Anyone worked in Kuwait, and with kids?

[JollySantersSelectionBox]

I know it's a long shot, but I just wondered if there were any women reading the threads who worked in Senior management in the Middle East, particularly Kuwait - but not necessarily.

I keep being asked by my old manager to go out there and work. But I'm not sure the conditions and quality of life would be any better for me there than here.

Any good experiences?

Friends of ours taught there and had their first DD there. They had a good time although the alcohol situation sounded dicey. Eth and coke was the bevvy of choice.

Haha Kreecher. I know for my boss that's the killer. No beers after work.

Luckily my DH & I don't drink, so for us at least it's one less consideration in all the other restrictions the place seems to have.

Hi my husband and I lived there for 7 years. I had my first child there. I, mostly, enjoyed my time there. There is a good expat scene, lots of shopping and restaurants etc however it is hot hot hot in summer, the driving is insane (understatement) and there is lots of strange elements to it. What do you want to know?

Oh and the drinking thing is a non issue. There is plenty around!

I worked there a while back in management consultancy, and still have friends with kids living there. As siilk says there are a few strange elements to life in Kuwait, but I also enjoyed my time there, and actually preferred it to Dubai where we went afterwards. Workwise was fine as a Western woman, I even had an Islamic bank as a client who didn't employ any women - go figure the logic of that one out!

Drinking thing is definite non-issue. Driving is absolutely manic. I spent 2 summers there, 50 plus most days, but with a/c it's just about bearable, not so sure with kids tho'.

Hi, thanks for the replies. I am thinking of work life balance really. My old boss has adult children, my DS is primary.

Is there a 6 day week, long hour culture in offices? For example I was offered a job in Istanbul, fabulous package but the minimum office hours were 8am-7pm! Seemed industry wide. People didn't seem to work smart they worked long. Let's sit drinking tea for four hours over something my UK peers would've done in 30 minutes! UK employees were coming up to me in breaks and telling me not to do it!

Coupled with the commute I would have been travelling and working for around 15 hours a day due to location of schools.

It's an international company so at least the holidays are UK reflective. Schooling is paid for but that doesn't worry me. Culture and heat etc - we have family &friends we visit in Egypt and Dubai, so it wouldn't be a shock, and DH served out there. But I can't help thinking it's the grubby sanded, less interesting cousin of UAE. Don't know where I got that idea, am I wrong?

The whole male environment doesn't affect my line of work too much - it's fashion. But my DH is a SAHD, and this might be somewhat of a novelty, I'm not sure. He could go back to work though - but that depends on me!

I just wonder whether I should move the whole family to a short term upheaval (couldn't see us doing it for more than 3-5 years) when we love where we live, but don't have time to enjoy it.

It's difficult to come back here and we are almost reaching the time for a more stable permit.

Sometimes I feel like telling DH to go back to the rat race so I can put my feet up!

Hi

Not sure about office hours but things are open long hours however a guess is will be negotiable. Most expats involved in business I knew pretty much did normal hours. But the trade off is that hours are very short in Ramadan and there are a plethora of public holiday type thing but it is something to check. If schools are paid for, depending on the age of kids, if pre year 8 The English School in Salmiya is good. Other option would be the New English School or the Kuwait English School. These are the ones with most multi national kids and the best ethos. There are PLENTY of others but many are not good at all. Pm me if you want details.

Just to add Kuwait is quite a transient place 3-5 years is pretty normal.
I just reread your post and you said you DH is a SAHD. He may indeed find it difficult. Most expat pairs work and those that have not are usually woman. Mind you I have known a few people where the man was at home. He seemed to get by by developing a passion for golf and joined a range of cultural associations.