From Costco to Qatar
Like a lot of Americans, I’m spending more and more time on job-search sites. I’m really, really hoping I don’t have to go back to work, but it’s sort of looking that I’ll have to. We’ve already cut down our grocery list to the barest essentials (no more US Magazine or wine), and I’m giving up my beloved 2% Greek yogurt for 0% Greek yogurt because, for some reason, only the 0% kind is sold at Costco. My husband is dropping his cell phone line. We’re probably going to get rid of our cable TV.
Even with these cuts, I still may have to return to work. So, I’ve been hitting JournalismJobs.com a couple of times a day. The chances of finding a part-time job, near our house Connecticut, which has me only working the evening and weekend hours when my husband is home, and which suits my unique (limited) skills are probably slim.
But lookee here! This morning, I see something I’m perfectly qualified for. It’s for a people person who is interested in promoting sports. That’s got “me” all over it. Wait, what’s this? Salary: more than $100,000 (emphasis mine). Wowsa.
Oh, hold on … the job is in Doha, Qatar.
Our client offers excellent tax free salary, medical cover, relocation & repatriation expenses and round-trip air-tickets.
Oh. So. Tempting.
What would our life would be like in Qatar? Luckily, we can get a preview by spending some time on www.QatarLiving.com where the following discussions are topics underway:
The double question marks on that last one make me a little nervous. Too aggressive. Guess I’ll keep looking…
- Comment (25)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (2)
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
Comments :
Re: From Costco to Qatar
All great points, MFR. I agree, using the term "deserve" is loaded and I used it carelessly; I didn't mean for it to be self-demeaning. I simply meant that the best sports journalism (and I know from experience) comes from those who have the time and energy to really just take it ALL in -- from the set up to the game to the clean up -- because that's how you meet the best, most insightful people, and where you can learn the most illuminating insights. I simply can't offer that now, and I'm fine with that. I left journalism expressly so that I could have a more "normal" life that would lead to a marriage and children, so I'm thrilled with my current life ... except for the income part :)
Aug '10
Re: From Costco to Qatar
Actually, the topic of sports and kids, or more generally, any performance activity and kids, is one that raises a lot of interesting moral issues:
You could write an advice column. The world wants to know!
Re: From Costco to Qatar
MFR -- You had me at "Go interdisciplinary." I actually love all your ideas. The kids in sports/activities one is rich with possibility, and I've seen all sides of it, having taught kids in both the inner city and in the world's richest zip code. And, as you point out, I could do it here in suburbia quite easily. I'm actually more intrigued by the sports/philosophy suggestion and the sports/religion one. I'm going to get thinking on all of these. Thanks much, MFR, it does the spirit good to have other (brilliant!) brains working for me.
May '10
Re: From Costco to Qatar
Ursula, I spent 2 years living in Qatar and 6.5 years living in Bahrain. It's not a bad place to live actually, well if you can get past the heat in the summer. Claire is correct, who would have thought you can get addicted to arning tons of tax free money in the middle east. The sponsorship system is a bit screwy but overall it was an excellent experience.
May '10
Re: From Costco to Qatar
"The Ursula Hennessy Sports Letter", subscriber-based. Not about daily scores, but about sports and life in larger society. There are lots of potential customers out here.
C'mon, don't be so modest.