Is It Still Justifiable To Stay?

Once a land full of opportunities, now many can't wait to get out. Why?

24-hr Salik ... 1-year rent paid upfront ... Rentals increase by 7% per year ... ID cards Dhs100 per year of visa validity ... Bureacratic regulations for everything from registering businesses to registering for childbirth in hospital ... Still unable to find a place without a hotel as landmark after 5 years here ... Getting charged for doing pushups in a park after jogging ...

While the weakened dollar is trying very hard to recover, cost of living here is getting higher ... I have been working here for 5.5 years and getting salary increment each year ... But the amount of money I bring home is still the same as my first pay check, even though my overall salary has increased by almost Dhs2k but due to the weakened dollar ... See how much I have lost? ... The exchange rate was S$1=Dhs2.12 in April 2004 vs S$1 = Dhs2.7 in Oct 2008 ... It is as good as not getting any pay rise for 5.5 years ...

When I first saw this place, I was amazed by how cosmopolitan it was ... Highrise buildings, good road conditions, multiculture communities, clean and modern airport, etc ...

Frankly, I did not do much homework before packing my bags and leaving for the airport bound for this part of the globe ... All I know was, I need this job and will brave whatever this place has in place for me ... Well, back then, I was glad I have made the right choice ...

I used to encourage anyone who inquire about working here to get out of their comfort zone and come explore the world ... Now, I hesitate to answer any inquiries ... My reply is always "this place is like Beverly Hills of Mid-E" ...

If your employer do not provide you with accommodation, transport allowance, medical insurance, etc ... Think twice about leaving your nest ... 1) It's hard to find a place within your budget in the area your want ... 2) It's better to drive than trying to flag for cabs esp. in places like Deira and Bur Dubai ... Chances are good provided you can spare 1 hour putting your arm out whenever an empty cab approaches ... 3) Wonder where the certs from the docs here come from? ... MBK printers? ... It always take me 1 mth to recover from a simple cough where back home, I'll get better in just 1 week ...

Of cos with the current economic turmoil, if you still have a job, hold on to it ... Companies are making all kinda excuses to downsize before they can justofy the act ... One friend has already been a victim after being loyal to her company for 4 years, declining headhunters and competitors' offers previously ...

Wishing all out there all the best and hold on to your belts tightly ... We never know when our heads at the edge of the axe ... But I always believe: When something's taken from you, something better is waiting for you out there ... Go reach for it and never turn back ...

Working for Who?

A friend told me she could not understand why I worked so hard for a company that do not appreciate my efforts ... My reply was I do not see myself as working solely for the company but also for my customers and myself ... The smiles on my customers gives me great satisfaction ... It means they have appreciated what little service I can do for them in a short period of time ... That I am able to make their journey a pleasant one ... A recognition to my performance too ...

Which one is better: dragging yourself to work or looking forward to going to work? ... The former is purely working for the sake of keeping the job but lack of fulfilment ... Eventually, you will come to resent what you do everyday ... The latter raises your life condition and gives you strong life force even before you start your working day ... No matter what amount of work given to you, you'll take it on with stride ... Just like how I handle a grumpy passenger with the biggest smile I can offer till he could not find anymore fault with me ...

Would you like to work for the sake of going to work cos it helps to settle your bills? ... Or would you like to make the best outta your work, looking forward to a fulfilling day no matter how tough it may be and also seeing your bank account grow? ...

Thank You My Dear Friends

During my most helpless moments while in a foreign land, I was blessed with the company of many friends around me ... Without these shoten zenjin (life's protective forces), I could not see myself still able to encourage others despite my current situation ... Even people I have yet to know have sent prayers for me ...

Your prayers have brought me out of darkness and gave me strength to face all obstacles ... Your presence have told me that I am not fighting the battle alone ...

My deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of you out there ...

True Friends

Everyone is surrounded by many friends ... But how close is your relationship with them? ... Are they your true friends or just acquaintances? ...

True friends are the ones who know they can rely on you just like you know you can always give them a call, not only for a cuppa coffee ... They never hesitate to lend you a helping hand but their never want any repayment from you ... All they wish is to see that you are safe and sound and happy ...

Your secrets are always safe with them ... They never forget your birthday ... Cook for you when you are sick ... Check on you if you have the right medication for your illness ...

Even if they do not call you everyday, they never fail to wonder how you are doing each day ... They respect your need for privacy and know that you will connect with them again once you are outta your cave ...

They are your sunshine during your rainy days ... They bring rain clouds to douse your flame of anger ...

Daily Quote: 25 Nov 2008

Failure is an instrumental part of every success. Whether our life has been a triumph or tragedy can only be judged at its very end.


Copyright @ Soka Gakkai International. All Rights Reserved.