The important thing is to learn from our mistakes (or shall I say, wrong choices!).Here’s a common dilemma: I want to see the world but not at my expense, or I want to see the world but I don’t have the money. Many foreigners work abroad for a while so they can travel the world and have something that looks good on their resume. However, after you have been working somewhere for a few months or a year or so you may wonder if the place is right for you.
For many of us our lifestyle depends on the job we have. Some of you may have housing and easy transportation (e.g., service buses/driver) provided for you. Some work situations may even provide a maid.
The most common complaints I’ve run into have been the following that facilities are more modern than back home but a different mentality prevails or that staff morale is low because the work atmosphere is less than nurturing?
I receive letters from expats who have mixed feelings about whether they should go or stay. Here are a few comments from some Today’s Zaman readers:
Kay writes: “I feel like a fraud, living in the largest apartment I have ever had with access to a gym, an outdoor pool, a clubhouse and a maid. I live in a satellite town where many other expatriate co-workers reside. Participating in drinking sessions, however, is an essential aspect of socializing with the people we live around. I am not really into this. As for my Turkish work colleagues, they are friendly. But I sometimes feel that it is hard to really get to know them. I do not feel like my ideas are appreciated or considered for implementation.”
Johnny explains in his letter that he feels frustrated on his job because he feels like he has been hired to be the token foreigner. He did not realize this when he was being courted for the position. Johnny doesn’t just want to be a “yes” man. He is unsure whether to move on or give it another year. He says, “I can’t get any work done because of the bureaucracy and office politics.”
And a discontent reader writes: “I work in a translation office with six other people. Only two of us are not Turks. I like to think of myself as someone who has always enjoyed working and I thought that I would enjoy a new experience in a different country. But I am finding that it may not be cut out to be what it ought to be. It seems the morale is constantly low and I am getting depressed. I dread going to work in the morning.”
Dear Today’s Zaman readers, whether you work back home or abroad these things can make life absolutely miserable. It is hard when you like your job but have to spend most of your time with unbearable co-workers and in depressing work environments. After all how are you supposed to get any work done when these guys keep getting in the way? Sounds like you feel others are impeding productivity and progress. If you are undecided, unsure or discontent, here are a few ideas that have helped me recognize if I should stay on or start packing.
Co-workers are annoying
We all know that in a team setting not everyone gets along perfectly. Striving to have some sort of harmonious relationship with fellow employees is necessary to get the job done. Every workplace has a gossiper and a whiner. On top of that, there’s the neighbor whose noisy distractions include his cell phone’s ring tone, speakerphone and radio. Don’t forget the smoker -- the smell of smoke on the clothes is very off putting.
The environment is oppressive
We all experience job highs and lows, but discontent could also be a sign of a chronically depressing work environment. Maybe the company you work for is in peril. Is morale constantly low? Have you been complaining for one year or more?
Feeling more tired than usual
It is possible you feel more tired than usual by the end of the day. When working in a different culture you can feel mentally exhausted by the end of the day because you are dealing in two languages and cultures. This is tiring and stressful.
If you are finding yourself in this situation, maybe you should move on. You have a few travel options. You could turn in your resignation and go home and start watching the travel programs on Discovery Channel. Be sure to buy a lottery ticket. Wait and if you win you can travel at your own expense. Or you can...
