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.