The Dubai Surprise Early 2006 and I thought that being a graduate of the Top School for Civil Engineering in the Philippines, landing a good job will be easy. But as it goes in the Philippines, it's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know. It was like chasing shooting stars looking for a job in Manila together with the 5,000 or so Civil Engineering Licensure Exam Passers. Of course, most of the good positions, for fresh graduates, were already taken by those who either graduated with honors, had their OJT (On the Job Training) in that company, a relative of the Manager, a friend of a friend of the person who referred whoever or someone who's just luckier than I am, perhaps. Haha So not wanting to waste time and energy in the bustling streets of Manila, I accepted a job offer (Haha, through a relative's referral) from a small private construction company in our province and landed a job. They take projects from the Local Government and construct and repair roads and bridges and public school rooms and buildings. I was called "Project Engineer" and my job was just to oversee the progress of the job and make sure our guys are working and following the plans. But as the days passed, I was also asked to do stuff from bidding documents up to collection of payment. The salary was extremely low, but hey, it's a job and everyone needs to start somewhere. Ok, the salary was Php 6,000 per month with some transport and food allowance, from time to time. At the rates that time it's around $135 USD per month. Yes, you read it right, it's PER MONTH! :) Most of it went to my mother. Being the eldest and the first University Graduate of the family, it's like a thing that I was able to contribute financially to our family - It's something quite normal in the Philippines, especially to families who aren't really well-off. At this time, I still had my dream of travelling the world, but I kind of accepted that it will take quite a long time to do so. First and foremost, I am not capable of it financially; even travelling around the 7,107 Islands of the Philippines was highly improbable. The second reason, the limited number of countries that my passport can take me, visa-free. Then one day, after a tiring day at work, I arrived home and got welcomed by my father's friend. He went to our humble home as he heard from someone in our town (small talk can travel from end to end in small towns, haha) that I am a Licensed and Certified Engineer and I haven't been successful yet in looking for a good job. Well, I told him that I do have a job; it's just not that flash. Still, I do learn something. Then there came his words that surprised me. He told me that his brother just went to Dubai to work for a big project and his boss asked him if he knows young engineers who are keen to work overseas. I thought I was dreaming. I had no answer but "Yes!" He gave me his brother's email and asked me to send him my CV. After 2 days, I got a reply saying that his boss was interested in hiring me and offered me a salary more than 10 times what I'm earning! I thought I was still dreaming. With my couple of month's experience, he wanted to hire me and work for a really big project, in DUBAI! And then the processing of the work visa and documents took place. It wasn't really that much of a task as the company did everything for me. All I had to do was provide them with my personal information and some papers like my birth certificate and University Diploma and my grades. They even paid for my airfare to Dubai! At first I thought I was lucky. I was wrong. I am BLESSED! :)
6 responses to “The Dubai Surprise”
drix
July 13th, 2011 at 00:20
So how about NZ Surprise.. ? 🙂
” A humble beginnings deserves happy endings..”
lifeoftin
July 13th, 2011 at 01:23
Papi Drix, the NZ Surprise will come soon. At the moment, I am recalling all the funny and happy memories of my life in Dubai… 🙂 Thank you for reading my blog! 🙂 Miss you!
Joanne
July 21st, 2011 at 07:48
hello.. 🙂
just read your blog…
“it’s not WHAT you know, it’s WHO you
know”—so TRUE…
INSPIRING… 🙂
lifeoftin
July 21st, 2011 at 09:52
Thank you Joanne. 🙂 Well, it’s the reality in the Philippines, as we both know. I wouldn’t have gotten that job in Dubai if not for my father’s friend. But we have to also take note, that this is on a case to case basis. Thank you for reading my blog. My website will be up and working soon. Please like my page on facebook though, search for The Life of Tin. 🙂
Joanne
July 21st, 2011 at 13:55
always got inspired whenever i read your blogs…
u’ve been one of my inspiration before when i was studying,
and i think more on being an ICON for me now..
i want to be brave, independent as you 🙂
its so hard to find a “career” here…i’m feeling it right now.. haha!
but, i’ll take it easy..we really have to WAIT!
coz PATIENCE IS REALLY A VIRTUE.. :):):)
keep it up!looking forward for ur next blog..
GOD BLESS..
lifeoftin
July 21st, 2011 at 22:19
Thank you! Thank you! That means a lot. 🙂