P555

Hi,

I wanted to get your thoughts on a potential offer from one of the large consultancies' that is looking to set up a base in Riyadh.
They offered me:
1. Manager position at 52K SAR/Month that includes housing + transport
2. 25% bonus cap + medical and children's school ( though we don't have kids)
3. Return flights to the UK once a year + Relocation allowance of £4k
I am 36, currently work for a Fortune 100 company in London as a Manager with a base salary of £80k/pa + bonus, car allowance etc. We don't have kids and my wife will be moving with me and will take a job there. They are in a hyper-growth phase and the industry I work in is expected to grow heavily in the Middle East
Following are my questions:
1. Is this a decent move for my career? Often heard that KSA posting is a Kiss of Death for career progression? Have worked in Riyadh in 2019 for few months on a project though.
2. Is this salary decent enough to afford a western-style compound? We are looking for a 2-bed apartment.
3. Are there any factors either, financial and non - financial that I need to take into consideration?

Will be grateful, if could provide your thoughts.

Thanks

P555

peterlisa

52k per month including housing and transporatation? 8k for housing and 3k for car rental, so you get 41k per month.
Do you think it is a good offer though?

SandyMcSand

That’s a great offer mate. Shut up and take it. Save up. Clear the mortgage or at least a large chunk and head back home before your CV gets a too toxic.

larryson

why will it get toxic? won't the experience of working in a hyper growth environment / sector translate well with start-ups / late-stage unicorns?

Paracletus

I know many who have declined postings in KSA as the experience translates to garbage. Take it and stay a little longer and retire sooner is always another option.

SandyMcSand

Toxic but survivable. It’s a case of do as your told… the ability of your peers tends to be a lot lower than what you would be used to.

I would go for it, 2-3 years here can really add to the bank balance back home. It is also definitely worth the experience.