U.S. citizen considering an opportunity with Saudi Aramco. Have never lived overseas and looking for perspective on what it's like working expat? How is compensation? What it like living and working on a compound ? For those who have done it would you move again? What else should I be considering? Thanks
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I’m an old U.S. payroll GC 15, end of an era. Company was fantastic, beyond great, but that no longer rings true. I am happy to be retiring very soon, and will head home and enjoy life escaping this toxic environment. I feel sorry for those left behind and for those newbies who never did experience and never again will experience the legacy Aramco of a bye gone golden era. Good luck to you all.
I love how they like to use the term low performer.
It will be great, after the deadbeats vacate back to their home country. A staff turnover of low performers is always healthy to retain top performance of any large organization and ensures a positive working environment.
It will be your opportunity of a lifetime.
It’s heading South, best to hope for is to not work with expats side by side, they’ll mislead you, stitch you up and it’s unlikely you will pass through probation. Many are now fearful for their own jobs and are clinging on by their fingernails. Working solely with locals is fine, they’ll be least bothered by you and definitely nothing threatened. Just get used to being a servant, serve your masters well, and it’s fine. Do not ask others about their packages, yours is definitely going to be less than anyone here more than 3 years.
Word…
Generally, you will be in an environment working with (and for) fools and id--ts. That said, there are some great people you will meet you will be forever glad you did.
There are many dealing with what is commonly referred to as mental health. Housewives go crazy and single people become isolated in decaying units unless they are in the social clique. Kids grow lazy and develop an entitled attitude which doesn't serve them well when they enter the real world.
Sure, go for the coin if there's no other option available and do it for short term if you can tolerate the sheer madness. But remember packages are continually falling in appeal and value. This has a knock-on effect in the work force and the quality of people you will be working with.
HR is at most highly inefficient which means you're going to be lost, frustrated and poorly supported. Expat a long wait between interviews, being offered a job and awaiting to get there. I wanted 19 months. Previously I read one guy who asked to return to the camp without a contract. So expect some real crazy times.
Life on the camp isn't what it used to be. This was telling from the pandemic onwards. People from all backgrounds would come together for many events. Not so any more as Saudization has been seen.
Good luck.
@nv+1jjmz5me1
accurate info here
The work environment is essentially toxic, camp life is not what it used to be. Costs have risen to the point that long gone are the days of seriously saving a lot of cash, travel opportunities have diminished and no longer is a job at Aramco a “career for life”. Today, it’s simply a job, better than some, worse than others, nothing special anymore. All will depend upon your package, the stage of life you are in, and your own plans.
What's it like? Like walking through a minefield, with all your supervisors and higher management, as well as community services.
After you leave, you will develop a form of PTSD.
Check out answers to similar posts on this site. There are quite alot.
Looks like someone is not happy with their current situation and want to have mental health issues by considering working for Aramco. If you dont have or cant find a job here, go for it. Otherwise best of luck.
Run away now. Read all posts on this site.