Our next Pinoy worker interview is with Paul who has been in the United Arab Emirates for 6 years now. He started working as an IT Professional in a construction company, but has now transferred to a new company still working in the same position.
Read about Paul’s story as he shares his thoughts about Dubai, plans for his future, and tips for fellow kabayans about working here.
Contents
- OFW Interview with Paul, an IT Technical Support Specialist in Dubai
- 1. Tell me about yourself.
- 2. Why did you come to Dubai?
- 3. What were your previous jobs?
- 4. How do you find your current job? Are you happy/satisfied with your it?
- 5. Are you able to save in Dubai? Why/How?
- 6. Is it difficult to live in Dubai? What are your struggles? What’s life like outside work?
- 7. What do you Like about Dubai?
- 8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?
- 9. What are your plans in your career/family/future?
- 10. Tips for Kabayans when working/finding work/living in Dubai?
OFW Interview with Paul, an IT Technical Support Specialist in Dubai
OFW Profile: IT Support Professional
Name: Paul
Education: Graduated BS Computer Science
How Long in Dubai: 6 years
Paul and photography in Dubai
1. Tell me about yourself.
Hi guys, my name is Paul, 30 years old, single but excited to get married soon. I have a son whom I really miss right now. I am currently working as an IT Technical Support Specialist in an Oil and Gas Company in Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA). Graduated 10 years ago (wow that’s quite long already) with a degree in Bachelors of Science in Computer Science. I’ve been here in Dubai for 6 years now.
2. Why did you come to Dubai?
In search of greener pasture and of course, experience life abroad and hopefully find my future wife (hahaha, just kidding). No seriously, I met her here.
3. What were your previous jobs?
I’ve worked as a Project Leader with a Japanese Software company based in Laguna, Philippines.
4. How do you find your current job? Are you happy/satisfied with your it?
My first job was with a construction company and its was tiring, stressful and way too much work to do for a small team which is the main reason why I left. But apart from it, the working environment and our relationship with the staff and management was good.
But now, I am in a different company. The role is still the same, as IT Support Staff but the work load is way to different from the first one. Less stress meaning I can do the work that I want to do, try and explore new stuff in IT, which I was not able to do in my previous company.
5. Are you able to save in Dubai? Why/How?
Partly yes and no. Shopping and eating out is very tempting, the reason why we can’t save that much. We can only save during leave schedule as we are paid to go on vacation for a month.
6. Is it difficult to live in Dubai? What are your struggles? What’s life like outside work?
It would have been a little difficult if I’m not living with my sisters, so I’m glad their here with me. Struggles? Hmmm, only home sickness as it’s the usual case working abroad. Life outside work? To ease the home sickness, we usually go out on a weekend for a dinner, get some drink on a bar or gatecrash a birthday party.
7. What do you Like about Dubai?
0% tax free, convenience (one-stop-shop) from high fashion items to cheap ones and it’s a place where you get a lot of benefits from the government even if your not giving a penny through tax.
8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?
The weather during summer. Sometimes it’s really unbearable. But other than the weather in summer, Dubai is really a home away from home. Only if Dubai can accommodate expats and upgrade their status to immigrant or citizenship but that’s way too far from reality.
9. What are your plans in your career/family/future?
As of now, whenever my future wife goes, I’ll follow and sad to say its not in Dubai. Don’t get me wrong, Dubai is still a great place to work and stay, its just that she was offered a work in another place. There we could start a family and maybe 2-3 children will do. Dubai’s future is promising as everyone is busy in preparation for Expo2020. Thus, we could see a boom is all business sectors.
10. Tips for Kabayans when working/finding work/living in Dubai?
- For those working, keep up the good work because Filipino’s are really known for their being hardworking staff in an organization.
- For those looking for work, habaan ang pasensya and maging matiyaga sa paghahanap. Remember sacrifice reaps success.
- For those living in Dubai, observe rules, traditions and culture wisely. The last three months we read stories of Filipino’s involved in illegal acts. Our advise is, be cautious about the country’s law, culture and tradition and avoid illicit affairs.
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*Photos provided by Paul.
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