Job Searching in Abu Dhabi

Before I came out here, most people I know told me that I would have no problem finding a job and some even think that I would do very well. I can't say I was as confident: after all, it is in an unknown territory, and being a woman and a visible minority, I wasn't sure how my job search would turn out.

Now that I have done it, I can honestly say that once again, the general principles of things are valid here just as they are elsewhere. At the beginning stage of my job searching, I really did my homework reviewing my skills and experiences. Then along the process and talking to others, I positioned myself for a clear career path that was well suited to me. And once the goal was set, the rest was just networking and persistence.

Just like everyone else who's been in similar situation, I, too, went through some very negative emotional states including desperation, confusion and discouragement. My trick was that I anticipated, recognized and accepted them; and just give it a day or two before shaking them off and move on. Looking back, I can see that it was a great exercise for me to take a step back and really examine myself from all angles. (This is where I like to insert a quick quote,"Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.") So four months since I left Toronto, I signed on as a project manager for an international infrastructure engineering company. No doubt that there is a lot of challenges ahead, but boy, is it exciting!

I want to give a special shout-out to those of you who believed in me when I had doubts, and thank you for your honest opinions when I seek out help.

So it's official: my housewife job has come to a happy ending. Q, better dust off that "Help Wanted" sign of yours. Just kidding, sweetie, I can handle two jobs! :)