JHH, it seems you have had some bad experiences with these committees. Qatar University is generous and we should be thankful for what we got maybe a little too extreme for me but I know where you are coming from with that statement. Things could be much, much worse. My last apartment had a leaky roof, live-wires hanging from the ceiling, noisy, mosquitoes, high electric bills, old, and cost a lot. Here it is free, cheap gas and electric and comfortable. But, QU is offering a similar and in many cases a weaker contract than schools in the region. There are not being generous, they are being competitive to attract the staff they desire. Plus, many people here had nicer accommodations before moving here and believe they deserve the same level of comfort. One could argue that if housing is that big of an issue, one should investigate it more before moving, I agree. Others could say if you don’t like it move, I believe over 15 percent of the foundation staff went this direction this year. You seem happy with the QU situation and so am I but others would like it to be a bit or a lot better. All foundation staff members met with the director and were asked by him about salary. How many do you think said ‘Yeah it’s great, I don’t want a raise’. Everybody wants more, right? Some people here have a passion to make changes for the better and they believe that these committees and the strategy ‘one group” is better than ‘one for all, all for one’. Who are we to stop them? I believe they bring more stress in their own life than they get back. It seems you think they give us all a bad name. But, maybe these people are the reason management decided out of the blue to plant 4 palms and flowers in front of the club house. Maybe their complaining got the extra ping-pong tables and pool table inside the clubhouse for the kids. Maybe they also help get us desk for our places. Who knows, right? Seems small but I applaud the effort on both sides.
About getting sacked, for what I have heard, age and complaining a lot about the curriculum will get you a ticket out of here quicker than giving Mr. Kahn (Al-Zahoor manager) a hard time everyday. Read Dave’s about this for lengthy examples and testimonials. But, in the end, I think Raaid1 wants a broader view of the job than just this committee debate and what is great is now he/she has read two different views of the situation. Maybe a person on one of the housing committees will share their reasons for pursuing it.
Moving on to an important topic, if you have a child, finding a school can be very challenging. There is a nursery in the complex but many of the popular schools around here are full and have waiting list. If you want your child to start school in September, start contacting these schools now if you haven’t already. Try to set up times to visit some when you arrive. Also, make sure you and your wife/husband have valid driver licenses. Driving is a must for both of you and a US license will transfer quickly here, if not, driving school and test are lengthy and expensive. Rent a car as soon as you can here. One, you can acclimate yourself to the infamous driving style here and two, you won’t feel trapped at places. I’m sure others could add more and old post on QL can give list of schools and other details. Good luck with the long-haul Cheers DMM
JHH, it seems you have had some bad experiences with these committees. Qatar University is generous and we should be thankful for what we got maybe a little too extreme for me but I know where you are coming from with that statement. Things could be much, much worse. My last apartment had a leaky roof, live-wires hanging from the ceiling, noisy, mosquitoes, high electric bills, old, and cost a lot. Here it is free, cheap gas and electric and comfortable. But, QU is offering a similar and in many cases a weaker contract than schools in the region. There are not being generous, they are being competitive to attract the staff they desire. Plus, many people here had nicer accommodations before moving here and believe they deserve the same level of comfort. One could argue that if housing is that big of an issue, one should investigate it more before moving, I agree. Others could say if you don’t like it move, I believe over 15 percent of the foundation staff went this direction this year. You seem happy with the QU situation and so am I but others would like it to be a bit or a lot better. All foundation staff members met with the director and were asked by him about salary. How many do you think said ‘Yeah it’s great, I don’t want a raise’. Everybody wants more, right? Some people here have a passion to make changes for the better and they believe that these committees and the strategy ‘one group” is better than ‘one for all, all for one’. Who are we to stop them? I believe they bring more stress in their own life than they get back. It seems you think they give us all a bad name. But, maybe these people are the reason management decided out of the blue to plant 4 palms and flowers in front of the club house. Maybe their complaining got the extra ping-pong tables and pool table inside the clubhouse for the kids. Maybe they also help get us desk for our places. Who knows, right? Seems small but I applaud the effort on both sides.
About getting sacked, for what I have heard, age and complaining a lot about the curriculum will get you a ticket out of here quicker than giving Mr. Kahn (Al-Zahoor manager) a hard time everyday. Read Dave’s about this for lengthy examples and testimonials. But, in the end, I think Raaid1 wants a broader view of the job than just this committee debate and what is great is now he/she has read two different views of the situation. Maybe a person on one of the housing committees will share their reasons for pursuing it.
Moving on to an important topic, if you have a child, finding a school can be very challenging. There is a nursery in the complex but many of the popular schools around here are full and have waiting list. If you want your child to start school in September, start contacting these schools now if you haven’t already. Try to set up times to visit some when you arrive. Also, make sure you and your wife/husband have valid driver licenses. Driving is a must for both of you and a US license will transfer quickly here, if not, driving school and test are lengthy and expensive. Rent a car as soon as you can here. One, you can acclimate yourself to the infamous driving style here and two, you won’t feel trapped at places. I’m sure others could add more and old post on QL can give list of schools and other details. Good luck with the long-haul Cheers DMM