I guess I am simply swallowing hook, line and sinker. The "streets of gold" thing was slightly tongue in cheek, however, I and about 60% of my fellow co-workers were given 4 weeks notice about two days before I posted that and the chances of getting real work anytime soon over here are slim to none. I regularly check this forum and I'm under no illusion as to the cost of living over there, but maybe you dont realise how bad it is over here. Plus to work on some of the projects over there with some of the blue chip companys that are over there would give much needed help to my c.v. Oz is an option, but I would like to be able to get home more than once a year

Can I ask what your line of work is, brodtron? While there are heaps of projects going on, its not expat brickies, sparkies or chippies they are looking for. Well, they would probably take you on, but could you live on far less than you are used to getting and spending far more on keeping a roof over your head.....

I worked in real estate for 6 years but recently went back to college part time to qualify as a Quantity Surveyor. I am a Q S for a precast concrete manufacturer, my wife is a town planner, and has been approached by a number of recruiters offering her packages which I can only describe as rediculous. As I said, were we to move to Dubai, I could potentially work for some of the industry leaders on projects that I would never the chance to over here because of the current climate.

Just a snippet of info for you.

Salaries in construction this year are dropping compared to last year for new starters to the region. People can no doubt tell me i'm wrong....I aint.

One thing I would say is don't expect to get an amazing offer....cos it won't happen.

I wouldn't personally use Dubai as a be all and end all 'money making' career move. I personally am just using it to further myself and open other doors....and I can tell you, the short time i've been here so many doors have opened its unreal.

I'm far better off than the UK and feel better for it. The money aint bad either but I work bloody hard for it.

CeeBee,

Thats all I want, just to try and progress my career, having basically started again in a new field I need to get as much good experience as possible, and while Im not expecting an amazing offer, I certainly will be better off there, than on the dole or working in some menial job here. As far as hard work is concerned, I'm not afraid of that, what I am afraid of is no work.

brodtron
my recent experience, sent my CV out around April, did a whole series of phone interviews between April and June, hubby and I flew ourselves out here in September, out of 12 interviews I got five offers, picked the one I wanted and signed last week and all going well (visas etc) I should start work mid November.
My advice, take your time, research everything throughly, and use several recruiters. If you can afford it fly yourself and your wife out rather than relying on a company to fly you out, that way you can meet as many companies as you want to and get a better feel for the place rather than being tied to the company that flew you out. All the companies are different, have different packages and offers and will offer you different career options. Given that everything is tied to your employer in terms of sponsership etc it can be hard to change, therefore very important to get it right up front!
Good luck!