Submitted by DR_1967 on
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I called an old friend the other evening to catch-up on old times. We worked together for about 6 years in the early 2000's and were good friends. Time passed and life happened but we still talk about twice a year.
He is the new senior executive of a security contracting firm that does electronic security, rebuilding of infrastructure, etc. He asked me if I would be interested in a 1-year stint in the Middle East managing the refit of a government facility. The pay would be triple what I make now with 3 "tours" of 90 days there, 30 days home plus 10% bonus if I complete the year.
Can any of share your insights of working in Iraq? I would be doing technical project management work. I do not know anything else about the position at this point and barely know enough to ask these questions. I want to be as prepared as possible when we talk again next week.
Are there any specific questions I should ask about regarding security, work assignment, and specifics about the compensation package for overseas work ( I have never worked overseas)? Due to the nature of the type of work this firm does, there is very little public information to glean from the internet or business press.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Can you visit to get an idea?
Hi DR, I have never been to Iraq, but I have worked abroad for most of my career, including in one place with issues of security.
My advice is that if you are really interested in the job, you take a week to actually visit the place, talk to people, and get a general feeling of how people live and work.
In my experience, work in difficult situations can be very interesting and rewarding, because the constraints people experience make them feel very close to each other. The work part will probably not be a problem, and might turn out to be one of your best professional experiences.
Life outside work could be more difficult, though, as you might not be able to go around where you want by yourself, might have to live in a compound with guards, etc. That might turn out to be unpleasant or even unbearable.
I hope this is useful. Private-message me if you would like to discuss more.
Good luck!
Can you visit to get an idea?
Hi DR, I have never been to Iraq, but I have worked abroad for most of my career, including in one place with issues of security.
My advice is that if you are really interested in the job, you take a week to actually visit the place, talk to people, and get a general feeling of how people live and work.
In my experience, work in difficult situations can be very interesting and rewarding, because the constraints people experience make them feel very close to each other. The work part will probably not be a problem, and might turn out to be one of your best professional experiences.
Life outside work could be more difficult, though, as you might not be able to go around where you want by yourself, might have to live in a compound with guards, etc. That might turn out to be unpleasant or even unbearable. If you have a family, they will have to live under the security constraints without having the "escape" and purpose of going to work, so it might be even more difficult.
I hope this is useful. Private-message me if you would like to discuss more.
Good luck!
Hi
Etapbeta's plan sounds like a good one. I'd also recommend you work through the 'Choosing a Company to Work For' series that we've been releasing on Career Tools - apart from the location, choosing whether or not to take this job is much like any other.
Best regards,
Wendii
I work in the Middle East
I live in Dubai, UAE, and I have done work in Iraq as recently as February of this year.
There are basically two "Iraqs." The first is the one most Americans think of when they hear about Iraq: It's the old Saddam Hussein regime and has all of the attacks and such going on. This includes all of southern Iraq, and cities such as Basra, Baghdad, and Mosul are part of it. The "other Iraq" is really a different country altogether. The northern part of Iraq is called "Kurdistan" by the locals, though they are nominally actually part of the country as a whole. Kurdistan is the area that was gassed and otherwise oppressed by the southern part when Saddam was in power.
The two areas are like night and day when it comes to security. In either case, there will be a lot of security provided for even the most trivial movement. I have usually had escorts that are armed with automatic weapons, many check points along the way, and quite a bit of caution for all movements. I've also gone out to local restaurants and eaten outside on the patio. The last time, it was an Italian place immediately across from the American Embassy in Erbil (Kurdistan). As an aside, I recommend the Penne Arrabiata if you happen to be in the area and want some good food.
Anyway, things you'll want to ask are:
What are the security arrangements for travel? Who is providing them?
What are the security arrangements for the work site? Who is providing them?
Are there lock-down or evacuation plans in place? How would transportation be provided in case of evacuation?
Basically, the country is safe, with more attacks in the southern half than in the Kurdistan area. What city would you be nearest? If they fly you in to Erbil, then you shouldn't have major problems. If they fly you into Basra or Baghdad, then you might want to look in to the situation more closely.
Don