Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.
-Erick Golnik
When you’re young, educated, well traveled and begin to enter the real world…you are usually vibrant…alive…certain that all doors will open up to you…your return home will be celebrated…you are full of ideas…full of plans…you are going to revolutionize the rules…set up a new company…freshen up the system…and your 60 something boss will absolutely adore you…he will be flexible to the new strategic planning you came up with and your different approach with clients, patients, potential buyers...And if you are really lucky he may act as your mentor....
(NOT !!!!)
Numerous graduates…both females and males have started generally the same way…Their eyes glittering with energy…they are up before sunrise…they help out with the family…They feel patriotic…their name shall be written…they would be praised…they know its going to be hard but they have faith...with them... things will be different…It’s a new era…the country is opening up…There is a new king and people are moving forward in a prompt pace…It should work out fine…It HAS to work out fine….
(NOT!!!!)
Saudi Arabia is one of those countries that has been controlled for a long time by older generations…and I am not emphasizing only on the politics…Education, sports, Health, Arts, Economy and Business…All have old staffs…Old mobs…not yet retired…and will never till they reach their death bed...
Most of them had their positions before I was born…If not higher ranks…Most of them corrupted the system so much that it is suicidal to remove them now…Everything will fall apart and it will be chaos…Most of them would greet you on your first day the same way…with warmth…smiles…and encouragement…
You feel fabulous…You don’t understand why so many young Saudi generations flee the country…move to neighbouring countries…or have something on the side…You think that they have a negative approach…and should have persisted like you did…since you believe in yourself and believe in the future....
Days….weeks…and months pass…You still feel great…you love your work…you're setting up your company...you opened a new door…you handed in your research…you broadcasted a new product…media has talked about you…people are loving it…you're receiving the positive energy and the vibe feels right…just a couple of paper work and it will all be settled…
Two years has passed…the light in your eyes has dimmed…The papers have not been answered...you re- contact your boss…ask him what he thinks…you try different authorities…different conducts…you cannot move forward without consent…They say that they are just busy at the moment…but they will revise it soon…so you wake up in the morning sleep at night and work day in and day out to achieve one positive step ... but find yourself going backwards get with two...you mingle with the cliché…you have to…or else what social life would you have?…you still believe that they will help you…they will understand you…You are not doing anything wrong…on the contrary….you are bringing something new to the table…You have faith…
Three years…. your spirit is gone…You see things as they are…you adapt…you struggle…Nuisance start appearing in your life…(because you are young…you are different…and you still believe in yourself and did not breakdown…) You bended a bit too much the rules…you're making ripples…and trying to find your way around... that is not very satisfactory… Professionally they cant accuse you …since you are doing your work…so little stings are aimed on a daily basis for you to feel irritated and quit….but you don’t!!!…(because you are young…you are different…and you still believe in yourself and did not breakdown…) With time the stings become daggers….but you still hold on…. (because you are young…you are different…and you still believe in yourself and did not breakdown….)
Four years….They are aiming at your personal life….you wake up as if in a coma….the alarm in your head has rang in full alertness …every cell in your body is telling you to get out...you pack your bags (if you can) and leave…or you stay…because of circumstances, family or society...and bear a grudge…you become suspicious…you mingle with corruption...you have to get into the mould...The color has left your face…you find a double meaning in everything said and done and you become cynical at 26 years old…
(This post is for my friends and acquaintances…that came…saw…and left)
11 comments:
wow, thought you were talking about another country there for an instance, and being one who just passed 26, it touched a raw nerve. i hope that's not what awaits me..right next door to ksa.
Sorry bout tha snob bit. U just described my last three years.
:)
It'snot very different in other countries if that helps :))))
Keep fighting, keep pushing, the wheels of revolution moe soooooooooooo slow but dont ever doubt that they do move.
Keep smiling
What makes you think any other part of the world is different ? lol.
why did u stop writing? I visit ur blog almost daily but still no new posts? Should I give up?
mr fur : well..I am just saying what happened to a lot of new generation...but maybe your story will be different my friend...;) x
anonymous: its alright..no grudges :P...stay strong there is a light in the tunnel..:)
shameena: love your optimism..your absolutely right...keep it up girl ! x
someguyfromplanet: I do not :P x
Fahd mirza: would be glad to help...just send me an email to masha_ksa@yahoo.com
anonymous: never give up ;)...wont quit till I say so or post so :P...but i do apologise I am much much slower then usual..but smth new soon promise x
everyone has to put in time when they start out working at lame jobs. even brilliant ppl.
and what u describe could have been experienced in any western country too. its not just a ksa thing imho.
dont give up tho so that when you are a senior person at work u will remember this and treat young ppl well. i do. :)
seniority and respect of your peers comes not only w/ hard work and great ideas but also with experience. u have to get a bunch of years on the job under your belt b4 u get promotions.
just dont give up. u sound like an awesome person.
cheers.
anonymous: thank you for your inspiring words...keep it up x
u have a talent with saying things like they are.. so many of your sentiments rang absolutely true..
amazing to say the least..
Dude.. this one struck a chord. I want to discuss in detail because i'm on the verge of leaving too..
and then you start thinking, maybe I should marry a non-Saudi to get out!
But alas, there's even more and more paperwork and humiliation to endure, and the strong possibility of rejection.. not to mention, what the people will say. Saudi girl, you are doomed!
Mashael, you're describing my future when I finally return. I have to endure these feeling every time I return to Saudi for a visit.
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