Expatriate life can be a life changing event for many. Over the course of years, I have met many expats living in different parts of the world and have never come across two similar stories. Each expat story spells out a different tale of living far away from home land.
This is story of an expatriate British couple – Scott and Elizabeth Blum, who lived in Qatar for six years. I met them at the age of 5, when I first began my expatriate life in Qatar and had the privilege to know about their experiences through this special interview.
Here is the interview with the Blums’:
Why did you decide to live and work in another country?
To have an adventure, to have a change, and to find out in detail what it was like to live abroad. We went to a country with a completely different culture and we wanted to see what it felt like to live in the Muslim world.
What was your profession? Did you face any challenges or difficulties in your field of career as an expat?
Scott worked for the National Oil company at first, as a senior member of their Human Resources department. After a few days he was asked to work on special projects, and was soon working for the Energy and Industry sector as a Qatarization strategist, and then after two years he took on further responsibilities with the Planning Council of the State of Qatar.
The challenges were many, both in the expectations of the State, and the targets that had been set. There were difficulties, and overcoming these became one of the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of Scott’s work. Elizabeth went to Qatar as a Wife. It was the first time she was without an income of her own, which was extremely scary.
“I don’t play golf, tennis or bridge and so took plenty of books, art materials and needlework materials. I was told women don’t do professional jobs in Qatar unless you can teach, and so I taught both in schools and the British Council. Later I found a few Human Resource management assignments.”
The main challenge for a “trailing spouse” was getting interesting work.
What are the perks of being a British Expat in the Middle East?
The perks are financial of course, and also to live a different life in a country which is growing.
Would you recommend the countries you have stayed in to others?
Yes, we really had a good experience. But it has changed, so others would have to decide what they wanted to get out of it now.
What are your tips for expatriates?
Take every opportunity to work and socialise with local people to get the best experience. Don’t expect it to be like home.
How do you combat with home sickness?
We didn’t experience home sickness as home is where you lay your head at night. If you do have home sickness, go home.
What is the down side of being an expat living in a foreign country?
You must accept it is their country, not yours. And they make the rules.
What are your favourite tourist destinations around the world?
Sri Lanka Bali ; Indonesia ; Penang, Malaysia ; Salalah, Oman ; Anywhere in Italy ; Beirut, Lebanon.
The story of Scott and Elizabeth Blum is yet another drop in the vast ocean of people who leave their home land and reside in other countries to make a living. It inspires me to know how strong one has to be in order to cope with change and to liquify themselves into a new code and conduct of a country. As an expatriate, one should carry their “home” in their hearts, or as the Blums said, “home is where you lay your head at night”.
Happy Travelling!
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