Never worked in a place where I’ve been hired to give specific advice, yet when producing my findings was told to “look online” and see what I could download!!?? WTF!?
Only been in this space 20 years and worked at a number of majors, I’m an expert in my field… If they don’t want my advice then fine, but why the humiliating and unprofessional behaviour? I’m genuinely trying to help with expertise THEY lack.
Small wonder the attrition rate of expats is 3-6 months in my area. Seems impossible.
Maybe your research was shallow and your writing skills lacked augmentation.
Thought I’d update, and the advice was spot on.
So I’ve had enough, final nail in the coffin was finding out that the latest project I was working on, is being 100% passed off as my managers own work (without even a hint of shame), and I’m not getting an iota of credit. What’s the point if you’re just employed as a hired slave? It destroys your morale and has made me p1ssed off with work.
I’ve also discovered that I’ve been sidelined for a business trip that all the other similar positioned people have been invited to. I found out “by mistake”, after over hearing a conversation. They could have at least asked! Apparently I’m already an expert and don't need to there.!!
I’ve worked my bu-t off and done more than they have in the last year. It’s a lesson for me, there were red flags from the start, I should have paid attention and played the game a bit more. I thought some of the advice online was melodramatic, but it’s all true.
My advice is: If you are good at your job, have options elsewhere and value your work, DO NOT JOIN ARAMCO.
Even if Aramco were in a normal country it would be a bad employer, it’s run by what I have seen, incompetent, rude and discriminatory people.
The extra cash is nice but really not worth it given the enormous cost. Nothing can buy being treated with respect and like a professional.
I guess Aramco wants people who don’t have options back home, those that aren’t at the top of their game. In which case if you’re a jobsworth, slacker, politician or just plain lazy, this place will suit you very well.
Thanks for the useful responses. (The trolls can go and die under a - badly irrigated - bush somewhere)
It’s really quite odd, I’ve been hired at great expense, only for them to basically ignore all my thoughts in favour of some internet downloads.
It’s perplexing, I’ve been very accommodating and subtle about how we ought to do this. Giving advice but also being very positive with the approach. Done this in many firms in many places and never had this kind of response.!!
I’m not a quitter and will persevere, I will eventually score a win!
Does feel like being a schoolboy again and getting a ticking off, or being a (very overpaid) apprentice.
I can see how this would pi-s off a lot of expats, and quite righty so. I’m still giving them the benefit of the doubt…will see how long that lasts!
Aramco is impossible! Saudi and western work culture don't blend together. Sounds like you should start making your exit plans soon. Too bad for Aramco, sounds like they will lose another good professional soon. Aramco doesn't get it and never will.
Being unable to cite verifiable sources of information that really matters has always been a problem with the Expats. Most Expats (like the locals), tend to take the work of others and pawn it off as their own. This means that, when the expat does do something on their own, they are talking out of their back ends; providing information that is complete nonsense.
Oh happy memories, you write it on your own for a department KPI. And during the approval process, you accumulate half a dozen brethren co-authors who need it for their PMP.
Welcome aboard. You can recover nicely if you write some technical white papers,
peer reviewed articles, patents or conference presentations and pass them out to your brethren.
They don't hire expats for advice anymore, just to do the work or supervise TWN doing the work.
Hi Bob,
Are you looking for advice, or did you just want to get across that Aramco doesn't value expat's opinions? Happy to give advice if you can tell me a little more about your situation (e.g. why you took the job in the first place). If you just wanted to point out how messed up the place is - well - we will put that into the pile on top of everything else relayed on here.
The truth is that:
It comes down to two choices, deal or ditch.
Great advice. You're not getting paid for your knowledge or experience. You're getting paid to agree with whatever comes out of the bosses mouth. The key is to get the boss to say the right thing by preparing beautiful power point presentations.
That’s wise advice. The collect $200 and pass go is a good analogy.
I guess their thought process may be “we pay him enough, he can like it or lump it!”… Whatever motives they may have, it’s ultimately bad for business. Surely even they can see that?
Oh Bob! Welcome to Aramco. Just enjoy the show, pass Go and collect your $200.
If I can give you some advice based on my experience just go along with the flow and comply. There is no use in trying to persuade them in doing the right thing, it's all about relations and saving face.
The biggest mistake I made was arguing with my boss. Let's say I do not like yelled at and made sure he knew that by telling him close to his ear. Not a good idea in hindsight. They are only worried about the next desk.
Look out for your bottom line ($$$) regardless of the business'.