Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
What happened to job security and employee loyalty?
Gone are the days of working for the same company until you draw a pension. Come to think about it – where have the guaranteed pensions gone to? The current instability across the globe, whether its political or due to the economic climate, is sadly creating widespread job losses.
With plummeting oil and gas revenues, the ongoing ‘Brexit’ drama (I wish they’d just get on with it), the appalling refugee crisis and the unexpected Trump as president collates to more uncertain times ahead, tightening of belts and cautionary measures.
Of course, this does not bode well for many of us living and working as expats far away from home, when job losses occur, additional worries arise. Excuse me if I’m coming across all melancholy, these thoughts were triggered upon hearing of a dear friend’s employment contract being terminated and witnessing the turmoil that follows.
Merry Christmas indeed! As expats with school age children, they are, of course without a doubt everyone’s priority and when faced with being unwillingly repatriated it’s especially hard on them.
Unfortunately, not many employers give any consideration to the fact you have a child half way through their GCSEs or A Levels. Tears and frustrations appear as the reality of saying goodbye to their buddies, dropping out of their sports teams and even ending those first romances just wasn’t on their horizon.
Parents assess the financial implications whilst organising the practical side of suddenly leaving a country they had without thinking made home.
Terminating leases and utility contracts, closing local bank accounts, selling cars, furniture and arranging international movers and even pet relocators, all whilst furtively making arrangements back in your home country for school places and figuring out where on earth you are going to live.
Oh, and let’s not forget, you are most probably busily applying for a new job too. Emotionally, you are being pulled in every direction whilst trying to support the children, reassuring them that everything is going to be all right.
This is when the good friends you have made in Bahrain will be right there for you, in so many ways. Cherish the memories you have made and look forward to the new beginnings …
