Who are you?
Hi! I’m Lenny and I am working the in HR field and a graduate of a Psychology major. I am 3 years happily married and juggling my expat life between being a career oriented woman and a housewife. I love writing as much as I love eating. My favorite foods include pasta in all forms, and coffee is my heaven sent gift. I am my most comfortable self when I write, it gives me a sense of freedom, responsibility and self-awareness.Where, when and why did you move abroad?
I was in my home country, Philippines, when I and my husband decided to find our new life and move abroad. It was in 2014 when we finally took the leap of faith. We landed in Qatar with only our hand carry bags and tons of dreams. What made us to push through our plans was our economic position back then. We had big dreams and we wanted to fulfill them by finding great opportunities abroad.
What challenges did you face during the move?
It was not easy, as I said many times there is no easy way when you are taking the first step. Nothing comes easy. Working hard, persistence, dedication and prayer are our keys towards this life-changing event. We went via tourist visa for a 30-day stay and the pressure over our heads kept getting heavier as each day passed. Within 30 days we had to find our jobs or else there would be no second choice. Our mind was set only to FIND A JOB nothing less – nothing more. Thankfully, on the 6th day I was hired and my husband was on the 14th day.
The big challenge in taking this decision is getting out of our comfort zones. We were stable and had established our careers in the Philippines but out of hunger to achieve greater accomplishments we took our lives frp, the comforts of our place and moved where we can explore more.
Are there many other expats in your area?
The majority in Qatar are expats.
What do you like about life where you are?
What I like the most in my life now is that I am now able to sustain our needs alongside reaching out to help our families. I like also the fact that I can be able to utilize my time more productively, aside from working inside the office, also serving my husband and my blog as my hobby.
Plus the fact that Qatar has a good system in terms of health and security, I have less worries about it. Qatar has also a lot of hidden gems and it’s a fact that nature and industrial spots provide great tours.
What do you dislike about your expat life?
Working abroad means you’ll get separated from your friends and families in your home country. I guess this is the saddest part and what I hate the most in my expat life. Although social media gives us a way to communicate with them, but there is no other feeling of contentment than when you got to embrace and feel the warm hugs of your friends and families.
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
The culture in Qatar totally differs from the culture where I grew up. The fact that this is a Muslim country takes a lot of adjustment from the dress codes up to the food where pork and liquor are not allowed (only if you have license to buy). Although it didn’t affect me that much, I have grown to love its conservative culture and got to learn where the proper places are to go around here.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Three things that you have to bear in mind. Be brave, take chances and have a great faith!
And remember, always think of your INSPIRATION, you are not here for a reason.
What are your plans for the future?
We have no plans yet on moving to another country or coming home for good. We intend to build our family here as expats and continue with our careers with the help of our God.
You can keep up to date with Lenny's adventures on her blog, Luckily Lenny.
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