Don't do it. Any school here that would house you off compound would be crap anyway, your wife and kids will be a prisoner in your tiny, sub standard apartment (which is all you will be able to afford if you're working at the type of school that would house a westerner off compound.)

Yes, you will be able to hire daily help but it will technically be illegal since you are not sponsoring them yourself. Especially living off compound your family will be a novelty and all eyes will be on you.

There are very good reasons that 99% of expats live on compounds in KSA, safety is one of them. The US consulate in Jeddah was attacked in 2004 and it was considered a "non-accompanied post" for diplomatic employees until recently. There is no shortage of Saudis who believe that non-Muslims have no business being here.

If I were you, I would either go to Abu Dhabi or find a decent school with a decent wage (then tutoring can be the icing on the cake if you want) and on-compound housing in Saudi. Good luck to you and your family whatever you decide.

Jeddah is liberal in the sense that you don't have to wear the hijab (headscarf) all the time off compound (best to carry one with you though in case you run into the religious police.) You still do of course need to wear an abaya. There is an expat theater group, a choir, and the teachers at the British school tend to be a lively bunch. There are also lots of Embassy functions to attend, which can be really fun to break the monotony of home brewed wine and beer.

There are also a few private beach clubs where you can hang out in a bathing suit and its also a great place to scuba dive. Camping on the weekends is also a fun option.

Check out the blogs Susie of Arabia (she lives in Jeddah) and Blue Abaya (Riyadh) to get a taste for what life in Saudi will bring.

If you are a great teacher with IB experience, you will get hired. I have 3 dependants. I also have over 11 years of IB teaching experience at some great international schools and a Masters. When I job hunt, I look at it as though I need to work 3x as hard as the average international school teacher. That means a very professional website with photos, videos, CV, sample PYP lessons, personal philosophy, references. I also start very early in the hiring season (signing up with Search usually) so I can stay at my current school if nothing pans out before I need to re-sign my contract.

Another thing to think about is what added value your partner will bring to the school. I've seen partners as teaching assistants, coaches, secretaries, after school activities coordinators, etc. Make the school want both of you, even if your partner isn't a bona fide teacher. If this means getting your partner some TA experience or improving her English, get on it. You won't regret it.

Over the years I've seen plenty of families with a dependent spouse and one or two kids on the circuit. Don't get discouraged, get your experience and skills up to par (IB IB IB) and get out there! Good luck.