Navigating the Relevance of Gulf Experience in Job Transitions: Insights and Guidance

I am presently working in the Gulf as a Secretary for the past 4 years. Owing to some personal reasons, I am planning to relocate to India. Prior to this, I have 5 years of experience in an MNC in India.

Please advise how much this Gulf experience will be considered if I relocate to India.

Your valuable feedback will help me plan my relocation.

Regards,
Raghavan

Dear Friend,

Kindly pose this question to HR personnel. Safety and related people may not be able to advise you on this. However, I can very well say that your anxiety is unwarranted. Experience anywhere is valuable at work and in life. Back here in India, your Gulf experience will definitely pay you rich dividends.

You worked in the Gulf for some time. You also worked with an MNC in India prior to that. Definitely, you have thus experienced the difference in working there and in India.

The most important difference is that in the Gulf, no excuses are entertained for unsatisfactory work. You have to do your job satisfactorily. They want you to do the job on your own. If you are found unfit, you are sacked. No one will come forward for your rescue. You have no grievances there - you just work. In the Gulf, there will not be anyone interested to heed your grievances, even if you have any. In India, you have more grievances than work. After confirmation, the majority of employees here talk of their employers as their worst enemies - I used to hear. There in the Gulf, you do not dare to go for unhealthy criticism against your employer.

Here you are paid by the employer, but you are loyal only to your union.

You work in the Gulf even on weekly holidays. National holidays are limited. Even for national holidays, the option is there for you to work and earn overtime, which you will never forgo. There is no bandh or hartal for you to enjoy every other day. You won't avail frequent casual leave, privilege leave, or sick leave. Probably in your service there, you never availed a sick leave. All because there you earn many folds for doing the same job.

My advice is "your experience will be valuable everywhere, but you consider options yourself and make decisions of your own."

Regards,

Kesava Pillai

Dear Mr. Pillai,

Thank you for the valuable feedback. However, I would like to inquire about the weightage one receives for their Middle East exposure after working in the Gulf for several years and then relocating. There is a comment suggesting that Gulf experience is not considered valid. What are your views on this?

Regards,
Raghavan

Dear Raghavan,

I do agree with Mr. Pillai's comments. I guess you're focusing on the weightage of compensation. Maybe you will not get such equal compensation in India, but still, you can try some good industries. I'm sure Indian professionals are much better than Gulf professionals. Based on your skills and ability, you can find a better job in India.

Wish you all the best...

BR
Ganiga

Dear Mr. Ganiga,

Yes, I agree with your views. More than compensation, I would like to know whether this experience will be considered or nullified.

Regards,
Raghavan

Dear Mr. Raghavan,

Let me try...

Your experience is an added advantage for sure. Please note that there was a time when experience mattered much in the employment market. Now, more than experience, employers need candidates who can perform on their own. It is a proven fact that the number of years on the job alone cannot guarantee performance.

With your experience, especially the Gulf experience, if you can do your job reasonably well, you have no reason to worry. However, from the very post, I sense your lack of confidence, which is unwarranted.

It is a sellers' market now. You have your services to sell. Buyers are plenty. Be bold. You only know its value. The competency you acquired with your experience is, of course, quite valuable, and it will fetch its price.

Good luck.

Regards,
Kesava Pillai

Dear Mr. Pillai,

Thank you for your guidance. It has truly energized me and boosted my morale. I now feel the courage and determination to approach any challenge.

Thank you once again.

Regards,
Raghavan