kingsbury100

I have applied for , and been offered a job in Qatar for a governmental organisation , and i have got the offer that was almost exactly what i wanted.

It is basically double my wages, and governmental accommodation thrown in as well. Usual other perks such as private medical, end of year bonus and flights home at the start, at the end and once during the year. I have no kids or spouse and so am just supporting myself.

My question is, is it normal for HR in Qatari government organisations to low ball you and to have a bit of negotiation or when they make the offer is that generally it ?

My quandary is that if try to negotiate a higher deal they might rescind the offer, and this would be heartbreaking, also i feel as though i am probably being greedy , risking basically the offer of a lifetime and a bit of adventure for the sake of a a few grand a year.

To answer the question that normally gets asked , my main motivations are the filthy lucre but also the chance to live in the middle east ( i can hear the rush of wind as a thousand forum regulars raise an eyebrow at the last part of that sentence )

Any advice gratefully received guys

Bahtatboy

I have no experience of employment negotiations with governmental organisations in the region. My advice regarding a commercial organisation would to almost always ask for more. However, given that you're only contemplating a few grand more, and that your disposable income is probably going to be a couple of 100% higher than it is now, do you really want to risk it? I don't think I would--to say that governmental organisations in the region are capricious would be an understatement.

kingsbury100

All my friends and family are saying ask for more, but i agree with your thought process, private company i would always go back , but i wasn't sure about government.

I think i should not be so worried about a couple grand and just call this one a win.

Thanks Bahtatboy,

boyfrombangor

It's settled then. See you soon. It's your round, by the way.

If your bonus is discretionary, they'd probably just deduct any increased salary off it anyhow. 100% bump and accomm and tax free, mustn't grumble.

Although I bloody will. How do you all get these plum government jobs? And will Ashghal be hiring?

kingsbury100

oh man , i would but i left my wallet in the dog, you might as well get the round in i'll be there in a bit

LaLaLayla

If it's anything like the UAE, I wouldn't. We interviewed a guy when I worked at the sovereign wealth fund, made him a (fantastic) offer, but no, he thought he'd push it an ask for more. They told him to get lost and withdrew their offer.

Meow

Are these friends and family in the UK, or people in the ME who might have a vague idea how things work in this part of the world?

mentalist

So spill the beans and reveal the details if you want our considered opinion. It would probably help if you also tell us what department you will be working for, your age and qualifications.

kingsbury100

Hi Meow,

A mixture but mainly people who are UK based . I think there might be a touch of Hollywood in their thinking where they feel as though you should try and haggle with every Arab.

I have decided to take their offer , I've basically got what I wanted, and I'm itching to get out , so let the good times roll

Millsyisland

Just think how p***ed off you'd be if they retracted the offer simply because you'd asked for a bit extra, on top of the 100% pay-rise already on the table.

As Meow says, trust us wise ME gurus, we occasionally speak sense...

Meow

There do seem to be a lot of people who think everyone haggles for everything out here!

If you think it's a decent offer, have done your sums and are happy, then go for it.

Good luck!

kingsbury100

Thanks for all your advice everyone,

accepted the offer , and hopefully should be out in the next couple of months ,

Gin and Tonics are on me

kingsbury100

actually , just looked at the average price of alcohol , sod the G and T's,
pork scratchings for everyone

Mogs

I'll pre-empt Mentalist's comment, skip the presumed sarcasm and advise that this is a muslim country and you won't get pork scratchings here.

Meow

You can get then in the UAE

I only know of one pub that has them though.