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 ...