Hi She knows best. I need some help please. I moved to Dubai about 6 months ago and I am really thinking about leaving and go home. I know people have said to me that it takes at least 6 months to 1 year to feel like this place is home, but I dont know if this move was the right thing for me. I am frustrated with the practices at work and it’s nothing like what they said it would be when I interviewed with them. I took a salary cut and honestly, thought I would be able to make it work. Turns out, dubai is so expensive and I can barely afford groceries or a taxi. I told one of my colleagues that I will schedule a meeting with HR, and she said “if you do that, the senior leadership will force you to leave”. I miss my family and my friends, I cannot help but think if I did the right thing? Has anyone been in this position before, does it get better or should I go home?
@lottlucyknowsbest
I think all of us have felt like this at one point or another. Moving to a new country is a really big deal and it’s harder than some people think. You are trying to figure out new cultures, societal norms, juggling a new job and colleagues, making friends, it’s so much. What I would say is that life in Dubai is not what people think it is, it’s really hard to manage out here unless you earn a lot of money and work in a stable company. Many friends of mine have moved back home, some have relocated families and pets back to their home countries because financially they couldn’t survive and it didnt make sense for them. Only you know the right thing to do, but I would suggest going for a short break home and seeing how you feel whilst you are home, does the reality of being home change your mind or does it give you the answers you are looking for?
Yes I agree, if you visit home it can help you to see why you moved away in the first place. All of us came to Dubai with the hope of a better safe life, however that isnt the position that many people are in. Safe yes but financially many many people are not able to save or are living from salary to salary every month. It’s sad but true.
Hi, so about 5 years ago I was at a point where I tried to live in Germany and it just didn’t seem to sit right with me. I was so miserable and I really missed my country. Yes I have to admit, I was miserable for a long time. It got to a point where I talked to a few friends and I actually thought it through and finally I said I would give it another 3 months. However this time I would REALLY give it a go. So I went and explored. I went out a lot more. I even made more friends. I made an effort to eat the local cuisine and make time to go to local events. After the 3 months I really didn’t like it still, so I just decided to leave. And you know what that choice actually ended up being the right decision for me. So my advice to you is go with your gut, if you feel being in UAE isnt right for you then give it some time and make an effort to really see if its the place for you. If it isnt, the world is a big wide world and you can explore anywhere you like.
Thank youuu, maybe I need to start making an effort to enjoy life in dubai more. Maybe youre right. I hear u. I think it’s the disappointment that I thought things would be different, the company sold me a dream and I guess I fell for it. I dont know how long I can keep trying for tho, I will try my best and I appreciate your advice x
Darling look dubai isnt for everyone. and thats okay. some like it and some hate it. and if it isnt for you, spread your wings and find somewhere that is and somewhere where you will be appreciated for the work you do. just my opinion and dont want to upset you x
Havent upset me at all, I hear youx
Hi there! I moved to Dubai 1 year ago for my boyfriend. Left my job and everything back home, thinking that I was dreaming to move here before. It was a dream coming true. Changed my career as well, trying to work on my online coaching business. Went to lots of events, always meeting new people but never being able to create meaningful connections. Friend is a big word for me. So quite hard to make a friends. I enjoyed it in the first 3 months, not having the pressure to work (even tho I really want to). I still feel so confused and sad, I miss my family and friends and I dont really understand why I can’t feel better. It feels empty for me. But it’s just my personal experiense with some anxiety attacks on top. Im pretty sure Dubai can be a blessing for someone while a nightmare for another.. yes, everything is very expensive. Listen to your gut! Another thing: your body speaks all the time. I knew that something its not coming together when anxiety appeared and my face exploded with acne. It takes a lot of inner work to balance everything. Good luck! Take care of yourself. Always follow your intuition. Go home for a short period of time if possible and see how you feel.
Thank you so much for replying back to me, I really didnt know who else to speak to. I am thinking to go home after Christmas, it’s just been hard to save money for the flight ticket as my salary is so low. I knew coming out here would be hard, I knew the salary would be tight…but it’s just been so so hard. I am sorry it hasnt been easy for you too. It makes me feel so much better to know others know how I am feeling. Thank you sis x