Saturday, 23 August 2008

Independent Consulting/Cheaper Short-Term Housing in Accra

Some history is in order. 27 calendar days after hiyo siku, I signed a three month contract with an organization that does precisely what I had been looking for. A dream contract, if you may. Yes, prayers do get answered. I'd like to think they liked what I did after the three months juu they extended it for another five months till the last day of my OPT visa (allows you to legally work in the U.S. for a year after graduation). When the season came, I tried to persuade them to file for my H1-B (work) visa, even offering to pay for kila kitu including immigration lawyer fees. My immediate mdosi jaribud but word from huko mbele was that it's simply against the company policy. So I decided to do the jobo and have fun while at it. And fun it was. I loved the experience, met 'big' people, and even made a few important contacts for laters.

Sometimes before I left, ( my last day was a week ago) they floated the idea of sending me to Ghana to complete the final phase of the project. Bwana si I was excited. So the mpango right no is to get to Nai, work kiasi off-site, halafu go to Accra for like 2 months and then back nyumbani. Thing is, I am going as an independent consultant, that means sina benefits. Initially I thought it meant that I'm bila life and health insurance and the 401 (K) plan, but eventually as were talking it dawned on me that I'm gonna be meeting my housing expenses. Swali ni is this standard? If yes, anyone know of cheaper short-term living arrangement in Accra? Last time I was there, people talked of being required to pay a year's rent in advanced. If it turns out bad, shauri yako. I get to keep my daily U.S. rate lakini at the rates I saw for a decent hoteli two months ago, and with the Ghanaian cedi almost at par with the U.S. dollar, I would be giving way too much of my hard-earned $ to housing alone. I love the job, actually it has been my dream job, and I want to have been there a complete year. One way would be to work from Kenya till I absolutely have to be in Ghana. Help a woman out!

6 comments:

The Black Mamba said...

That is definitely not standard, unless I am spoilt. From what you've written, this doesn't sound like the right company to be working for.

Most people who have headed back home eventually get a job. It may take a few weeks to a few months but you will get something.

Anonymous said...

Ebu talk to Xs (www.amezidi.wordpress.com). He has been in Accra for a period, I guess he'd know. If it doesn't work out, feel free to come back home. Things aren't so bad.

All the best!

Amelia said...

i cant advice on this matter, but i hope you can get cheap accomodation Ghana and just run the course of the job. all the best! i envy you getting to work your dream job!

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog and want to encourage you that indeed you will find something in Kenya.It will take a while but eventually you will nail something.I am currently going through the very episode you are going through but I am still determined to be back in the Jamuhuri as of this Christmas.
On the accomodation in Accra-I have worked and lived in Ghana for a year-accomodation is not cheap.Most landlords/ladies insist on at least 6months rent. Only way out is if you shared a house with a friend/contact you may be having in Accra.

bomseh said...

All the best.

coldtusker said...

Ghana ain't cheap. Even a basic hotel is $50/day...

What did you do?