So let's say

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » November 9, 2009, 12:20 pm

That you had a job you could take, a contractor job, for one year.

Job is in Iraq. Pay is 150k for that 1 year, no tax on the first 90k. While you're there, your clothes, food, and rent are all paid for. They also pay for your security clearance.

The work is for a private contractor who does work for the government amongst other things, it's not a bad company like Blackwater or anything, and the building the job is in is on a Army base.

Let's also say that you were single and had a bit of debt to pay off.. Would you do it?

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » November 9, 2009, 12:27 pm

I wouldn't! But that's just because I wouldn't want my decapitated body dragged through the streets. Although I'm sure it's perfectly safe these days.

miir · Post by **miir** » November 9, 2009, 12:30 pm

Even for double that, I would refuse it without hesitation.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » November 9, 2009, 12:49 pm

Lets say that this question applies to you. I think you should go because It's your opportunity to actually support the occupation efforts in Iraq that you're a fan of. I also think that while over there, you should slip out for some solo exploration outside of the green zone whenever possible.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » November 9, 2009, 12:55 pm

Xatrei wrote:Lets say that this question applies to you. I think you should go because It's your opportunity to actually support the occupation efforts in Iraq that you're a fan of. I also think that while over there, you should slip out for some solo exploration outside of the green zone whenever possible.

I suppose I had that coming

I am thinking I'm gonna do it. I realize there is some risk involved (riding in the convoy when I arrive), but the base I'd be on isn't in a hot zone and hasn't had any issues thus far. I could stay where I'm at and have a hard time even catching up on my debt over the next few years, or I could go to Iraq and pay off all my debt, and come back with 100k+ in the bank to invest/put down on a house or whatever I wanted to do.

cadalano · Post by **cadalano** » November 9, 2009, 1:01 pm

depends on what the situation at home is currently. if i had no job or a job that i wasnt planning on sticking around in i'd do it. relationships might also be a factor when i'd be away from home that long.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » November 9, 2009, 1:05 pm

cadalano wrote:depends on what the situation at home is currently. if i had no job or a job that i wasnt planning on sticking around in i'd do it. relationships might also be a factor when i'd be away from home that long.

Yeah, single right now and nothing financially holding me back (house, etc). I have a good job so I had to think about that for a while, however I've done well enough for myself here that I know they would give me a job after a year when I came back.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » November 9, 2009, 1:14 pm

They have high speed internet? Do you have your own room/place or sharing bunks with a group of people? If it's an Army type lifestyle, you might be in for a shock and some depression if used to privacy and home comforts.

As for taking the tax free overseas money, it's a nice bonus to your pay for sure. Both my brother and dad had jobs at one point that were tax free outside of the country. My brother did it for the exact same reasons you are thinking of doing it for. My dad just happened to get a really good job and loves Europe so it wasn't really a hardship at all and he took my Mom with him as well and I went off to Switzerland for ayear so I wasn't complaining). I think back when they did it, there wasn't a 90K limit from what I recall. One was in Sardinia, Italy, the other was in New Guinea although the New Guinea job was two weeks in New Guinea and then two weeks off in Australia, rotating for a year like that.

Maybe you can find an overseas destination other than a war zone! I wouldn't be concerned with the safety part much but the location blows compared to some other possible overseas spots. I'd ask a lot of questions about housing, etc before accepting. If you're a gamer and have high speed Internet and some privacy, it's not that big a deal for a year.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » November 9, 2009, 1:17 pm

Winnow wrote:They have high speed internet? Do you have your own room/place or sharing bunks with a group of people? If it's an Army type lifestyle, you might be in for a shock and some depression if used to privacy and home comforts.

As for taking the tax free overseas money, it's a nice bonus to your pay for sure. Both my brother and dad had jobs at one point that were tax free outside of the country. My brother did it for the exact same reasons you are thinking of doing it for. My dad just happened to get a really good job and loves Europe so it wasn't really a hardship at all and he took my Mom with him as well and I went off to Switzerland for ayear so I wasn't complaining). I think back when they did it, there wasn't a 90K limit from what I recall. One was in Sardinia, Italy, the other was in New Guinea although the New Guinea job was two weeks in New Guinea and then two weeks off in Australia, rotating for a year like that.

Maybe you can find an overseas destination other than a war zone! I wouldn't be concerned with the safety part much but the location blows compared to some other possible overseas spots. I'd ask a lot of questions about housing, etc before accepting. If you're a gamer and have high speed Internet and some privacy, it's not that big a deal for a year.

That is one suck part, it's satellite internet and I guess the latency is teh sux.. However you do have your own room, I have a friend over there that is doing the job right now and said his room is nice. That is one bonus I forgot to mention, my buddy is over there and will extend his contract another year if I decide to go.

miir · Post by **miir** » November 9, 2009, 1:22 pm

That is one bonus I forgot to mention, my buddy is over there and will extend his contract another year if I decide to go

Is he cute?

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » November 9, 2009, 1:23 pm

miir wrote:
That is one bonus I forgot to mention, my buddy is over there and will extend his contract another year if I decide to go
Is he cute?

Unfortunately, no

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » November 9, 2009, 2:32 pm

Funkmasterr wrote:I have a good job so I had to think about that for a while, however I've done well enough for myself here that I know they would give me a job after a year when I came back.

That would be my big reservation. If you aren't worried about that part it seems good on the surface.

If you were unemployed or didn't like your job I think it would be a great opportunity. Would definitely make you appreciate what you've got a lot more when you come back.

I've got a friend that's been doing contract work in Kuwait for 9-ish years and more recently in Iraq too. He loves it.

Make sure you're employed by a US company, paid in US currency to a US bank account. There's quite a number of sleazy contracting companies in that part of the world. You can really get screwed contracting for a Mid-East based company and there's not a lot you can do except hope you can get out of the country painlessly.

Ashur · Post by **Ashur** » November 9, 2009, 2:56 pm

I'd do it if I were in those circumstances. I'm not.

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » November 9, 2009, 3:10 pm

If I had nothing holding me here at home and nothing to look forward to, I'd go. I almost went to Austrailia back in the late 80's to do some cable work in the outback for up to 300k for a year. By the time I got around to doing it the offer was gone.

I'd say go for it.

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » November 9, 2009, 7:14 pm

I would do it. I was going to try and go back over as a contractor. Depends on what you are there for. You might not ever leave the base. I was at Camp Speicher, and the KBR and other contractors had it made.

Kwonryu DragonFist · Post by **Kwonryu DragonFist** » November 9, 2009, 7:26 pm

Funkmasterr wrote:That you had a job you could take, a contractor job, for one year.

Job is in Iraq. Pay is 150k for that 1 year, no tax on the first 90k. While you're there, your clothes, food, and rent are all paid for. They also pay for your security clearance.

The work is for a private contractor who does work for the government amongst other things, it's not a bad company like Blackwater or anything, and the building the job is in is on a Army base.

Let's also say that you were single and had a bit of debt to pay off.. Would you do it?

Of course!

Jarori Bloodletter · Post by **Jarori Bloodletter** » November 9, 2009, 7:30 pm

I would go in a heartbeat.

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » November 9, 2009, 8:21 pm

Given your circumstances, I would go.

(I'll take any of your xbox games that I don't already own.)

Post by **Xouqoa** » November 9, 2009, 8:53 pm

Could be a once in a lifetime chance to see a part of the world that most Americans will never get to view.

On the other hand, there is a certain level of risk involved; but at this point it is probably minimal. I would probably do it if I were in your situation.

Leonaerd · Post by **Leonaerd** » November 9, 2009, 9:10 pm

No brainer. Life will be exciting while you're in a war zone. You'll then come back to America as a rich and cultured person. This is going to be a huge event in somebody's life and you should be there for it!

Or maybe you'll come back rich and decapitated. I think the question you have yourself is whether or not you prefer to die as a wrinkled old prune.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » November 9, 2009, 9:14 pm

I'd probably do it. It's a hell of an adventure (even if it ends up being really boring while you're over there). Folks here have been making good suggestions-- inquire into your living situation, security, reputability of your employer, etc-- but it sounds like you have all of that pretty well covered.

It's a rare opportunity to do something so different than your typical day-to-day life.

Re: Winnow's concerns: Are you the sort of person whose first concern in a situation like this is "will i still be able to play video games?!?!?!" If the answer is "yes," DO NOT GO. But, for you, I doubt the answer is yes.

Tyek · Post by **Tyek** » November 9, 2009, 10:13 pm

You should go for it, then use your new military contacts to have Xatrei investigated as a member of some terrorist organization. You could have his phone tapped, his accounts seized, and have some fun with him.....

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » November 9, 2009, 10:36 pm

I would do it!

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » November 10, 2009, 12:43 am

Sueven wrote: Re: Winnow's concerns: Are you the sort of person whose first concern in a situation like this is "will i still be able to play video games?!?!?!" If the answer is "yes," DO NOT GO. But, for you, I doubt the answer is yes.

Dude, he's going to be cooped up on a base. He's not going to be cultured or anything. He's going to be around a bunch of military and American civilians. Given those circumstances, having good net and access to entertainment (he's a gamer) would be kinda important I'd think. It's not like he's going to be bartering with the locals, trading candy bars for goat milk or anything.

I've been a lot of places. The Middle East isn't one of the locations I have even the remotest interest in seeing. If I was going there, it would be purely for a money grab. Japan, on the other hand, I regret passing up on my opportunity to see!

Noysyrump · Post by **Noysyrump** » November 10, 2009, 1:37 am

OMG A WAR ZONE!!!~ Oh noez yer gonna die!!!

Lol. you people make me giggle. Im pretty sure his life is more at risk here at home. Gettin run over by a bus or shot by a mugger is more likely then gettin blown up or dragged through the streets in Iraq. Mainly cause he's gonna be aware of it and watch out... yet most of us will drive into an intersection soon as it's green without noticing that car thats about to blast through the intersection.

Go man, I would. Hell, gimee a number to call and I'll go with ya right now!

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » November 10, 2009, 11:32 am

Winnow wrote:I've been a lot of places. The Middle East isn't one of the locations I have even the remotest interest in seeing. If I was going there, it would be purely for a money grab. Japan, on the other hand, I regret passing up on my opportunity to see!

I liked the middle east a lot, neat stuff to see (though not in Iraq at the moment) and super nice, polite people. Except for the .01% lunatic fringe of course.

Japan? I thought it sucked myself. My son was a japanophile until he spent a few weeks there earlier this year, pretty much cured him of that.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » November 10, 2009, 12:26 pm

Yeah I've pretty much decided at this point that I'm going to go. I guess my buddy will be re signing in July sometime, so I'll probably wait til closer to that time to start, but I just think I'd be passing up an opportunity that I would regret passing up down the road if I didn't do it.

I won't have access to fast internet, I guess it's satellite and the latency sucks, so I could try but it likely wouldn't work. A bit of a bummer, more because this would be a primary way to keep in touch with a lot of my friends than solely for the gaming aspect, but it's not really a big deal.

Friend told me that I have a 98% chance of getting the job without certs, but basically 100% if I do. I need to get A+, Security+ and MCSA certifications. I did a bit of info gathering about what they consisted of, cost, etc online and I'm not too worried - I know a good portion of the material already.

miir · Post by **miir** » November 10, 2009, 2:33 pm

Funkmasterr wrote:I won't have access to fast internet, I guess it's satellite and the latency sucks, so I could try but it likely wouldn't work. A bit of a bummer, more because this would be a primary way to keep in touch with a lot of my friends than solely for the gaming aspect, but it's not really a big deal.

You can probably play EQ2 or WOW without too many problems. I've met people in EQ2 who were stationed and/or working in the middle east using satellite internet. It's not the best, but it works.

Can't really play twitch/shooter games that require a decent ping and low latency.

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » November 10, 2009, 2:46 pm

we have people in the green zone, and other places in iraq now. the biggest thing that is kind of played off as "no big deal", but you will have to be comfortable with, are bombings.

You *will* get RPG's/mortars coming your way on base or otherwise. you *will* have to get used to "planning your route" to a safe area. you *will* have to get used to base living. The last one is not bad at all, really, its like an "all inclusive" vacation resort..without the beach, hot chics in bikini's...and rpg's are coming at you once in a while.

Its a fact of life over there. Its not on tv, its not necessarily "stressed" to people going there. But it is 100% reality.

The tax free part I assume was also explained in full to you? if not, the hardest part is that in a 12 month span, you must not step foot on US soil for 11 of those 12 months...then its tax free.

in other words, if you want to come back to the US to visit friends, fly in to canada, and have your family/friends meet you in canada (mexico also works). save that 1 month on us soil for emergency use.

that's the long answer, the short answer is that I would go in a heartbeat with your situation as it is. had the economy not shit the bed, I'd be telling you this from Dubai right now. Also, I would try and get more money. 150k is on the "low" side...but that all depends on what type of work you do. Most our people make between 175 to 225k.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » November 10, 2009, 3:00 pm

Aabidano wrote: Japan? I thought it sucked myself. My son was a japanophile until he spent a few weeks there earlier this year, pretty much cured him of that.

Different strokes for different folks!

Spang · Post by **Spang** » November 10, 2009, 7:38 pm

Funkmasterr wrote:Would you do it?

Absolutely not, but you should.

Stonie · Post by **Stonie** » November 10, 2009, 9:53 pm

Noysyrump wrote:OMG A WAR ZONE!!!~ Oh noez yer gonna die!!!

Lol. you people make me giggle. Im pretty sure his life is more at risk here at home. Gettin run over by a bus or shot by a mugger is more likely then gettin blown up or dragged through the streets in Iraq.

Kluden wrote:we have people in the green zone, and other places in iraq now. the biggest thing that is kind of played off as "no big deal", but you will have to be comfortable with, are bombings.

You *will* get RPG's/mortars coming your way on base or otherwise. you *will* have to get used to "planning your route" to a safe area. you *will* have to get used to base living. The last one is not bad at all, really, its like an "all inclusive" vacation resort..without the beach, hot chics in bikini's...and rpg's are coming at you once in a while.

If I were in your situation, I would do it.

Siji · Post by **Siji** » November 12, 2009, 4:08 pm

I haven't seen it mentioned, but getting security clearance is an incredible bonus in finding a job. It's expensive as fuck to get, and the higher clearance you can get the better the job opportunities are. In my opinion, never, ever, ever turn down the opportunity to get government security clearance short of having bullets flying directly at you on a regular basis.

Sirensa · Post by **Sirensa** » November 12, 2009, 5:47 pm

Ashur wrote:I'd do it if I were in those circumstances. I'm not.

Ditto

Avestan · Post by **Avestan** » November 27, 2009, 2:20 pm

I would do it if it was a significant raise. I would not do it for 150k.

Funkmasterr wrote:That you had a job you could take, a contractor job, for one year.

Job is in Iraq. Pay is 150k for that 1 year, no tax on the first 90k. While you're there, your clothes, food, and rent are all paid for. They also pay for your security clearance.

The work is for a private contractor who does work for the government amongst other things, it's not a bad company like Blackwater or anything, and the building the job is in is on a Army base.

Let's also say that you were single and had a bit of debt to pay off.. Would you do it?

VeeshanVault

So let's say

So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say

Re: So let's say