the job.
Small kids enjoy it. Safe play environment - inside walled compound - pool nearly every day, does not rain etc. Also means wife is fairly fully occupied and not bored to death so quickly. Junior schooling in KSA fine, though some loss due to block leaves not meshing with term times. After 11 - boarding school recommended. We had a great time, but I was delighted when we left. Work environment was very oppressive at the time, and getting the sack was a great relief. My bank manager loved the job.
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Life in KSA
Originally Posted by Hugh Gorgen
Thanks guys,
Some great advice. I'm just looking for options post RAAF.
Just two questions if I may. How would young children cope in Saudi ? Is it "safe" outside the residential compound ?
Some great advice. I'm just looking for options post RAAF.
Just two questions if I may. How would young children cope in Saudi ? Is it "safe" outside the residential compound ?
I spent 5 years in KSA with BAE Systems and still work for them, in UK. KSA is agreat place as long as you are not looking for culture! My wife left kicking and screaming at the end of our tour and the kids loved it and didn't want to leave. The problems start when the kids reach 14 as they are not allowed to remain as dependants after this age. We didn't believe in boarding school so we left and came home. The money is great but it is a great cultural change for everyone. I wouldn't have missed the experience but you have to watch you don't get into the "wealth trap" where you go on for years as you have got used to having the cash coming in in bucket loads. I reckon five years is ideal. Anything less than 2 and you don't gain from the experience and any more than 5 and get to be a professional expat who can't return home!!
My advice......go for it and enjoy the experience but don't make it your life.
Best of luck.
Gingerbeery
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A major problem with working in KSA is getting to and from the Airbase and in fact anything that involves public exposure....
I spent a couple of years in Dhahran in the early 90's and it was fine. I went to Jeddah back in 2001 and it had changed dramatically. I was watching TV in my villa when the US Embassy got attacked !
Your a sitting target when driving on the roads in Saudi. Once your at work no problem and most compounds now have armed gaurds. But getting between the two is when your vulnerable. I always felt very uneasy sitting at lights and would drive extremely defensively always leaving gaps and being very aware of the vehicles around me. Saudis have ready access to small arms !
So think carefully.
I spent a couple of years in Dhahran in the early 90's and it was fine. I went to Jeddah back in 2001 and it had changed dramatically. I was watching TV in my villa when the US Embassy got attacked !
Your a sitting target when driving on the roads in Saudi. Once your at work no problem and most compounds now have armed gaurds. But getting between the two is when your vulnerable. I always felt very uneasy sitting at lights and would drive extremely defensively always leaving gaps and being very aware of the vehicles around me. Saudis have ready access to small arms !
So think carefully.
