I have been getting a lot of queries from my friends, acquaintances and well wishers from the Security fraternity in India regarding my new job and the environment in Muscat. Some have even asked me if I regret leaving the Reserve Bank of India where I was amongst the top ten in the combined all India seniority. There is no question of regret as I have walked into this with my eyes open and regret is a wasteful emotion in any case. Some are curious to know about the pay and perks I am getting and so the list goes on. I will attempt to give all the relevant information here so that you guys can breathe easy :
1. The job. Well, I have now spent 25 days over here and have taken over the assignment after my induction programme. I am heading the 'Safety & Security' section which is responsible for safety and security aspects of the entire group. The company has its HQ at Muscat and the branches are spread all over Oman. There is a branch at 'Salalah' which is 1200 kms from here. My designation is 'Assistant Senior Manager - Safety & Security' and I am the seniormost in the cadre. There are 8 officers (4 nationals and 4 expats) in the section who report to me. The total strength of the staff is 631 as on date (out of which 450 are nationals and the rest expats). My job is to ensure that safe practices at the workplace are followed and foolproof security measures are available at all the facilities. Other than this, I am not involved in any 'fundi' jobs (ah, what a relief !!). I report to the Head of the Commercial Department who is a very senior officer having put in more than 30 years service in the company.
2. The benefits.
(a) Accomodation. The company is providing excellent facilities like a fully furnished 3 bedroom flat ( the market rent for which is around 650 Omani Rials (OR) at present - multiply that by 125 to get the figure in Indian Rupees) It is a HUGE flat with three bathrooms, all having different types of fixtures. Four split AC units, a 680 lits fridge, an Italian 5 burner cooking range, 9 kg fully automatic washing machine, a 29 inch Sony TV and a 21 inch Panasonic TV , a wall unit, 8 seater dining table, 7 seater sofa set, centre and side tables etc etc. Bed material like matresses and pillows, bedsheets and covers and even a couple of towels were provided by the company. The accomodation has recently been taken on lease and I was the first occupant in my new flat. The residence is 25 km from the corporate office bu tit takes just 15 minutes by the company coaster as it zips at 100 kmph which is permissible speed limit.
(b) Transport. The company provides pick up and drop facilities to all employees from various locations and this is provided even when a personal car is taken by an employee. After I pass the driving test (more about that in another post) which may take any time from 2 months to 5 months, I will be entitled to take a brand new car from our company showroom as per my eligibility i.e. either a Toyota Camry, Ford Mondeo or Kia Opirus (as all these brands are being distributed by my company in Oman). After one gets the car he is eligible to get 60 Rials for petrol. The cost of petrol is 10 litres for one Rial (around Rupees 12 per litre). Folks pay more for water per month than they spend on fuel.
(c) Settling Down Allowance. A one time allowance for purchasing kitchen items and bed material is also provided which is quite substantial.
(d) Timings. The job is 5 days week starting from Sunday. Timings are 8.30 AM to 6.00 PM every day. Friday and Saturday are the weekly off days. My off days are spent in household adm as I am staying alone at present and the house is as big as a playground. Luxury also has its pitfalls !!
Messing. I am dining in one of the single officers messes which is close to the house and I pay around 30 Rials per month for food. The company has an arrangement to pick up hot food from the mess and it reaches my office well in time. The only flip side is that it is Malayali fare as the majority of the single guys are my 'Mallu' friends. But I have gotten used to it and am liking it. That is better than having to cook my own meals. As it is mornings are a mad rush as the coaster leaves dot at 0755 hrs.
So thats it. I hope all your apprehensions have been addressed and curiosity satisfied.
