Thread regarding Saudi Aramco layoffs

Resigned and it feels GREAT.

I cannot describe the feeling of relief, I am a new person. It’s difficult to underestimate the amount of grief and mental torture this place has produced. I’d become institutionalised and didn’t fully appreciate just how unbearable the job had become.

I now need to decide on whether to continue to sell my soul elsewhere in the region for bigger bucks ( I am a f00l for contemplating this), or go back to a proper job in the real world.

I’ve saved enough so have some time to think about it at least.

It’s been one he-l of an experience, mostly negative, but with some good times to look back on.

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| 6421 views | | 24 replies (last March 22, 2023) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1lCstDEy

24 replies (most recent on top)

@9oop+1lCstDEy

I think they pay you before the library books. So walk in to your manager's office and tell him you want it in cash. Man!

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Post ID: @9cfz+1lCstDEy

@9sxz+1lCstDEy….thank you ….when does the company pay out ? Before or after the library books….I’ve no car, no housing, no bank loans…..

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Post ID: @9oop+1lCstDEy

@9qci+1lCstDEy

A Dozen or more things have to be approved, ranging from banks, car registration, housing to the local library (don’t forget to return those books!)…all of which must be okayed before you are given the visa to leave.

Some find it easier just to leave unannounced at the end of the month.

If anyone objects or cocks up the process expect a world of pain.

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Post ID: @9sxz+1lCstDEy

I get that relaxed feeling every time I leave this place. And the dread starts as the hour gets close to returning.
I am counting down the hours until I give that sweet final notice.

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Post ID: @9mnp+1lCstDEy

What’s need for the final exit ? Bank release etc ?

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Post ID: @9qci+1lCstDEy

Its one of Aramco PR's new KPIs. Post something positive on the Aramco Layoffs board. LOL. At least the new batch of trolls can type a coherent sentence. Guess the old Saudi ones weren't getting the job done.

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Post ID: @9gia+1lCstDEy

@8wkc+1lCstDEy how much they paying you to spread this?

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Post ID: @8ahg+1lCstDEy

Good to know it was not all negative. There are lots of positives too it’s fair to say. My time here has way more positives than negatives. Delighted I took decision to come and work here.

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Post ID: @8wkc+1lCstDEy

What a relief and satisfying feeling when I resigned. Specially knowing that I don't have to work a day in my life. I was looking forward to surrendering our damn Iqamas at the exit in DMM, but was told to keep it as a souvenir lol.

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Post ID: @4wsu+1lCstDEy

Even locals are resigning or taking early retirement now, it is a completely different company.

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Post ID: @4ivc+1lCstDEy

I hope that anyone ever considering joining ARAMCO should read this forum. I wish it was around when i joined. If it was, I would never have moved to KSA.

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Post ID: @4ykj+1lCstDEy

If I had a dollar for every expat that has come back to Aramco since 2016, I probably wouldn't even be able to afford a shawarma. Any retread would need to take one heck of a pay cut since Aramco seems to be getting cheaper and cheaper. If you wouldn't stay for $X, why would you come back for 80% of $X?

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Post ID: @2yca+1lCstDEy

If I had a dollar for every resigned Aramcon that reapplied to come back, I’d be even a richer man than I already am. Having said that, for some people resigning and moving on is the right thing to do. It all depends on the person and his or her situation and circumstances. A good few years back, I remember sitting round a (fairly crowded) bar in the Hills and noted 90 per cent of the folks were rethreads. Maybe not so many nowadays.

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Post ID: @2axl+1lCstDEy

Depends on how long you have been out there - you may or not want to seek another opportunity in the mideast. Not all places in Saudi are a toxic he-l. You can’t coat the whole country with one brush. Folks in Riyadh are very different to those (more friendly) in Jeddah. Your future plans will depend on where you are from. Salaries, taxes, healthcare, property prices, family needs - well done for lasting as long as you did and think of what matters most for your next step (I hope you have set yourself up well financially because not everyone lasts long enough to do so).

I liked my job but was bored shitle. Some awful colleagues - unhealthy competition, sneaky and calculating. Always looking for information on everyone and everything. Their heads up the managers .

It was the people at the end of they day that made it awful. Impetuous managers. I want ice cream, get me ice cream now, I need it NOW! They take one lick and throw it away. Imagine dealing with this day in and day out with work based tasks. Burnout is one word and PTSD is another.

I’m in a much better place now. Had to take a pay cut. I miss ONLY two things:

  1. Tax relief (I’m based in europe)
  2. That 6.30am sunshine and warmth…

That is it!

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Post ID: @2ngs+1lCstDEy

PSTD, that one is the word

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Post ID: @2hzh+1lCstDEy

@1pmj+1lCstDEy

3 years…I had a financial target..
I’ve been living from holiday to holiday, counting doesn’t the days for the last year or so. It’s all that keep me going, that and meditation. I even had a counter on my laptop marking off the days.. Makes me shiver thinking about it.

Was it all worth it, ask me in a years time. This place might have given me PTSD.

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Post ID: @2wip+1lCstDEy

Congratulations. No, do not even try working again in the Middle East. Get a proper job you already tortured yourself in here. Damned place.

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Post ID: @1dfb+1lCstDEy

How long did you stick it out?

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Post ID: @1pmj+1lCstDEy

Which part of the business did you work in?

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Post ID: @1rzl+1lCstDEy

I see a good few newish cars appearing on the classifieds. Guess a lot of people are following suit.

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Post ID: @1hzd+1lCstDEy

Be careful with next steps. While Neom and other options can appear attractive on paper, please reflect on your experiences.

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Post ID: @1krh+1lCstDEy

Well done on coming out the other end. I hope the therapy bills aren’t too high.

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Post ID: @1oxp+1lCstDEy

Congratulations and I wish you well with your future path. There is life after Saudi Aramco and your mental health will improve after being immersed in the cesspool of stupidity and arrogance.

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Post ID: @srx+1lCstDEy

Wonder how many expats are turning in their notices now. Aramco is being tight lipped about turnover.

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Post ID: @plh+1lCstDEy

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