Final Negotiations before I move - PLEASE HELP!
Good morning to everyone on QL, I've read your posts/forums/blogs with much interest over the past few days, so I won't bore you all with the same tired "How much does it cost" questions that you have graciously answered in many different times and ways.
My questions regard negotiating salary and benefits with my employer, who is based in Dubai.
I have read numerous accounts of the high inflation etc, and I've also seen where Qatar is looking at unpegging it's Riyal from the dollar. I have been offered 23,000 Dhs/mo. plus accomodation, transportation, and GSM. At 100% bonus at year end, they are offering a POTENTIAL 180,000 Dhs.
I am married, but with no kids, and I know that it's enough money to live on, especially since they will pay for house and a car - but the bonus really scares me, since there is no guarantee.
I have 6 years of top experience selling in Newport Beach, CA and have an excellent reputation and list of clients here, as well as a 2,000 sq. ft home on half-acre of land and a private pool and orchard/garden.
Why move? It's always been a dream of mine to see much more of the world, and although most Americans are very ignorant about the MENASEA region, I have always been drawn to it (my grandparents worked for King Fahd in KSA many years ago and loved it).
How much of my base salary can I negotiate? Is requiring 30,600 Dhs/mo too much? What about insisting on a guarantee for a minimum bonus the first year? In my current job I have unlimited earning potential, with some years earnings exceeding 800,000 Dhs, and a MUCH lower cost of living (my home is only 15,000 Dhs/mo).
How flexible are these guys going to be? I want a good quality of life AND the ability to save up a good deal of money. In return however, the company will be getting a professional of the highest calibre who not only wants to come here, but who wants to help build the yachting communities of Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain so that all Nationals will have a much better appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of that beautiful Arabian Gulf!
Any help would be much appreciated, and I will post how negotiations end up, my wife and I both truly look forward to meeting many of you in person, and wish you all peace, happiness, and wealth!
-Lee
First of all, to those who responded - thank you so much for your comments and help. I was able to renogotiate a bit - not quite what I wanted, but better than the initial offer, and I got the bonus much more clearly defined. I should be arriving in Doha by the last week in April, 1st week in June and I truly hope to be able to meet and thank you all in person. While I know life will be very different from what I'm used to here, everything I've read has described Qatar as an amazing place populated with friendly people and expatriates as a whole - my wife and I will see you all soon! :)
HI there,
From one Californian to another congratulations on the successful career and low mortgage payments! :) As a market analyst, I would say that you have hit an untapped market and alot of potential. As you know with any tourism near the ocean/sea comes demand for chartering boats. Also increasing tourism is a priority in the gulf regions of UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain so if you can sell yourself their is alot of potential and a chance to dominate the market!
The only factor I would consider is being able to negotiate with Arabs. This is an acquired skill and one who understands american/european politics may find themselves in deep water whilst swimming in the gulf.
here is a link that will give an idea! http://www.arabiaweb.de/negotaite.htm
I wish you every success in the future.
Kind Regards
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
definitely get the bonus in black and white and ensure the word "gratuity" is not mentioned in the clause otherwise this shall wipe out any bonus.
A tough one....you could ask for more and I would check on what type of accommodation they will supply you and have that recorded in the contract.
If you are content with the overall offer, then is a personal choice really..
Good luck!
i think you should stay in your current place
Hi Lee,
Considering your experience and current income you should negotiate for 30+ base salary and insisting on a guarantee for a minimum bonus the
first year will be a good idea.
All the best with your negotiaions.
Cheers