UAEbound

Spent six months living there. Everything you just said/read is true. A bigger issues for contract laborers than expats, but still an issue.

As long as you are a straight, white, non-jewish, male that has no interest in being in the private company of women, and no interest in politics, freedom, or human rights issues, and are comfortable waking up, doing your work, and going home again - you'll probably be fine in the UAE.

So I know that I'm going to be significantly more unhappy in Dubai than I will be here in the Midwest - I don't spend 50% of what I make already - I certainly don't need anymore money, and neither am I likely to spend it. In fact, I'm going to be miserable, but, "Everyone has a price" - means that, offer me enough money, (and $50K/year is about in the right space), and I'll trade misery for money.

I think this is mostly related to ethics, but it can also refer to having you do something that you normally wouldn't do that is ethical, but you can be paid off to do.

I have an example - I'm an average software engineer in the midwest making $170K/year in a great field, and I've been offered a position in Dubai, in an outdated industry, making somewhat less salary, but 0% taxes and a housing and travel allowance.

Here is the thing - I love my current job, love the field, love the local weather, culture, apartment. I really don't want to move, don't really like the new field, really don't like living in Dubai (lived there for six months) - but, Net of Travel/Allowance/Salary/Housing/Taxes, I'll be making $50K more in pocket

At a certain point, money can buy your unhappiness. I guess we'll see if $50K is enough to do that for me.