Your lifestyle depends on the job you have. If you work for a prestigious school or medical firm or are a consultant to a large firm, you may live in the biggest house you have ever lived in. You may have easy transportation (services buses, etc. or even a driver) provided for you. Some work situations may even provide a maid! Some may not be so fortunate. You may work in a smaller office or school with not so many privileges and benefits. I’ve received letters from expats who have expressed many mixed feelings about whether they should go or stay.
Amy writes: “I feel something of a fraud, living in the largest apartment I have ever had with access to a cycle room, outdoor pool, clubhouse and a maid. I live in a satellite town where many other expatriates reside. Participating in drinking sessions, however, is an essential aspect of socializing with the people we live around. Sadly I am not really into this. As for my work colleagues, the people I work with are friendly and easy to get along with. But I sometimes feel that it is hard to really get to know the expats. Also I do not feel like my Turkish colleagues appreciate my ideas. Few of them are implemented. Unsure about what to do. Should I continue at the same place or not?” Amy -- frustrated.
Jason shares the following: “Inevitably, there are low points to my time here. Everything works slower and there are some people who are simply impossible to work with. During the last term, I went away for a week and this helped get some perspective. I returned ready to identify those I worked well with and to work around people I found difficult. I still have not decided if I will stay on longer or not. What are your thoughts?” Jason -- undecided.
Michael explains in his letter: “Although I do have a regular, weekly teaching program, I can guarantee many unexpected surprises, some are pleasant ones. The surprises have included: a last-minute planned visit with the children to a museum to see an exhibition, repair work with lots of banging in the classroom next to mine, an unannounced visitor to the class, etc… In other words I have learned to expect the unexpected and start to marvel at a hint of routine! I am the type of person who likes routine and order and find it hard when it is not.”
J. J. shares her work experience and time, saying: “My job is OK. I am not really challenged as I would like to be. I like what I do but not necessarily where I work. But my social diary can get very crowded if I don’t restrict the number of invitations I accept. Turks are so hospitable but there are times when my digestive system cries ‘halt!’ My friends range across the social spectrum. Housemaids, gardeners, drivers are delighted when we join their families for special celebrations and invitations come from every quarter.”
Each of the individuals who have written in is faced with what is the next step. They have had some good times and bad times. They are unsure if they want to continue in what they are doing. To a degree some of their problems could be encountered anywhere, but when we live and work in a different culture, it brings new challenges. To help you make your decision about continuing on, depending on your work situation, a few questions to ask yourself:
* How drastic would the consequences of your leaving be for your clients, customers or pupils?
* Would you be missing out on potentially better career opportunities if you stay?
* Is there someone else who could readily step in and take on your work without incurring too great a burden?
* Is it the right time to not renew the contract? Only you can determine whether you are prepared to end a relationship that might be valuable to you in the future.
From unbearable co-workers to depressing work environments, there are things that can make even the best job a living hell. I hope you are not in that situation, but if you are let’s see what can be done. It will all work out. Don’t despair!
Note: Keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
