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Post by gbradford on Mar 17, 2013 9:29:06 GMT
I am a Level 1 Electrical Engineer from the UK and started with Aramco on 31st December 2012 and cannot help but thinking that the post by “almostcheerful “is very similar to my own situation. I was interviewed in London for a post based in Dhahran but of course like everyone who has started recently based in Abqaiq.
As I started in the holiday period the first four weeks were more or less wasted as far as work was concerned. I was then assigned a task that was in essence was outside of my control and did not really match my remit or experience. After a further four weeks I was told my skills were better placed in another division, which the way it was put to me seemed sensible and agreed (big mistake). After two week in the new division undertaking a review of an existing project, I was called in the office by the department head (who interviewed me in the UK) and as asked what I could do!
It was like they were interviewing me again for the job, regrettably this time I failed the interview and was told I should prepare to go back to the UK with my family who came out with me, after just 75 days with Aramco. I concur with everything “almostcheerful” said about opportunities elsewhere in the Company being to say the least restricted, even though there is a screaming need for people with my skills and in my case even my supervisor fully supported my continued appointment.
Well they have not pushed the SAP on yet but we are expecting it anytime, then we will have 30 days to leave the Country. This is not such a massive deal for me, as I am very lucky to have a strong skill set and track record; I would not expect any problems in finding work back in the UK and already on a few shortlists after just two days of my CV being back on the UK market.
If I can, I promise to update everyone on the termination process, as it is important everyone should be fully prepared for it, I was told by HR that it is not that uncommon (the phrase ‘much too common’ was used). From my part, I was careful, however if I had read the previous post then on reflection the following point should be considered: -
1. Don’t rent you house (absolutely don’t sell it) until the 90 days is up or sell or give away anything of value and use in your home Country – awkward but if possible plan to come back and sort this out afterwards.
2. Keep your commitments here minimal, don’t necessary expect to have to go back home but be fully prepared.
3. Above all else do not beat yourself up if this happens to you, it’s not uncommon and for reasons that will be obvious when you start working here, normally most definitely not your fault or within your control – I am highly qualified with an impeccable track record in the industry but sometime they don’t seem to match you correctly and it is almost unheard of to be relocated outside your department (inside it is common but if you are in the wrong department then!).
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Post by kuwait2dhahran on Mar 18, 2013 3:08:27 GMT
I am really sorry hear that and it is always regretful to hear that and I do hope things go well. It is very hard to have gone through the long hiring process and face this. I just sent you PM.
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Post by FromAlberta on Mar 18, 2013 4:55:48 GMT
very sad to hear this news. I am pretty sure everything should be ok with you soon.
Although it is almost clear from your post about what happened it would be good if you can tell us something more. Is it something that you were asked to do something outside your expertise?
What did you mean by Level 1 eng. Aramco usually assigns GC** etc. right?
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Post by oilsand on Mar 18, 2013 15:10:35 GMT
Sorry to hear about this, as you have 30 days to exit the country can you
1) Apply for other job in KSA
2) See if Aramco have other positions open, matching your profile?
also will they pay for your relocation back to your home country?
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Post by Thyssenkrupp on Mar 18, 2013 15:13:36 GMT
Hi gbradford,
Sorry to hear that. I send you PM please get back to me I will appreciate.
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Post by Riz1 on Mar 18, 2013 15:15:15 GMT
I think it's an absolute joke what you have gone through. They could have handled this so much better.
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revive
Senior Member
Posts: 180
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Post by revive on Mar 18, 2013 15:37:28 GMT
gbradford,
I'm very sorry to hear your story. I wish nothing but the best for you and your family.
Since what you're going through is disheartening to say the least, I hope you wouldn't mind if I ask a few questions for the benefit of myself and numerous other potential Aramcons:
1) How is your experience in the new division where you are currently assigned? Is it a match to your skills/experience or not? Do you think you're doing a good job but the mgmt thinks otherwise?
2) Is there any possibility of interviewing with other departments, so hopefully you can secure another position and not leave Aramco?
3) HR told you that termination during probation is not that uncommon, which is different from the impression I got after reading almostcheerful's thread. Do you know other similar cases? I wonder if HR said that basically just to comfort you since you're in a difficult situation.
4) This is kind of an oddball question. I noticed from another post that you are 50. Did age play a role in this turn of event? Did they somehow pick on you because of your age?
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Post by gbradford on Mar 19, 2013 12:20:07 GMT
I would like to reply to the many PM’s and the posts on this subject and stress that this is only my opinions, not necessary facts (only as facts are very difficult to come by here):-
1. I posted this not to put people off working for Aramco (it’s a good Company) but to make them aware of the risks during probation, so they can plan for them. I see a complete underestimation of the risks by many new starters here, buying cars, furniture etc., etc… I stress it’s not uncommon (yes I know others and have heard from many sources which is why I say this), I am sure it would be the same in any industry or Country, the fit has to be right. However my main grumble is they did not give me a job specification in the UK, but then again I accepted the role without one! I am sure with the majority of assignments; the fit is close enough to work for many, it certainly seems to have done in my current department, which has quite a few new starters.
2. I cannot believe this is in anyway victimisation relating to my age or anything else come to think of it; on the contrary they are in need of experienced people here.
3. The issue of can you move around if the fit is wrong, well it’s difficult to judge at this juncture, up until as late as this afternoon, I would have said almost impossible but I have just had a short notice interview in another department, so clearly it can be done, I stress it’s not common though for these things to work out for many reasons according to my contacts. I think it’s totally up to your manager, in my case he organized the interview for me, trying to do so yourself would at best, be difficult. The outcome of all of this is it’s still unclear; we wait for feedback but it is far to say the fit this time seemed very good at the interview today, with a specific role being discussed.
4. As I understand the situation on termination is they pay business class flights back home and arrange a shipment of your affects. The notice period is 30 days from when they make the call, I also understand you are encoue to move quickly but then again I guess most people would want to anyway.
In summary it’s not all over yet in my case and I shall keep everyone posted whatever happens. I am at 80 days now, so the move would need to take place very soon, I am concerned enough to have started to implement Plan B just in case. All I am saying is make sure that you have a Plan B in the first instance!
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revive
Senior Member
Posts: 180
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Post by revive on Mar 19, 2013 21:44:49 GMT
gbradford,
Thanks for sharing. I'm hopeful that things will work out for you so you won't have to leave. I sincerely wish you the best!
It's true that every workplace essentially has a probationary period, although it's mostly an informal one. I still wonder though what is the probability of passing the probation at Aramco. If it's anything less than 80%, I would view that as a serious concern. If it is 90% or 95% (which I suspect to be the case), then I personally don't view it as a serious risk.
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Post by gbradford on Mar 20, 2013 7:50:21 GMT
Risk = Probability X Consequence.
Probability is quite low (would not like to guess) but I am think you guessed your figures and they are not based on any fact i.e. your guess is as good as mine.
However you decide and control the consequences to you personally, I did and still came over. When I did the maths, the real weighting factor was the consequences. As normal you take the raw figures without control and apply mitigation. Just be careful that you do this and don’t do what many do here and blinker yourself or you could be in the mucky stuff.
By the way the probation period here is formal, I know this for sure but they never tell you how you get on unless it goes wrong. The old adage rules here, ‘no news is good news’; this does mean however that if it goes wrong, it can sometimes come as a surprise, be prepared like a good boy Scout!
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revive
Senior Member
Posts: 180
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Post by revive on Mar 20, 2013 15:09:52 GMT
People do fall into a wrong situation at the wrong time, or simply make mistakes they normally don't do. These rarely happen, and therefore are unexpected, but they do happen. I guess that's what you meant by consequences. I think that's a reasonable advise.
The more I think about the probation, the more I question its necessity. After all the extensive interview/background check process and relocation, why would you still need a formal probation? To me the company's approach should be: we've done our homework, we've worked hard (and spent a lot of $) to bring you here, you've also made the big move, now let's make it work. I don't think probation is really necessary. But it is what it is.
It's also interesting to me that although the probation is formal, there doesn't seem to be a formal process to evaluate your performance during the probation. No news is good news. If something goes bad then you'll hear about it. A quite soft/informal way to handle a formal process.
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Post by gbradford on Mar 26, 2013 10:25:35 GMT
Just an update I am now on day 86 and still don’t know what is going on yet and if they want me to go home - it’s very confusing but we can only sit tight and wait. Not even sure if passing the 90 day mark makes much difference anyway!
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Post by gbradford on Mar 27, 2013 11:20:36 GMT
Well at last on day 87 they final decided to send me back home, if you’re generous you could say they were looking for alternative positions for the last two weeks, do so if you like!
Anyway I shall try and keep everyone posted on the repatriation process back to UK, cannot really say I am upset, more disappointed. I am sure when I get my tax bill in the UK I shall not be so kind with my words!
Apart from the cost of living and tax I suppose it could be worse, mustn’t grumble!
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revive
Senior Member
Posts: 180
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Post by revive on Mar 27, 2013 14:52:55 GMT
Sorry to hear that gbradford. I was really hoping they would offer you another position.
Glad that you're trying to stay as positive as you can be, although I know it's hard.
Best wishes to your transition back to the UK and job search.
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Post by gbradford on Mar 27, 2013 16:08:52 GMT
Thanks but I regret to say the bad taste in mouth is already forming in my mouth:-
1. My last day of payment is today i.e. no money in lieu just my bare holiday enlement. This has surprised even my Saudi managers and seems very, unfair as this situation is definitely not my fault – see below. CHEAPSKATES
2. I have been given until the 10th of April (just 10 days) to get back to the UK, it is very fortunate that I have contingency in place and ready to go back home. BEWARE this could be an issue to many and I was told earlier by HR it would be 30 days paid notice during which I could decide when to go home.
3. The reason for sending me home was that I was placed in the wrong department, they arranged a position in the correct department in the end, this department desperately wanted me to start with them, we have this in writing. It went to senior management for approval who want to take me on but wish another 90 probationary period, HR said NO so I am going home despite the fact they need me.
Sorry if I am sounding a bit negative at the moment but I am sure you can all understand my frustration. I shall keep everyone updated with the repatriation process going forward.
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