Pros and Cons of moving across from another Super Major

MX123
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Posts: 1

Pros and Cons of moving across from another Super Major Mar 5, 2023 12:42:05 GMT

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Post by MX123 on Mar 5, 2023 12:42:05 GMT

Hi all

Long time member here, but first time poster. Thanks to all the great contributors for all the invaluable information in this forum.

I have recently been invited for an interview for an expat senior role based in Dhahran. I applied for this role in Sep 21 and never heard back until a few days back, and it really caught me offgaurd. Since applying, I have been fortunate enough to joined another Oil super major in a lead role, which currently pays very well in my home country (Australia). We have two kids in primary school (yrs 5 and 1). I just need some general thoughts on taking up a role at Aramco from another major with great work life balance. I am assuming that Aramco will atleast match my current pay which will yield me a tax savings of greater than 30% plus others. So I am more looking for advise on the non financial aspects of this potential move, like high schooling, work culture, etc.

I have only been with my current employer for a year, and I do feel some sort of guilt to leave a hard earned and hard to get position in a short period, but at the same time, the financial and adventure aspect of Aramco is enticing. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I believe atleast some of you would have been at similar cross roads at some point. Basically if you were in my shoes, would you do it now or would you politely withdraw and apply later in the future? Thank you in advance.

Cheers
MX

Last Edit: Mar 5, 2023 12:58:58 GMT by MX123

godleads
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Posts: 5

Pros and Cons of moving across from another Super Major Mar 15, 2023 4:06:20 GMT via mobile

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Post by godleads on Mar 15, 2023 4:06:20 GMT

Although waiting for an interview invite myself, I presently work for a super major too and kind of in the same dilemna or maybe soon if I am lucky. But I work in strategy so I can sense a lot. The way I will decide is to see:

1. Long term prospects on my current job. Do I have say a 20 year career with them? Will their assets stay 20 years on present reserves or they need more reserves?

2. Is there enough headroom to grow into in my present company? Do I see roles that I can aim for and get with my skill sets?

3. How much of a 'family' work place is this organization? Level of attrition, worker incentives and general family benefits.

4. How will my income grow in the future? Are there bonuses, perks, company shares and what not that I can realistically get?

5. How much do I like my job and my colleagues?

6. Will I miss my home country, culture and family?

If you answer these questions honestly, then then it will become clearer. From what I gather, Aramco is for the money, not for the career nor much of the fantastic family life. Weather is hot, work environment is highly hierarchical and mostly bureaucratic. And then the perks are getting fewer by the day. Id say the place is for a 10 year career plan. Hit there make whatever you can, and leave.

Id say go through with the interviews. Get an offer, compare with what you have now and evaluate with the questions above. If you prefer the money bit and don't mind the other issues, then fine.

Nothing specific so sorry.

Deleted
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Posts: 0

Pros and Cons of moving across from another Super Major Mar 25, 2023 7:25:48 GMT via mobile

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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2023 7:25:48 GMT

Mar 5, 2023 12:42:05 GMT MX123 said:

Hi all

Long time member here, but first time poster. Thanks to all the great contributors for all the invaluable information in this forum.

I have recently been invited for an interview for an expat senior role based in Dhahran. I applied for this role in Sep 21 and never heard back until a few days back, and it really caught me offgaurd. Since applying, I have been fortunate enough to joined another Oil super major in a lead role, which currently pays very well in my home country (Australia). We have two kids in primary school (yrs 5 and 1). I just need some general thoughts on taking up a role at Aramco from another major with great work life balance. I am assuming that Aramco will atleast match my current pay which will yield me a tax savings of greater than 30% plus others. So I am more looking for advise on the non financial aspects of this potential move, like high schooling, work culture, etc.

I have only been with my current employer for a year, and I do feel some sort of guilt to leave a hard earned and hard to get position in a short period, but at the same time, the financial and adventure aspect of Aramco is enticing. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I believe atleast some of you would have been at similar cross roads at some point. Basically if you were in my shoes, would you do it now or would you politely withdraw and apply later in the future? Thank you in advance.

Cheers
MX

It absolutely is an adventure in every sense. Do consider your future earnings potential. If the aramco deal is only a 30% tax related difference, that will soon be swallowed up if you are currently in a decent career trajectory. Even a good bonus would eat that amount up in a year.

It’s an unfortunate fact that Your salary and career in aramco will stagnate, that works for some depending on ambition and age.

a3
Member

Posts: 11

Pros and Cons of moving across from another Super Major Apr 9, 2023 19:50:18 GMT atm likes this

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Post by a3 on Apr 9, 2023 19:50:18 GMT

There are some opportunities that come only once in a lifetime and if you don't take it now, you will never take it again. Money will not be the only reason to move to Aramco. If that's the case, might as well just do some side business to get other income to supplement your normal income. The adventure bit will have to feature into the decision..