Contractor work... In Iraq/Afghanistan?

neurotictim · #1 09-27-2010, 05:21 PM

Need some more input in my search for new employment.

I've been shopping around for a new job - one closer to my daughter in KY - and a guy a used to work for, a retired Navy Chief, emailed me with info on working as a civilian contractor in Iraq or Afghanistan.

I won't go into much specifics, but here's the gist:

New contract, 100 positions to fill.
Working as a technician/repairman on electronics at the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs)
No weapons, no convoy guarding or any combat ops. In fact, only an O6 or above can even authorize me leaving the FOB.
I will have to wear a flak jacket and helmet during transit, so there is an element of danger (aside from the obvious - working in a war zone)
It's not Blackwater (or whatever they're calling themselves these days)
The contract is for a year in-country, with a 21-day furlough back home at some point (time to be negotiated in the contract)

The pay starts at $150K, the first $90K of which is tax-exempt.

Obviously, pay like that is kind of a big deal.

But I'm not really a "gotta have lots of money" guy - nothing wrong with it, but if my bills are all paid and I can indulge my GAS every now and then, I'm happy. I've been investing via TSP, and am looking okay (not great, but okay) for retirement in 20 or 30 years.

I want to move closer to my daughter, who just turned 13 and lives with her mom in KY, and I'm about to be engaged to a great girl who I love dearly, who (coincidentally) comes from some serious money. I was planning on starting college for my EE degree in the spring...

And I'm concerned - this is a 1-year contract job, so I'll be jobless when I return - I'd have to quit my current job to go, and I won't have time while I'm there to do the job search thing. I won't be able to command $150K in the "real-world" market, but I'm expecting to squirrel most of the pay away, in investments maybe or just plain ole' savings account, but I don't know how marketable I'd be after spending a year out of country. I know that if I were to go, I wouldn't want to end up draining my hard-earned money just paying bills while looking for a job, either.

Also, I don't know if I want to put off my plans for another year, delay college, getting married, and getting to know my daughter again, for a big chunk of change. Granted, it's a LARGE chunk of change, but aside from my car payment, I'm debt-free, and I've been really looking forward to moving on.

Any of you guys (or gals) have any experience/insight into this particular dilemma?

As of the writing of this post, I've only spoken to the retired Chief, who I respect immensely, and one other friend. I have some friends who have done some deployment time in-theater, but if anyone can contribute, it would be appreciated.

Joe Gress · #2 09-27-2010, 05:28 PM

My uncle is most likely going this route once my aunt dies.

MJ5150 · #3 09-27-2010, 05:36 PM

I know guys who have done it, but they don't have any of the commitments you do. They talked about how great the money is, but also how terrible the living conditions were when they were there.

You should look past the money and seriously consider the fact that you can die while you are there.

-Mike

neurotictim · #4 09-27-2010, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I know guys who have done it, but they don't have any of the commitments you do. They talked about how great the money is, but also how terrible the living conditions were when they were there.

You should look past the money and seriously consider the fact that you can die while you are there.

-Mike

A point I had not forgotten, trust me.

Also, Mike, check your PMs in a minute.

DigMe · #5 09-27-2010, 05:43 PM

In light of all the things you laid out it seems like it doesn't make sense at all for you to go. It would move you much further frm your daughter who you want to be closer to and it would separate you from your fiancé for a year. Add to that your statement that money isn't a big deal and it seems like you're clean out of reasons to actually do it.

bc

Unrepresented · #6 09-27-2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DigMe

In light of all the things you laid out it seems like it doesn't make sense at all for you to go. It would move you much further from your daughter who you want to be closer to and it would separate you from your fiancé for a year. Add to that your statement that money isn't a big deal and it seems like you're clean out of reasons to actually do it.

bc

+1.

It would move you even further from your daughter and fiance if something bad were to happen out there to you. This sounds like a great gig for someone who wouldn't be missed, or doesn't have a lot to sacrifice. It sounds like you're not in either camp.

MIJ-VI · #7 09-27-2010, 07:39 PM

Nearly everything is more important than money...

kesslari · #8 09-27-2010, 07:41 PM

Reading your post, I think you're already clear on what will best serve you, your life, and your dreams. Go with what your heart is telling you.

tplyons · #9 09-27-2010, 07:44 PM

I'd do it in a heartbeat, but you have something more important keeping you here.

Doesn't seem like the right deal for you.

Deluge Of Sound · #10 09-27-2010, 07:50 PM

Last time I checked, The Middle East is further away from Kentucky than Virginia Beach.

syciprider · #11 09-27-2010, 11:35 PM

Someone I know did this for 5 years and is now semi retired @ 50.

bassteban · #12 09-27-2010, 11:54 PM

And you have a kid/kids? I vote hell no.

neurotictim · #13 09-28-2010, 11:13 AM

The more I talk to people, especially people who've been around a while, the less I think of this idea.

Some of the guys I work with have been working with the DoD for 20+ years, and they have stories about why that large sum of $ is just not worth it, both from anecdotal and personal experience. Some of the people I work with have been there, and didn't think it was all that bad - but they're also the ones that didn't have family or plans, who were just getting by on a day-to-day basis.

Virtually everyone with wives and/orchildren at home are advising me to pass this one over.

Not 100% decided, but leaning heavily towards no.

CrashClint · #14 09-28-2010, 12:30 PM

I have someone who is very close to me, they spend time in both Iraq and Afghan in a job similar to yours. They are very safe when over there, of course there is travel between the sites. They have qualified with an M4 which they carry only when traveling. The money is really good and the living conditions are not horrible.

If it were not for the fact I am part owner in my company, I would have already been there.