I just spent the past 10 days with my sister and nephew enjoying spring break here in Abu Dhabi. I think we did everything on the list (including the all-important CaliBurger — Carter’s favorite fast food fix. It’s as close as we get to In N Out without the plane flight to CA).
But with their departure this morning, I realized that we are now at the most crucial point in planning for next year. We have about 30 days until Ramadan starts and then 30 more days until school is out. In my experience, everything goes into hiatus/hibernation during Ramadan so I’m really hoping something concrete comes our way during the next 4 weeks.
As of now there are two very strong possibilities: Josh has been interviewing with a US company that has an office here in Abu Dhabi and is waiting to see if they will ask him to fly back to the US to conduct further interviews in person. Over the past few weeks this one has leaped ahead in potential. He’s had two extensive interviews via phone and my initial concern that the job wasn’t a good fit was eased by hearing that they want someone just like Josh — a person who easily networks and has existing relationships with people in the region. Done.
He also has a connection within the UAE military and is interested in a new position that they are creating. Nothing has developed with this one over the past month as Josh has been out of the country, but now that he’s back we’re hoping a meeting will take place that will give him a better idea of what the job would be, whether they actually want to hire him, and whether the timing will work out for a start date of this summer/fall. We think they want him, but it’s sort of like shopping in the souk: “You like it? Don’t worry about price, we will work it out.” As an American I like to have a bit more concrete information before I get my heart set on something. For all I know, in their minds it’s a done deal, but I need someone to actually say that out loud before I count on it as a sure thing.
The countdown is on: 10 weeks until California!