Decision
Here is a case: I was interviewed by QP 7 months ago, offered me a job 4months ago, had been to Qatar for site interview. My first impression of doha airport, travel to masaieed, general landscape, tone of interviewees was NOT good. So I had mentally thought of rejecting the offer, while coming back which was about 20 hrs flight. Now that I am back, I have little bit of urge just for money, which is about 40% more plus housing. I want to get some insight about the work culture and professionalism, family environment (parks, entertainment, play areas, theme park etc). Is is it really worth to uproot a family and live in desert more 40% more money and of course i guess no one can beat middle east benefits (37 days leave, housing car etc). It's a tough decision!!
Average Qatari income - Maseratti
Average Expat income - Tuk Tuk
CT, you probably didn't meet too many of those in the "highest per capita income" group. They are Qatari. I would be interested to know what the average income of the expat is in Doha, pretty damn low, I'd say. Well, all I can say is that probably the best you will be treated is the day you come for an interview. It can be all downhill from there. You amy also want to look at this new thing about the worker coming over fist for a month or 6 weeks until the RP is sorted out, then bringing the family. I find that problematic at best, insulting at worst.
Mandi
Mandi..I have a two year old kid..so schooling is not a big issue right now..as you said qatar is least attractive which was distinct in my two day stay, coming from canada. I was also surprised how shabby QP HR office was, considering it as muti-billion corp, it has stortage of chairs, no refreshments etc. I was heavily jet lagged when i was in qatar, didnt get to see much, generally the city appeared to be clean. I would however complement this website (QL) which is cool..although some comments reflect the quality of people staying in qatar is not top notch, which one can expect being highest per capita income country.
Many US companies are recommending that people with kids not come, there are no places in American/Canadians schools here. That may be a big decision factor for you. They are offering full tuition, right? Qatar is one of the least attractive countries in the GCC, that's true, but it all depends on the friends you and your family make. You won't remember the lousy landscape, just your good friends. Also, will you be working 5 or 6 days a week? That's something we Westerners don't think to ask. I'd say 6 days is more common in the Gulf. You will have a hellacious commute to Messaieed. That adds a lot to your work day.
Mandi
Thanks for your views..Yes the position that I am offered is in Masaieed, if I accept the offer, I would prefer to stay in Doha. I think it takes about 40mins drive. I will be getting housing and trasport allowance. i will try to convince if QP can provide a 4x4 vechile. I will take my decision, if the place is worth living, money is one factor but not the only factor.
Now look:
1) You have been offered a job by one of the best Employer's in this country.
2) In your Home Country, you will never get the increase in salary that you are talking about for next 10 years.
3) You know that the benefits here are unbeatable.
...and still before even getting a Residence Visa in Qatar you have already started Whining and Crying...you already started bashing your prospective employers by saying "tone of interviewees was NOT good"...
You know what....you are among the most suitable Expats to work in Qatar...
Irrespective of all the comments in this thread, I do not think that you have any intentions of rejecting this offer...but your good preparation for complaining is really not worthy!!!
....Welcome Aboard
in my opinion, although majority of Qatar is deserts but Doha is completely different, it is understood that most of ur time will be at the workplace and at home and for the remaining free time u can go out to the entertainment places which are increasing, there are plenty of parks, shopping malls, and few beaches which are enough for family entertainment in the short term.
considering 40% extra income i think that it is worth trying at least for 1 year.
Good luck
I think this is a decision your going to have to make. Remember this 40% more salary is tax free. Also make sure that the offer has children's education compensated in it, since schooling is very expensive. I also read mesaaid - So will you be commuting to the mesa aid everyday? Will they offer you housing in Doha?
Qatar is developing, and as such things are changing here very rapidly. The unimpressive airport you landed at is temporary. They should be opening the NDIA last quarter this year or 1st quarter 2013. Their are plenty of activities to do with your family, including going to the parks, corniche, katara, pearl...the list goes on and on. As of recent I have noticed that people are now putting in the effort to create fun activities and carnival type functions for families.
The interview you had with a million questions is quite normal. Every employer wants to higher the best, and since they have offered you, then you are the best!! You are very fortunate to be given a opportunity in Qatar, not everyone gets this!! The work culture in what we call "Q" companies are very relaxed, not hectic, and not stressing. But at the sometime they do have a lot of work load, and you may find yourself getting a little worked up but thats why they hired you, right? You will find yourself working with people from different nationalities and that is something you might find intimidating. Also Q companies are generally very professional since they only "try" to hire the best!!
Lastly, if you are bored of were you are and want to have a change. maybe relax a bit in your life and not have to worry about bills, and 4 seasons - then this is the place to be. Come here and enjoy this opportunity!! It's not just a desert man!! Its turning into beautiful city :)
Probably one of the biggest decisions you'll have to make in life. Its not so bad here but some of the people and their actions will drive you crazy....
The decision is a personal one and you can always leave if it doesn't work out.