Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum and it seems like a great resource.
So I wanted to run my plans past you experienced expats to sense check and see what your thoughts are. Am I thinking correctly or do you have different opinions? Let me know.
My situation:
Living and working in London. Been offered a position within the same company I work in right now in Doha for 6 months. With potential to stay longer. I'm asked to work on a project there for 6 months but also could stay longer to take over a management position in our office there if all goes well.
Please let me know if the following sounds like a good idea or not based on your experience:
- My company is paying for accommodation, rental car, driver, health care, business visa and flights back home to London. Is this a good and fair deal?
- I'm getting a daily payment on top of my salary just for being based in Qatar. It's approx 20% uplift on my salary.
- I want to keep my apartment in London which I currently rent (I don't own it). I'm thinking to sub-let it to a close friend of mine and her boyfriend for a little less than what I'm paying right now. In return I could return to London any time and resume my life in an apartment I really like and don't want to loose. Do you have experience doing such a thing? Is it a good idea? Or should I just get rid of the apartment?
- I want to keep my car which I just bought a few months ago and I like it a lot. So I'm thinking to rent it to my friend who I really trust for a little less than what I'm currently paying in finance on it. This way I can return any time and resume my life. What do you think? What should I be mindful of with this regard?
- I'm thanking to live in Rotana Residencies on the Pearl. Can you recommend it? Or can you recommend a very nice but reasonably priced serviced apartment or similar?
- Should I get an SUV in Qatar or better to get a small car?
- My wife is thinking about quitting her job in London just to join me in Qatar. Her job is good but she loves the idea of living in Qatar and the adventure. At the same time of course I would love to have to have her there with me. Do you think this is a stupid idea? My uplift in salary for Qatar means she doesn't have to work while we're out there and we are still making more money than before.
- Do I need to tell my company straight away my wife might come with me so they can make arrangements for her ? Or is there no need ? Does my wife need to be somehow sponsored by my company or can she just come along with me? She might want to apply for a job while we are in Qatar if she becomes too bored.
Sorry I know there are so many questions. And you don't have to answer all of them.
But I appreciate ANY help and your advice.
Thank you so much.
Regards,
Steptronic