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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Originally posted by Tony2005:
Er.., if you say no to that, think about the DC area. 
Yeah! Just keep your head down and stay out of the bad areas. DC may not be the murder capital still, but it's not all that great, either.
As far as Kuwait is concerned, like I said, check with the State Department. One of their major functions is watching out for the safety of US citizens abroad. They can give you the scoop on what Kuwait is like to live in. However, it's a very rich, very satisfied country from everything I've heard. Probably not a bad place to be.
"Think of it, if you like, as a librarian with a G-string under the tweed." Clarkson on the Mondeo.
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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I feel Guilty, Oh so guilty
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I feel Guilty, Oh so guilty
Joined: Sep 2000
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Originally posted by Tony2005:
Originally posted by dnewma04:
, but he really is the least important factor in this scenario (his wife/kid(s) being more important). And I don't mean that as a slight to Ray, I'm sure he would agree.
"I'd be able to provide well for my new family, and my wife would be able to stay home and raise our little girl the way she deserves to be raised. (by "stay home", I mean in Kuwait with me...)"
Which is one of the reasons why they are considering moving there. But whatever you decide Ray, we will be happy for you and your family. Er.., if you say no to that, think about the DC area.
Basically, the way I read it is by making more money (<--) he would be able to be a better provider by allowing his wife to stay home with the kids. There are other ways of making more money. Second jobs, staggering shifts, working weekends, side jobs, etc.
"If you are flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit"
-Mitch Hedberg
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#1: Ask to talk to someone who is currently doing that job or something similar that is an American citizen AND that has their family stationed there. Make SURE you get a hold of someone that's been there longer than a year. I would make this a FIRM condition of employment consideration.
#2: I felt fairly safe in UAE and Kuwait is a bit similar from what I hear. Throwing a family into the mix in terms of a living situation there could change my mind, however. Tough call there.
#3: F**k the money aspect for starters; don't let it lead your decision and that's exactly what it sounds like is leading you right now. Consider saftey, quality of life (for your family and yourself), quality of education and entertainment, THEN look at the money. I've turned down positions paying 3x as much as what I make now due to the "demands" that would be placed on me and my wife in terms of relocation.
#4: DO NOT THINK OF FOREIGN ASSIGNMENTS AS A VACATION!!!!!!! I can't count the number of people that think this way and end up absolutely hating their stay in foreign countries, as the job keeps them from doing a lot of the fun things up front.
I've worked/lived in Europe and Mexico in the past (so has the wife), as well as done a tremendous amount of travel (some in the Middle-East) so if you want a marginally educated perspective, PM me or post. I don't know how much more I could provide past what I have, but surprise me with a question or two.
JaTo
e-Tough Guy
Missouri City, TX
99 Contour SVT
#143/2760
00 Corvette Coupe
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Addicted CEG\'er
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Originally posted by frenchblueC2:
I think Tony has a bit of a man crush on Ray
LOL. This is great. LOL How did you get that picture of me looking at your door? LOL
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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i see newmans point. if i actually had kids, i'm not sure i could put them in that position. my fiancee.... sure, why not? 
02 Mustang GT... Tuned by Nelsons. Low 12's, anyone? 
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No one could make $200k a year in the US as easily as it would be to move to Kuwait. I would do it for a couple years, come back to the US on a modest living (Don't go spend crazy) and INVEST! You could take that kind of money invested in a very safe investment, and almost live off of the interest.
"Moore has also accused the American people of being the stupidest, most naive people on the face of the Earth. And after last weekend, he's got the box office numbers to prove it!"
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Originally posted by dnewma04:
Originally posted by Tony2005:
Originally posted by dnewma04:
, but he really is the least important factor in this scenario (his wife/kid(s) being more important). And I don't mean that as a slight to Ray, I'm sure he would agree.
"I'd be able to provide well for my new family, and my wife would be able to stay home and raise our little girl the way she deserves to be raised. (by "stay home", I mean in Kuwait with me...)"
Which is one of the reasons why they are considering moving there. But whatever you decide Ray, we will be happy for you and your family. Er.., if you say no to that, think about the DC area.
Basically, the way I read it is by making more money (<--) he would be able to be a better provider by allowing his wife to stay home with the kids. There are other ways of making more money. Second jobs, staggering shifts, working weekends, side jobs, etc.
I know you mean well and I applaud you for your view but I am sure it is not just the money. The experience of living in a different culture (as a working civilian) is something most Americans, won't get a chance to do, and should try if given an opportunity to do so. Now, of course, if he isn't earning a boatload of money to go with, then I would say what the heck are you thinking of? Plus, I think Ray doesn't drink (alcohol), so that part would be a little easier.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Kuwait, I have two words to discribe it, "very hot" (dry heat). But if you are cool with the year around summer tempatures than go for it.
I am currently living in Bahrain about a 35 min. flight away from Kuwait. I'm hear in the military and my detachment travels between the two several times a week. I havn't had much of a chance to see anything out side of the Air Force base in Kuwait but from what I noticed flying over head, its mostly desert with small towns located five to six miles apart from each other. There is nothing there.
If you have never been over seas before or lived out of the US for a while, than with a new family I wouldn't recomend it. I would look for something a little more family freindly were it wouldn't be so hard for your wife to adjust. My wife is Japanese so I dealt with the adjustment issues when she moved to California with me. It wasn't easy, and with our newborn, it still isn't.
It's just something to think about, but good look on your choice man. I guess if you leave than you will be leaving us here at CEG also.
Rob
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Originally posted by dnewma04:
Originally posted by Tony2005:
Originally posted by dnewma04:
, but he really is the least important factor in this scenario (his wife/kid(s) being more important). And I don't mean that as a slight to Ray, I'm sure he would agree.
"I'd be able to provide well for my new family, and my wife would be able to stay home and raise our little girl the way she deserves to be raised. (by "stay home", I mean in Kuwait with me...)"
Which is one of the reasons why they are considering moving there. But whatever you decide Ray, we will be happy for you and your family. Er.., if you say no to that, think about the DC area.
Basically, the way I read it is by making more money (<--) he would be able to be a better provider by allowing his wife to stay home with the kids. There are other ways of making more money. Second jobs, staggering shifts, working weekends, side jobs, etc.
If you live in this kind of fear, then the terrorists are beating you. Screw that.
It's not like he'd be going to a war zone. Kuwait is about as much a terrorist threat as the US. If anything, it's easier for a terrorist to enter this country undetected. True, an American in Kuwait is a more salient target...
...Hmmmm.
Well, anyway, there are many things to consider, but I wouldn't let fear drive me. I would not consider Kuwait any more dangerous than Germany or the UK.
Now, Iraq. You couldn't pay me enough to be a contractor there.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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