Input on working in Kuwait.

[Feersty]

So I have my resume on monster.com and as you know I work in the environmental field as an Environmental Scientist.

Well I got an email the other day about their need for an Environmental Specialist II to work at an Army base in Kuwait. I want y'all's input on this opportunity. The pay is 67,904$ which is like 80,000$ or so in money over here. Everything is tax free. The deployments are a year long

They pretty much cover all of my expenses, including transportation, housing, gym, medical insurance. Everything that a normal company would provide and then some. The gentleman who I spoke with says your biggest expense would be food. He said he was able to bank his salary and just live off his Foreign Area Living Allowance (FALA)

Where I am torn is my girlfriend. We have been dating for 9 months. I plan on marrying her eventually, just not right now.

If I accepted this, I could come home and buy a single family house easily. As you know I still live at home with my parents.

I really don't know what to do. If I didn't have a girlfriend, I would do it without thinking twice, but I am never going to find another girl like her.

They work Saturday to Wednesday and have Thursday and Friday off.

In June its 112 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is only 5% humidity. So its a dry heat.

Thanks. Anyone ever been through this?

[Ginger]

You've only been dating 9 months... it's a little early to be planning your life around a slim chance of marriage. Having made choices around a girl before without any definitive committment involved, I can tell you it's a mistake.

Also, to afford your house you would have to maintain your job abroad.... you're not making 80K because your work is worth more, you'd be making the difference between your current salary and the 80K abroad salary to compensate for all the different reasons why working there sucks.

[Apoc]

If I didn't have a girlfriend, I would do it without thinking twice, but I am never going to find another girl like her.

Personally I wouldn't go anywhere near Kuwait but that's me.

Sounds like your only real concern is whether to leave her behind or not. Having turned down an oppoortunity to work in another country for a girl myself I can say that you might very well regret it. You've only been dating 9 months and a year is a long time but a lot of realationships have survived worse. If it's really the opportunity you make it out to be, it sounds like would be better for both your futures for you to take it.

Have you talked to her about it? That sounds like step 1.

[Apoc]

Also, to afford your house you would have to maintain your job abroad.... you're not making 80K because your work is worth more, you'd be making the difference between your current salary and the 80K abroad salary to compensate for all the different reasons why working there sucks.

Slim chance of marriage? Pessimist much?

Salaries generally come back with you though. He may not be making $85k when he returns but if his salary is $67 there I'd bet his next job over here would pay him $60k... which is probably a lot more than he makes now.

One thing that wasn't explained is what happens after the year? Do you have to find a new job? Do you get another role with the same company?

[Feersty]

Have you talked to her about it? That sounds like step 1.

I talked with her about it last night, and she tells me I should do what I want, but can't say that she wouldn't go find attention elsewhere if I was gone. A year is a long time, and it would be out of line for me to expect her to remain true to me even before we are engaged. I by no means am going to rush engagement either.

Salaries generally come back with you though. He may not be making $85k when he returns but if his salary is $67 there I'd bet his next job over here would pay him $60k... which is probably a lot more than he makes now.

One thing that wasn't explained is what happens after the year? Do you have to find a new job? Do you get another role with the same company?

I make under 40,000$ right now. I can't really do much of anything with this salary. It would open a lot of doors for me in terms of advancing myself. It would make for an interesting resume as well.

After a year the guy said you can sign on another year, or go back to the States. What I don't know is whether they pick you up for a different job in the States. But I don't think I would have much trouble finding something after being in Kuwait for a year. I might take a paycut though, like you said.

[ScottyB]

I should do what I want, but can't say that she wouldn't go find attention elsewhere if I was gone.

that should be the answer to your own question. if there is a question in your mind of whether she'll be loyal to you then she is obviously not marriage material. that said i would not focus your choice around her if what you said is true.

personally i would stay far away from the middle east right now. if this was 5 or 6 years ago, i'd think differently. if all you're after is the money, move somewhere else in the US with cheaper housing. my sister in indiana just bought a real nice place for 140k. where i live in atlanta it would fetch 280-300k, which would fetch 3-400k in NoVa.

if you're after the cultural experience, then i commend your adventursome spirit but i'd learn to keep your head down.

[CaptainHenreh]

DO IT!

I am going to disagree with these guys. Go there, save your money (and you will too) work hard, and then come back. It's a year, overseas (which is a plus) and it'll look great on your resume', not to mention the experience you'll gain while over there.

It's a win/win/win situation, and if you and your woman are meant to be together, then when you get back your relationship will be just as strong if not stronger. If you're not meant to be together, then, well, best to find out now then after you get married, and you lose half your shit.

67k in a bank after a year is a no-brainer Feersty. No. Brainer. Sell all your shit, and head to the sandbox.

If I had the opportunity, and I wasn't married, I'd do it. Hell, if I had the opportunity and Julie could go with me, I'd do it.

[WRXtranceformed]

Some good advice in this thread. One thing that I've learned about my life anyway is that you always need to look out for #1. Do what's best for you, not someone else, or not something that could be. If you were already married and had children, then of course you need to be concerned about the best decision for the group. Like Scott said, unless you're 100% sure that this girl is completely committed to you and that she is hands down the one you're going to marry, I wouldn't even put her in the picture. If you guys stayed together while you were away and this was still an issue, you'd have a lot of lonely nights in the desert worrying about who's banging her out that night.

You just need to decide what's more important to you. You're still young and have plenty of time to meet another woman that's committed to you. And honestly, I don't know a lot of environmentalists your age (or in general) that are pulling in $80k a year... so if furthering your career is important to you I think it's a no brainer.

Then of course you have to weigh in the fact that you're in the middle of the desert and the shitstorm that is the Middle East...... that would honestly be what would cause me to hesitate.

[.RJ]

If I had the opportunity, and I wasn't married, I'd do it. Hell, if I had the opportunity and Julie could go with me, I'd do it.

+1

And also +1 hanging up on decisions that are important to you because of a relationship. This is your first serious girlfriend, no? Its easy to get attached but you're better off in the long run looking out for yourself first.

[Andy]

Have you researched the company? Don't put yourself through all this unless you can ensure that the company and the offer is legit. One email doesn't mean much. Interview, feel them out, yada yada. This offer could just turn out to be a jerk off.

[Dave]

Andy makes a very good point; you really do want to make sure this is all the real deal (a recruiter's job is to put a spin to entice people in) before you start making life-changing decisions.

Honestly, I think I would go if I was in your position. If it was anywhere other than the sandbox, I'd definitely go. Aside from the monetary benefits, you'll get to travel somewhere that you'll never go again, it could be a great life experience, and it is in your field and sounds like it would like incredible on the resume.

A good point was made that this is your first long-term girlfriend, but it isn't necessarily long term enough for you to turn down an opportunity like this. When you come back, not only will YOU be better off, but you'll be in a better position to be serious about a relationship and being a provider.

[Feersty]

Have you researched the company? Don't put yourself through all this unless you can ensure that the company and the offer is legit. One email doesn't mean much. Interview, feel them out, yada yada. This offer could just turn out to be a jerk off.

I have looked on the website. I had just an introductory interview so far. It is on me whether I am interested and want to interview next with the recruiting manager. I am trying to gather as much information as I can.

[Andy]

Recruiters don't know shit about the jobs that they're selling nor do they give a shit about you. Are these guys headhunters or do they actually work for the company? Keep interviewing with the company. There's no harm in pursuing this job opportunity. You may find out aspects of the job that will turn you off. I don't see any reason to start factoring the GF until you have a firm offer sheet.

[JohnC]

I'd go.

If she's not willing to be faithful to you while you're gone, then its definitely not worth letting the opportunity slip away to stay with her.

[Apoc]

she tells me I should do what I want, but can't say that she wouldn't go find attention elsewhere if I was gone.

As in "I might have to break up with you" or "I might cheat on you" sorta thing?

It makes a big difference.

[John]

I'd go.

If she's not willing to be faithful to you while you're gone, then its definitely not worth letting the opportunity slip away to stay with her.

In agreement with Mr. Chapin here.

[Mike]

I'd go.

If she's not willing to be faithful to you while you're gone, then its definitely not worth letting the opportunity slip away to stay with her.

In agreement with Mr. Chapin here.

+1

[Kaan]

for the love of God go!

[Evan]

Id do it in a heatbeat.

and Rob from the description of your talk with this girl, it doesnt sound like you two are in it for the long haul (and by 'long haul' I mean through next month)

[Jeff]

I think there are some lyrics that fit this situation perfectly....a great lyrical poet once wrote "Get money, fu&k bitches"