|
|
Post by GYM30 on Jun 28, 2013 10:38:48 GMT
Thanks very much Grovewanderer
Do I still have a chance to negotiate the accommodation place. In fact the deadline to sign the offer was passed already and I agreed with the recruiter to hold the offer on as I asked for more salary. So can I ask also to base me in dhahran near the office ? I don't think that I can tolerate to spend 13 hrs per day working and commuting. Plus lunch not cooked by my wife hand
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by GroveWanderer on Jun 28, 2013 13:33:43 GMT
You cannot really "negotiate" over the assigned accommodation location. Your offer is from the dept that is hiring you and it is not in their power to grant you a particular housing location. You could ask for them to try to intervene on your behalf, to see if Community Services could assign you housing in Dhahran but I wouldn't hold out too much hope of that being granted, given the current paucity of available housing units on camp.
|
|
|
|
Post by GYM30 on Jun 28, 2013 14:54:36 GMT
Thanks grovewanderer.
One last question please. It seems that aramco accommodation is not match with my expectations. It is not look modern and clean as per photo I saw on one blog here from this forum. Also master room has not private toilet. I have certain life style and used to live in modetn citied and flat with my wife and kids. So I have offer with grade 13. It seems that I will be forced to skip aramco accommodation and find modern place in khobar or even damam if any. Can you advise please if I can find those types of flat or house like thosr one on dubai or Qatar ?
|
|
|
|
Post by raman on Jun 28, 2013 18:05:56 GMT
Hi GYM30, Dude, it Aramco has strict policies and procedures, like live in Abqaiq, work starts at 7, lunch break has to be at 12 p.m., etc. It seems you have a comfortable/flexible current life style, so I strongly encoue you to think carefully before you take the step. You may like living in camps, but less freedom when it comes to cities, and Saudi Arabia has a different culture. Think twice dude...  |
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Jun 28, 2013 18:20:17 GMT
GYM30, all the master bedrooms that I know of and have seen many Aramco houses, have a master bathroom attached to the master bedroom. Then there is a bathroom in the hallway for the other bedroom/s if family housing. There is also a half bath downstairs.
Pictures cannot show everything.
You can paint, and fix up your house however you wish to. You just need approval from housing, which is pretty readily given. You can build in the 1 car gae each family home has or you can build in the patio or both with housing Dept approval.
Houses have ceramic tile downstairs and carpet in the bedrooms.
They have new Aramco appliances.
But, yes, the houses were built many years ago and are renovated between each occupant.
It does sound like you are not very comfortable with change or an adventure. Saudi Arabia may not be the place for you. It will be very different from what you are accustomed to. I agree with advice already given to you, really think about it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hadia on Jun 28, 2013 19:47:51 GMT
GYM30, it seems you will need to consider carefully the pros and cons of a potential lifestyle change if you are to come here. On the one hand, you could embrace the change to life in KSA and at Saudi Aramco and the long term benefits for you and your family--understanding fully that there would be differences in housing accommodation, work schedule, and commuting--and chalk it up to an adventure in life, and an opportunity for your children to thrive in the Aramco camps, which focus practically everything on kids at school and with activities. If you're that attached to your wife's cooking, you could always bring it in Tupperware, right? On the other hand, if you consider the personal benefits for you and your family in your present situation to be preferable, particularly since it seems important to you that you see them every few hours, and if you deem your present housing and flexible work hours to be more to your liking, then I think what many of us are sensing is that you're really leaning towards the latter.
As much as we'd like to tell you it's state of the art housing and flexible hours, fine dining, and no commuting... well, that just wouldn't be an accurate picture to paint. It is, however, a very liveable and pleasant environment, and with this central location and Aramco's generous vacation leave, there would be abundant opportunities to travel extensively during your Aramco years. Many a standard issue Aramco home is filled with treasured momentos from such excursions. You'll need to decide which things are most important to you and your family, and go with your gut.
|
|
|
|
Post by tennisgi on Jul 10, 2013 8:40:52 GMT
Hi,
I am about to arrive in KSA soon.
Can you please give me some info about:
1. Is the commuting allowance dependent upon the family status?
2. Are the employees working in Dhahran and residing in Abqaiq eligible for the commuting allowance?
Thanks in advance and regards
|
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Jul 11, 2013 20:59:54 GMT
Commuting allowance available to all who are commuting with Dept. Head Approval. Request it after you arrive.
|
|
|
|
Post by tennisgi on Jul 12, 2013 9:52:18 GMT
Thanks for the good news. So, if I understand correctly even as a Bachelor Status residing in Abqaiq and working in Dhahran, provided that my manager approves, I will be able to get. Is that right?
|
|
|
|
Post by vpainter on Jul 12, 2013 19:59:49 GMT
As far as I understand, that of course means I cannot guarantee it, anyone who has to commute from RT or ABQ to DHA is eligible for commuting compensation with Dept Head approval.
|
|
