Patriating Without Family
Would anyone know if I should expect any difficulties if I were to move to Qatar without my family?
I'm married and although I'd planned to take my family (wife and 3 kids) with me when I was offered a job in Qatar, we have decided that it might be a better idea for me to go there by myself and check things out before they join me. This would also give them more time to get ready, and also to prepare for the move as we would have to sell or rent our house, automobiles, etc.
I was first told that as a family we'd be in a villa in a compound but that if I were to go alone I'd be put up in a bachelor's apartment. When the family joins me, we'd be moved to a villa we're told.
Is this cause for concern? Are there precedents and anecdotes?
Thank you.
I appreciate the sentiments Progression, but there are other considerations as well. For example, pulling the children out of school in mid-year; finding space in appropriate schools in Doha (from what I hear it can be a challenge); selling or renting our house and automobiles back home and sending our belongings to long-term storage on fairly short notice; etc.
From what I've read on this forum (echoing someone else's thoughts, I think all cities should have such a vibrant, informative site), it'd be easier to find space in schools over the summer and once our name is on waiting lists.
There would be enough challenges to experience together once they join me after a few months. I will be missing one of my children's birthday though. :(
As for proving committment, there are two things I want to say:
1. The fact that one with substantial experience in his/her field leaves the relative safety and security of home (and by that I mean the support system, family, friends, culture, etc.) and agrees to move to a foreign land, should show, or at least be a starting point in conversations regarding committment.
2. Committment is a two-way street like many other things. Respect, loyalty, goodwill, etc. The employee should see a reciprocated level of committment from the employer to his/her needs and well-being.
Albundy, on the subject of missing one of your little ones birthdays, my husband flew out on 3rd Jan and it was my youngest daughters birthday on the 10th Jan. We celebrated it the week before and my husband bought her a 'speacial' present. She enjoyed having two birthdays :-).
Also, with my husband being over here, I ended up selling our house, finding a rented house for a few months, packing to move house twice and sorting out getting all of our stuff shipped over here, so although it was 7 months we were apart, it was quite an eventful 7 months which just flew by. Hopefully your wife will have a similar experience. The time going fast, that is!!!
Thank you V_A_T and Kaftan. Yes, those are exactly why we want to do it this way V_A_T.
Hi, my husband moved out her in Jan 09 and my daughter and I didn't move out here until Aug 09. We came over for a two week trip in April, so I could see where i would be living and we got my RP sorted out then, so my husband had family status from then. Although we were apart for 7 months (which was hard) we think we did the right thing, my husband got used to the place, was able to get on with his new job without worrying too much about us and he had everthing sorted for when we eventually got over. I won't say it works for everyone, but it worked for us. I also have an older child, whom was taking her A'levels so I wouldn't go until she had completed them.
i suggest you go with your family for these reasons;
* you and your family will experience the togertheness and unity during the adjustment period. the whole family will see the teamwork, the essence of family through thick and thin.
* your company will see how serious you are in working to thier team because you brought your family with you. hence, they have no reason not to give all the support intended for you and for your family.
* your kids values in life will be quite stronger and concrete. you are not working to live only but living to work with them. this is for me is the best reason why you need to come with your family.
AP, thanks. I'm not worried about that. As I lived on my own for 10 years before getting married, I can cook and clean pretty well and I can manage my free time too. I like going to gym (even daily if possible), reading books and surfing the Web for news.
The hardest part would be missing the children and my wife (and they missing me), but what I'm concerned about is the bureaucracy and concerns with the temporary "bachelor" status.
Mandi, thank you, that's one of my worries too: that the 5 of us would be jammed in a bachelor's apartment. Hell, if that happens I'd consider it a breach of contract and leave if they don't hold their end. I'm quite easygoing when it comes to outlook on life, with a "live-and-let-live" attitude, but when it comes to contracts, I can't stand breaches.
Thank you.
Well, sometimes things can move very slowly in Qatar. Moving you from a bachelor apartment to giving you a villa when your family arrives might not be your HR's highest priority.
Mandi
Aunt polly...who took of your kids during your absence??
My husband did the same when he came - I came 2 months later and my children, after another month.
In retrospect my husband tells me that it was the worst 2 months of his life- food situation bad, no transport, and worst nothing to do during free time.
If you could, you could bring your wife with you- so the pair of you could shop, do things together and get things ready for the children, who could join you later, once everything is A- 0k.
AP
Many people do so...If your contract says family status, they will provide you with family villa once they join you. Mean time you can find their school etc..