After following all the blog entries before this, it is time to go and embark on your new adventure.
First go to your recruitment agency and they will ask you go through a medical check up in an accredited hospital. Back in 2005, I spent around P2-3,000 for this. I had a 9- hour fast (stopped eating at 12 midnight and made sure I was in the hospital by 7 am to have a waiting allowance of 2 hours) for my blood tests, and brought with me my
1. sample feces in a clean small container
2. Urine sample I submitted while waiting for my turn in the hospital the next day
I waited for my medical report to come out before proceeding to the next steps below.
Here are the steps I did to prepare for my leaving the Philippines:
1. Prepare my passport
If your passport will expire in a year or 2, best to renew it while in the Philippines. Renewal fees in the kingdom through the embassy is more expensive. Have your passport picture taken, prior to appearance to the DFA. Be sure to wear a coat or any shirt with a collar. Personal appearance is required but you can make an appointment for yourself via the internet. Choose to have a machine-readable passport, although more expensive (P950 than the usual P750), this is what all passports will be eventually. Follow the steps on Passport application or renewal here.
2. Prepare my birth certificate / marriage certificate
Best to apply for a NSO (National Statistics Office) certified birth certificate. They have serbilis centers you can actually go to or if you can't go, have a representative get it for you with an authorization letter and your ID (SSS, Driver's license or any valid ID). Or if you can't have it done by others or yourself, you can have it delivered. Just follow the steps here.
3. Prepare my school credentials
a. Go to my school registrar and ask for:
1). Transcript of Records (atleast 2 copies or even more), certified true copy (both for undergraduate and post graduate courses)
2). . Ask for a Certificate of Graduation, and / or certified true copy of your Diploma (undergraduate and post graduate courses)
c. On acquiring my transcripts and diplomas, I proceeded to the Commission on Higher education (CHED) where they Certified, Authenticated, and Verified (CAV) all my transcripts and diplomas. Follow the steps here. All other CHED services which you may need, here. CHED sitemap here.
4. Prepare my work experience credentials
a. Asked my superiors for certificate of employment stating my job, position and years / period of service.
b. This will be certified / notarized by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in the Manila City Hall. I went to any Notary Public at the Manila City Hall and they helped me process these documents. Fee is about p150 per document to be notarized.
5. When School and Work Experience credentials have been certified, I went to Malacanang to have it certified (AGAIN). I did this on commute because there are already public transportation that has a route from Malacanang to the Manila City Hall.
6. After Malacanang certification, go to the Department of Foreign Affairs for "ribboning" or final certification.
7. I made sure I had a xerox copy of all my documents before submitting them to my recruitment agency. They then scheduled me for a PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar). This is free.
Important things I learned from the PDOS:
a. Buy the small arabic book on how to speak arabic / learning arabic (around P150 back in 2005)
b. Get your PDOS certificate and open an account in Metrobank, BDO or BPI where you will open an OFW account and deposit P100 as maintaining balance. Be sure that when you open the account, you have with you a co-depositor here in the Philippines who can have access to your account and receive the remittances you will send (preferably family / relatives). Important to show your PDOS certificate as this will be your passport in opening the account.
c. get yourself an accident / life insurance if you still have extra money
Going through the 7 steps it would be safe to prepare around P7 - 10,000 for all the fees that have to be paid.
Just a word of advice, plan each trip as early in the day as possible. Each step entails a long line, and a lot of waiting so best to start the day early...leave the house as early as 5:30 or 6 am.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
5. Making the decision to Take the Overseas Job or NOT
For most it is as easy as considering the financial rewards of an overseas job that prompts the decision to leave or not. For some, just the thought of running away from the heavy burden of staying in the Philippines is the motivating factor.
But I realize now that I have left and come back, just what are the important considerations in leaving for an overseas job?
Do not be quick in deciding just because your salary was tripled. Consider / ask your employer and research on the following:
a. Food allowance . Find out how much it would cost to feed yourself for a month. Include that in your expenses. Back in 2007, SR200-300/month was enough.
b. Accomodation provision or allowance. One cannot own a property in the kingdom so the sponsir usually provides a room/unit accomodation, alone or shared. Or can give you the freedom to look for your own place (with Filipinos) by giving you a monthly allowance. In 2007, SR1200/month for a 2 bedroom unit.
c. Transportation allowance. A bus or means of transport is usually provided to and from work to your accomodation. Otherwise, ask for it or an allowance.
d. Medical Insurance. Expensive to get sick in the kingdom so be sure you are protected.
Maximize on your additional benefits other than your salary so that you have more to send back home to your family. There is no TAX in the kingdom, by the way.
a. Have Pinoy co-employees and friends help you. While still in the Philippines, establish Pinoy contacts in the kingdom. Find out their contact numbers and converse with them by phone or email or chats.
b. Know how far you are from the Philippine embassy. This is a true story of a lady bus conductor here in the Philippines who was in the news back in 2007 (Arab News) who spent almost 20 years in a very remote town of the kingdom, left all by herself to fend for herself as a domestic helper. Her employer left her alone and she survived by planting and feeding herself on goats which she raised herself. She could not be reached because of the "remoteness" of her area. Oh God!
a. If you leave who will take care of your children? How will your spouse handle your leaving? Will he continue to work or stay in the house for the children?
b. Who will handle the finances of the family? Who will receive your remittance?
c. How will your family communicate with you?
d. If you are leaving a business, end it properly. Consider if you do come back, will you have something to come back to?
IN SUMMARY, your final decision to leave or not would depend on what you will get in salary and benefits, how much help you can get from Pinoys in the kingdom and the state of your family and businesses when you leave.
Bottomline is whatever your decision, be sure its is wholly yours and not a decision made by others' opinions of you.
But I realize now that I have left and come back, just what are the important considerations in leaving for an overseas job?
1. Monthly wage and benefits
The cost of living here and abroad is not the same.Do not be quick in deciding just because your salary was tripled. Consider / ask your employer and research on the following:
a. Food allowance . Find out how much it would cost to feed yourself for a month. Include that in your expenses. Back in 2007, SR200-300/month was enough.
b. Accomodation provision or allowance. One cannot own a property in the kingdom so the sponsir usually provides a room/unit accomodation, alone or shared. Or can give you the freedom to look for your own place (with Filipinos) by giving you a monthly allowance. In 2007, SR1200/month for a 2 bedroom unit.
c. Transportation allowance. A bus or means of transport is usually provided to and from work to your accomodation. Otherwise, ask for it or an allowance.
d. Medical Insurance. Expensive to get sick in the kingdom so be sure you are protected.
Maximize on your additional benefits other than your salary so that you have more to send back home to your family. There is no TAX in the kingdom, by the way.
2. Be sure you are near HELP when help is needed
a. Have Pinoy co-employees and friends help you. While still in the Philippines, establish Pinoy contacts in the kingdom. Find out their contact numbers and converse with them by phone or email or chats.
b. Know how far you are from the Philippine embassy. This is a true story of a lady bus conductor here in the Philippines who was in the news back in 2007 (Arab News) who spent almost 20 years in a very remote town of the kingdom, left all by herself to fend for herself as a domestic helper. Her employer left her alone and she survived by planting and feeding herself on goats which she raised herself. She could not be reached because of the "remoteness" of her area. Oh God!
3. Settle your family and businesses before you leave.
a. If you leave who will take care of your children? How will your spouse handle your leaving? Will he continue to work or stay in the house for the children?
b. Who will handle the finances of the family? Who will receive your remittance?
c. How will your family communicate with you?
d. If you are leaving a business, end it properly. Consider if you do come back, will you have something to come back to?
IN SUMMARY, your final decision to leave or not would depend on what you will get in salary and benefits, how much help you can get from Pinoys in the kingdom and the state of your family and businesses when you leave.
Bottomline is whatever your decision, be sure its is wholly yours and not a decision made by others' opinions of you.
Monday, November 16, 2009
4. What is important to see in Your Saudi Employment Contract
This is a series detailling the steps on how I dealt with a Job Offer from SAUDI ARABIA. I feel it would also apply on any job offers anywhere in the world.
Important steps discussed previously was (click the link for reference):
1. Tell your family and important people around you and educate yourself about the country you intend to work in.
2. Check out the POEA website.
3. How to Correspond with your employer
The 4th Consideration is scrutinizing your job/work contract.
I was sent a contract via email. Employee/Worker Contracts in Saudi Arabia are written both in English and Arabic. I immediately sent it to
Important steps discussed previously was (click the link for reference):
1. Tell your family and important people around you and educate yourself about the country you intend to work in.
2. Check out the POEA website.
3. How to Correspond with your employer
The 4th Consideration is scrutinizing your job/work contract.
I was sent a contract via email. Employee/Worker Contracts in Saudi Arabia are written both in English and Arabic. I immediately sent it to
a. a Filipino lawyer-friend who commented on the contract to make sure all areas covered
b. a friend presently residing in Riyadh who could verify things for me.
CONTENTS OF YOUR JOB CONTRACT
(Should be written on Company Stationery with company seal and address):1. Date that the employment contract is executed between the 1st & 2nd party
2. First party / employer. This is the Company's name and name of your Saudi National Sponsor
3. Address, Tel No., Mobile No. of employer / Company
4. Representative agent / Agency / Recruitment Company and its address in the Philippines and abroad
5. Second Party / employee. Nationality. Passport #. Date/Place of issue. Permanent address. Contact
Numbers.
6. Terms and Conditions:
a. Position. Job description. Workplaces (This is important so you may know in advance where in the
kingdom will you be possibly assigned because your company may have other branches or sister
companies). Best for you to research about the place & Pinoys in the area.
b. No. of years of effectivity of contract (usually 2 Gregorian years. Note that there is a different
Islamic / Hijri calendar) Always request Gregorian calendar usage.
c. Salary / month in SAR (SAUDI RIYALS). End of Service Benefits (ESB). If your salary is
supplemented by percentage income, commissions, be sure it is written down.
d. Additional Benefits:
1. Accomodation. Is either provided for or you are given an allowance to rent for a year. If
accomodation is provided, list down contents of the accomodation. Usually this is decided upon by
employer, as to which to give.
2. 30 days Paid Leave which includes airfare. Time is decided either by employee or employer
depending on what suits the business
3. Trial Period of 3 months. If after 3 months, the employer finds you not suitable for work, he may
terminate contract and with/without compensation. Be sure you are compensated during the 1st 3
months and is written in your contract. If the employee finds it best to terminate contract,employee
will shoulder the cost of going back to his country.
4. Other incentives: In addition to salary, there may be percentage income or commissions. Be sure to
ask if there are other incentives like this and have it written down.
5. Medical Insurance provison. Very important to ask if you get sick or meet an accident, what are the
policies of the company. Up to what extent is their provision or support.
6. Paid sick leave. How many days in a year (usually 10 days) with medical report & acceptable
with administration. If more than 10 days, not compensated. If more than a month, may be terminated
with the employee bearing the cost of transport back to his country.
7.Conditions by which the employer and employee may terminate this contract
8. Company policies important to note in the contract (company holidays, working hours, engaging in
other business within the kingdom while an employee, settlement of disputes). If possible ask for an
employee's handbook or Company Rules and Regulations.
9. This must be incorporated in the contract. "That if there is a need to modify or add/delete any item,
it shall require the signature of both the employee and employer."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
3. Correspond with your Employer
This is a series detailling the steps on how I dealt with a Job Offer from SAUDI ARABIA. I feel it would also apply on any job offers anywhere in the world.
Important steps discussed previously was (click the link for reference):
1. Tell your family and important people around you and educate yourself about the country you intend to work in.
2. Check out the POEA website.
The 3rd is to Correspond with your employer.
The recruitment agency would facilitate contacting the employer for you. Just say you would like a personal correspondence with the employer. Ask that he call you, or (for lesser cost) chat / talk through yahoo messenger, google gtalk or skype.
This way:
a. You can directly ask your "1 million" questions. Best to store the conversation if it is a chat or if talk, try to write down important details you can look back to, just in case you need further clarifications later on.
b. You will personally hear the sincerity of your employer and viceversa. He will be able to find out, even interview you already and viceversa.
In this conversation be ready to ask and be asked.
My questions basically were:
1. Who is my employer?
You will be having a Saudi sponsor in your stay. You will be under his responsibility and he will pay for all your expenses: airfare, VISA. Your VISA will be in your passport.
Be sure your occupation is accurately written on your VISA.
My experience on this was my entry VISA had me written as a nurse for my occupation. This was told to me early on (best be informed) by my employer because he only had NURSE VISAS then. But still I was able to work as an orthodontist, was also able to take the Professional Licensure exam. Not really sure if my employer had to "pull some strings" so still best to have all information accurate and correct.
2. What is my work specifically? (job description)
This will also be written down on your contract
3. How much is my salary?
(yes don't be shy to ask)
4. Where is the company / facility located?
This will help you gauge how far you are from the Philippine embassy (one is in Riyadh, the other in Jeddah)
I felt farely secure working within Riyadh, the capital city. Google map the exact location.
5. Are there Filipinos in your company?
If it would not be a bother, ask permission to contact a Pinoy employee and have a conversation with him about ....everything.
6. When do you expect to arrive in the work place?
This is important to know because October to March are very cold months in the kingdom. Best to be ready with the right clothes for the cold season.
7. May I know my accomodation?
Home accomodations are usually provided for by the employer. Either it is near the company/facility or maybe even within the compound / building.
8. Practices I should know within the country and the workplace?
This was 1 question I forgot to ask, but here are some MUST KNOWS:
a. On arrival at the airport, your passport will be taken from you (this will be the last time you will see your passport until you need it again in your next vacation / flight home)
b. On arrival at the airport, be ready to line up and follow all the instructions. click for more info.
b. All men and women are always segregated. Men go out only with men unless with married couples.
c. A man and a woman is discouraged to talk alone. Talk always in a group.
d. If you are of a different religion other then ISLAM, do not bring religious relics, novena, bible (all of your faith you may see in the internet)
e. Women should always be accompanied by a male guardian (husband, company guardian/driver) when going out
All the rest of their culture you can find out at the PDOS (Pre-Departure Overseas Seminar) you will be attending soon before you leave.
9. When is my vacation? For how long and who pays for my airfare and back?
Filipinos usually go home during the Christmas holidays (booking is soooo hard). Say your preference or some employers already tell you that you can only spend vacations during non-peak months of business. You must know this so you will be amenable to having vacations during summer months (Saudis usually spend vacations abroad from August to September) or if you wish on christmas, kindly request your employer for early booking to be sure to get home.
I remember my first vacation, I got home just in the nick of time, afternoon of December 25. I forgot to ask my employer to book early. By early I mean even a year before your vacation or 6 months before you intended vacation, at the latest.
Vacations are usually once a year for 1 month, all expenses paid by the employer. But some request twice a year for 2 weeks each. This depends on your employer.
10. Will I get my full salary on my vacation?
All vacations / one month must be paid. You will get this upon your return to the kingdom.
I hope anyone reading this, who has more recent info and would want to help by sharing will do so by writing a comment below :-)
Important steps discussed previously was (click the link for reference):
1. Tell your family and important people around you and educate yourself about the country you intend to work in.
2. Check out the POEA website.
The 3rd is to Correspond with your employer.
The recruitment agency would facilitate contacting the employer for you. Just say you would like a personal correspondence with the employer. Ask that he call you, or (for lesser cost) chat / talk through yahoo messenger, google gtalk or skype.
This way:
a. You can directly ask your "1 million" questions. Best to store the conversation if it is a chat or if talk, try to write down important details you can look back to, just in case you need further clarifications later on.
b. You will personally hear the sincerity of your employer and viceversa. He will be able to find out, even interview you already and viceversa.
In this conversation be ready to ask and be asked.
My questions basically were:
1. Who is my employer?
You will be having a Saudi sponsor in your stay. You will be under his responsibility and he will pay for all your expenses: airfare, VISA. Your VISA will be in your passport.
Be sure your occupation is accurately written on your VISA.
My experience on this was my entry VISA had me written as a nurse for my occupation. This was told to me early on (best be informed) by my employer because he only had NURSE VISAS then. But still I was able to work as an orthodontist, was also able to take the Professional Licensure exam. Not really sure if my employer had to "pull some strings" so still best to have all information accurate and correct.
2. What is my work specifically? (job description)
This will also be written down on your contract
3. How much is my salary?
(yes don't be shy to ask)
4. Where is the company / facility located?
This will help you gauge how far you are from the Philippine embassy (one is in Riyadh, the other in Jeddah)
I felt farely secure working within Riyadh, the capital city. Google map the exact location.
5. Are there Filipinos in your company?
If it would not be a bother, ask permission to contact a Pinoy employee and have a conversation with him about ....everything.
6. When do you expect to arrive in the work place?
This is important to know because October to March are very cold months in the kingdom. Best to be ready with the right clothes for the cold season.
7. May I know my accomodation?
Home accomodations are usually provided for by the employer. Either it is near the company/facility or maybe even within the compound / building.
8. Practices I should know within the country and the workplace?
This was 1 question I forgot to ask, but here are some MUST KNOWS:
a. On arrival at the airport, your passport will be taken from you (this will be the last time you will see your passport until you need it again in your next vacation / flight home)
b. On arrival at the airport, be ready to line up and follow all the instructions. click for more info.
b. All men and women are always segregated. Men go out only with men unless with married couples.
c. A man and a woman is discouraged to talk alone. Talk always in a group.
d. If you are of a different religion other then ISLAM, do not bring religious relics, novena, bible (all of your faith you may see in the internet)
e. Women should always be accompanied by a male guardian (husband, company guardian/driver) when going out
All the rest of their culture you can find out at the PDOS (Pre-Departure Overseas Seminar) you will be attending soon before you leave.
9. When is my vacation? For how long and who pays for my airfare and back?
Filipinos usually go home during the Christmas holidays (booking is soooo hard). Say your preference or some employers already tell you that you can only spend vacations during non-peak months of business. You must know this so you will be amenable to having vacations during summer months (Saudis usually spend vacations abroad from August to September) or if you wish on christmas, kindly request your employer for early booking to be sure to get home.
I remember my first vacation, I got home just in the nick of time, afternoon of December 25. I forgot to ask my employer to book early. By early I mean even a year before your vacation or 6 months before you intended vacation, at the latest.
Vacations are usually once a year for 1 month, all expenses paid by the employer. But some request twice a year for 2 weeks each. This depends on your employer.
10. Will I get my full salary on my vacation?
All vacations / one month must be paid. You will get this upon your return to the kingdom.
I hope anyone reading this, who has more recent info and would want to help by sharing will do so by writing a comment below :-)
2. Check out the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) website
The POEA website is very helpful in:
1.Verifying the legitimacy of your Philippine based recruitment agency
Found this under OFW ADVISORY:
Beware of recruitment agencies with cancelled or suspended licenses
The POEA advises the public to be wary of recruitment agencies with cancelled or suspended licenses that are still actively recruiting for overseas jobs.
The POEA, as of September 14, 2009, has cancelled the licenses of 454 recruitment agencies since the start of its operations and placed 44 others under preventive suspension. For 2008 and the first eight months of 2009 alone, the POEA cancelled 76 licenses and suspended or fined 57 agencies as a result of recruitment violations.
Please click HERE to verify status of recruitment agencies.
2. Articles for / about Overseas Foreign Workers
3. Articles for / about Foreign Employers
4. Articles for / about Recruitment Agencies
5. Articles of memorandum of Agreements between the Philippines and other countries
6. Overseas Employment Regulations
7. Vacancies
8. .They even have an e-registration for the pooling of Manpower where you submit your resume and they store it for possible interest of foreign employers.
1.Verifying the legitimacy of your Philippine based recruitment agency
Found this under OFW ADVISORY:
Beware of recruitment agencies with cancelled or suspended licenses
The POEA advises the public to be wary of recruitment agencies with cancelled or suspended licenses that are still actively recruiting for overseas jobs.
The POEA, as of September 14, 2009, has cancelled the licenses of 454 recruitment agencies since the start of its operations and placed 44 others under preventive suspension. For 2008 and the first eight months of 2009 alone, the POEA cancelled 76 licenses and suspended or fined 57 agencies as a result of recruitment violations.
Please click HERE to verify status of recruitment agencies.
2. Articles for / about Overseas Foreign Workers
3. Articles for / about Foreign Employers
4. Articles for / about Recruitment Agencies
5. Articles of memorandum of Agreements between the Philippines and other countries
6. Overseas Employment Regulations
7. Vacancies
8. .They even have an e-registration for the pooling of Manpower where you submit your resume and they store it for possible interest of foreign employers.
9. The links on the right side of the web home page is also very useful:
DIRECTORY
POEA Officials
Regional Offices
POLOs
Phil. Embassies
Phil. Consulates
Foreign Embassies
OFW Medical Clinics
ONLINE SERVICES
Recruitment Agencies
Approved Job Orders
e-Registration
OEC Delivery
Seafarer Certification
Phil-JobNet
OFW LINKS
D O L E
D F A
M T C
O W W A
PHILHEALTH
S S S
TESDA
PAG-IBIG
DOWNLOAD
OFW InfoSheet
Standard Employment Contract for Various Skills
POEA Officials
Regional Offices
POLOs
Phil. Embassies
Phil. Consulates
Foreign Embassies
OFW Medical Clinics
ONLINE SERVICES
Recruitment Agencies
Approved Job Orders
e-Registration
OEC Delivery
Seafarer Certification
Phil-JobNet
OFW LINKS
D O L E
D F A
M T C
O W W A
PHILHEALTH
S S S
TESDA
PAG-IBIG
DOWNLOAD
OFW InfoSheet
Standard Employment Contract for Various Skills
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
1. Telling My Family I have an Offer to Work in Saudi Arabia
This was my first time ever to leave the country for work. Moreover, the first time to leave for a country so different from ours....the home of the Islam faith. I actually had no idea what I was getting into. I viewed it as exciting, an opportunity that may never pass again. So even before telling anyone, I had to educate myself as to what I was getting into.
These are the better information available now:
http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/56/Working_in_Saudi_Arabia.html
http://a-pinoy-in-nz.blogspot.com/2006/09/factsmyths-about-life-in-saudi-arabia.html
http://americanbedu.com/2008/03/06/a-womans-life-in-saudi-arabia/
http://taraummomar.blogspot.com/2009/03/susies-new-life-in-saudi-arabia.html
Lastly, I think the most important reference guide to working in the kingdom is to be up to date with:
http://alexasuncion.multiply.com/ especially now that the Saudi Labor law has been translated in English AND FILIPINO.
Start asking yourself what questions your family would be asking you and be prepared to answer.
For me, the 1st and hardest question asked was WHY SAUDI ARABIA?
My answers:
1. I was working for the past 6 years as an orthodontist and I was not progressing as fast as I wanted to
2. I wanted to have savings...yes, during that time I just opened a clinic and was on a 0 savings level.
3. There was no other offer where I could work at the level I was in...an orthodontist....not having to downgrade into a dental assistant or hygienist.
4. I wanted an adventure, a time for myself, a period of independence, of earning my keep, being responsible for myself.
Then followed a series of questions which I called the easy questions....where will you live, salary, when are you going home, Are there Pinoys in your workplace, etc...I took down all their questions because these were the same questions I would ask my employer.
If you are in a relationship, not yet married or married, I must say it is truly very hard being apart. You must really think doubly hard whether you need to be separated for 2-3 years. Look at all options and considerations as:
1. Who will take care of the children? Can the one staying in the Philippines afford to stay home with the children?
2. Is there a chance for you to be together. Actually there is, if the profession you are getting into has "FAMILY STATUS". By this I mean that you will establish residency and then have your family follow you after 3-5 months. Most doctors and professionals (bankers, engineers) are hired with "family status" .
3. If this is the only option that one of you has to leave, be sure to keep an open communication with the family. Prepare an internet connection on the computer. Buy a webcam and teach the whole household how to SKYPE, do GTALK and how to email.
These are the better information available now:
http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/56/Working_in_Saudi_Arabia.html
http://a-pinoy-in-nz.blogspot.com/2006/09/factsmyths-about-life-in-saudi-arabia.html
http://americanbedu.com/2008/03/06/a-womans-life-in-saudi-arabia/
http://taraummomar.blogspot.com/2009/03/susies-new-life-in-saudi-arabia.html
Lastly, I think the most important reference guide to working in the kingdom is to be up to date with:
http://alexasuncion.multiply.com/ especially now that the Saudi Labor law has been translated in English AND FILIPINO.
Start asking yourself what questions your family would be asking you and be prepared to answer.
For me, the 1st and hardest question asked was WHY SAUDI ARABIA?
My answers:
1. I was working for the past 6 years as an orthodontist and I was not progressing as fast as I wanted to
2. I wanted to have savings...yes, during that time I just opened a clinic and was on a 0 savings level.
3. There was no other offer where I could work at the level I was in...an orthodontist....not having to downgrade into a dental assistant or hygienist.
4. I wanted an adventure, a time for myself, a period of independence, of earning my keep, being responsible for myself.
Then followed a series of questions which I called the easy questions....where will you live, salary, when are you going home, Are there Pinoys in your workplace, etc...I took down all their questions because these were the same questions I would ask my employer.
If you are in a relationship, not yet married or married, I must say it is truly very hard being apart. You must really think doubly hard whether you need to be separated for 2-3 years. Look at all options and considerations as:
1. Who will take care of the children? Can the one staying in the Philippines afford to stay home with the children?
2. Is there a chance for you to be together. Actually there is, if the profession you are getting into has "FAMILY STATUS". By this I mean that you will establish residency and then have your family follow you after 3-5 months. Most doctors and professionals (bankers, engineers) are hired with "family status" .
3. If this is the only option that one of you has to leave, be sure to keep an open communication with the family. Prepare an internet connection on the computer. Buy a webcam and teach the whole household how to SKYPE, do GTALK and how to email.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
How I found work in Saudi Arabia
My surprise departure for the kingdom I wrote in a previous blog (click blog)
I applied at yahoojobs and posted my resume. My target country was the U.S. then and I knew back then that I would ONLY be hired as a dental assistant or hygienist even with my credentials as a dentist. I never did expect that a recruiter in Saudi Arabia was looking for an orthodontist.
A local recruitment agency called me one day, asking me if I wanted to go and work in Saudi Arabia. Huh? Never in my mind was there a thought to consider the middle east. But I kept an open mind. The first things I did, in chronological order (each step discussed thoroughly on the next blogs):
1. I told my father and mother about it, and my significant other.
2. I Checked out poea.gov.ph to see if the recruitment agency was licensed, meaning not suspended or license revoked or cancelled.
3. Since the recruitment agency could not answer any of my "million" questions, they directed me to my
employer who was kind enough to correspond by email, skype, gtalk or he would call by phone.
4. He sent me a contract which I immediately showed to a lawyer friend of mine to comment on. Then
correspondence between my employer and me continued until we were both satisfied.
5. Make the decision to whether take the offer or not.
6. If you decide on taking it, proceed to "recruitment" procedures. Start by renewing your passport if
needed.
I applied at yahoojobs and posted my resume. My target country was the U.S. then and I knew back then that I would ONLY be hired as a dental assistant or hygienist even with my credentials as a dentist. I never did expect that a recruiter in Saudi Arabia was looking for an orthodontist.
A local recruitment agency called me one day, asking me if I wanted to go and work in Saudi Arabia. Huh? Never in my mind was there a thought to consider the middle east. But I kept an open mind. The first things I did, in chronological order (each step discussed thoroughly on the next blogs):
1. I told my father and mother about it, and my significant other.
2. I Checked out poea.gov.ph to see if the recruitment agency was licensed, meaning not suspended or license revoked or cancelled.
3. Since the recruitment agency could not answer any of my "million" questions, they directed me to my
employer who was kind enough to correspond by email, skype, gtalk or he would call by phone.
4. He sent me a contract which I immediately showed to a lawyer friend of mine to comment on. Then
correspondence between my employer and me continued until we were both satisfied.
5. Make the decision to whether take the offer or not.
6. If you decide on taking it, proceed to "recruitment" procedures. Start by renewing your passport if
needed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)