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Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by co durham boy
(Post 8762816)
That's quite an interesting point , i just couldn't see myself in the Gulf if it wasn't for money.
For me it's the whole ethos of why you come here , obviously all depending on your own personal circumstances that is and what you leave behind in the UK All the bullshit you put up with in these places is usually for more money than you would get at home plus maybe a better living enviroment. Socially i miss family and some close friends but the pros outweigh the cons so it's carry on regardless for me whatever project or country i'm in. I also find that when some people are very anti-uk and very pro middle east they are usually hanging onto some elevated lifestyle and they could never ever replicate back home. The trouble with alot of British expats is that they're social climbers but they've forgotten what rung of the ladder they started on and sometimes it's long hard fall down to the bottom. I ve seen a lot of unhappy people have to give up that lifestyle in the past 18months and some of them close friends and if i'm honest alot of them shouldn't have even been in that position in the first place , elevated and out of their depth and that creates aspirations that are totally beyond their means. But, to live here and stay here just for the money is, in my view, a very sad existence. I'm here as I work shorter hours, spend more time with my family, and have exposure to more interesting work (although at the moment that isn't the case admittedly). I'm paid well, but my costs are high - on balance I would probably be better off in the UK (as I could buy the house outright and have access to free schools) but money isn't everything. I agree with your comment about the social climbers... I was in the pub last night and a group of lads were in there who thought they were the cat's knackers - every other word was 'F' but they were scum bags really. It's a bit like the false nails and manicure brigade. |
Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by EmiratesMillhouse
(Post 8762844)
I wouldn't actually put myself in that box. I'm not necessarily anti-uk (but there are bits I do hate) - but I just don't want to go back right now (and my view will probably change over time). As for being pro-ME, well, this place isn't exactly perfect either, but for me it works at the moment. I have no idea where I will end up long term.
But, to live here and stay here just for the money is, in my view, a very sad existence. I'm here as I work shorter hours, spend more time with my family, and have exposure to more interesting work (although at the moment that isn't the case admittedly). I'm paid well, but my costs are high - on balance I would probably be better off in the UK (as I could buy the house outright and have access to free schools) but money isn't everything. I agree with your comment about the social climbers... I was in the pub last night and a group of lads were in there who thought they were the cat's knackers - every other word was 'F' but they were scum bags really. It's a bit like the false nails and manicure brigade. I think the way things are going with the world there's no ideal place to be anymore. I just try and get the best out of where i am and try and leave the bullshit at the door. |
Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by co durham boy
(Post 8762856)
I think the way things are going with the world there's no ideal place to be anymore. I just try and get the best out of where i am and try and leave the bullshit at the door.
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Re: Homesick
I do find it amusing (and rather tiresome) to keep reading posters saying that everyone else who moves out to the UAE is some sort of social climber/wannabe who is living 'above their station'. Perhaps some of the people you see had cleaners, nice cars, nice houses etc in the UK too?
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Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by co durham boy
(Post 8762856)
Fair play to you , we're all different and what works for some does'nt work for others.
I think the way things are going with the world there's no ideal place to be anymore. I just try and get the best out of where i am and try and leave the bullshit at the door. |
Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by Meow
(Post 8762977)
I do find it amusing (and rather tiresome) to keep reading posters saying that everyone else who moves out to the UAE is some sort of social climber/wannabe who is living 'above their station'. Perhaps some of the people you see had cleaners, nice cars, nice houses etc in the UK too?
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Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by commander
(Post 8760548)
if it makes you feel any better, ill be having a pint in the Granary in 4 days time...
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Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by Dubai Monkey
(Post 8764491)
My god is the Granary still open? I remember going there every Sunday for Brunch and having their famous eggs ben, kicking back and reading the Sunday papers. That was over 13 years ago!!!
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Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by commander
(Post 8765347)
well it was a few years ago when i was there last, im sure it is as i am meeting friends there on Friday:thumbup:
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Re: Homesick
Interesting discussion.
Homesick is worse if you are not working but I have lost count of the people who have given it a go and not lasted 6 months. I believe it depends on the company you work for and where you live. It would be true to say that those who have gone, in my experience, took positions with companies with a totally foreign culture and could not hack it. I imagine I would be the same. With the various bans - there is little option but to go. The also affects the wives as there is no-one to show them they way and those they meet from other 'westernised' companies seem so much better off. Arabic, lebanese type companies are almost always the same. When not forgetting to pay you, they stick you in inappropriate accommodation and give you a beaten up corolla and offer little help to get settled, then make taking leave difficult. This is just my experience from several people I have known. For non working wives / mums - it is the usual story. Those coming from a 'home town', where granny lives down the road almost always convince their husband to jack it in. Again, my experience. For me working life has always been the same. Head down for 12 weeks and then some leave - bank the cash for the dream house in X. X has changed many times as the daily mail has me 'almost' convinced that the UK has had it. Florida it is then. Anyway, waffle aside, some people just cannot hack it and that is fine. For the original poster - Saudi is bollocks, I am sure if you had been able to go to dubai you would be feeling better. Dubai is the softest post on the planet - anyone not hacking there is a pussy.:rofl: Do not let KSA end your middle east adventure. |
Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by captaincaveman
(Post 8783033)
Dubai is the softest post on the planet - anyone not hacking there is a pussy.:rofl: Do not let KSA end your middle east adventure.
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Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by captaincaveman
(Post 8783033)
Saudi is bollocks
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Re: Homesick
Originally Posted by captaincaveman
(Post 8783033)
Interesting discussion.
Homesick is worse if you are not working but I have lost count of the people who have given it a go and not lasted 6 months. I believe it depends on the company you work for and where you live. It would be true to say that those who have gone, in my experience, took positions with companies with a totally foreign culture and could not hack it. I imagine I would be the same. With the various bans - there is little option but to go. The also affects the wives as there is no-one to show them they way and those they meet from other 'westernised' companies seem so much better off. Arabic, lebanese type companies are almost always the same. When not forgetting to pay you, they stick you in inappropriate accommodation and give you a beaten up corolla and offer little help to get settled, then make taking leave difficult. This is just my experience from several people I have known. For non working wives / mums - it is the usual story. Those coming from a 'home town', where granny lives down the road almost always convince their husband to jack it in. Again, my experience. For me working life has always been the same. Head down for 12 weeks and then some leave - bank the cash for the dream house in X. X has changed many times as the daily mail has me 'almost' convinced that the UK has had it. Florida it is then. Anyway, waffle aside, some people just cannot hack it and that is fine. For the original poster - Saudi is bollocks, I am sure if you had been able to go to dubai you would be feeling better. Dubai is the softest post on the planet - anyone not hacking there is a pussy.:rofl: Do not let KSA end your middle east adventure. He was even questioning me why we had to work 6 days a week....! |
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