[edcjatsg]

I'm a 23 yr old guy. As soon as graduated as a bachelor (degree) student, I quickly scatter my resume around at a foreign land i thought it would enhance my experience and for a better life, freedom. Currently working as an account servicing in an advertising agency at a foreign land. Yes, I'm a second class citizen in this country, and I'm here working due to a higher pay. However i soon come to realize that i misses my country, the lifestyle and my family and friends. I cant leave as my partner prefers to stay and work at this foreign land (yes he originated from the same land as i am, and was here due to the money as well). He got used to the life here and just doesnt have a mind set of leaving the country.

After a year in this foreign land, i found out that there isnt any respect at work. I felt lifeless, just work almost 12 hours a day for 5 days. Since i'm doing sales as well, the stress just added up. I used to love gym a lot and could workout almost 4-5 days per week. but now not even twice able to exercise. Just being tired after work causes me to lose interest working out. Treated as 2nd class citizen, the pay is not as good to survive here as well. Just that after the currency, it just made a huge difference.

Sometime i just question myself whether did i make the right choice of moving and working here. How do you know whats best for you? Do I wait for a better job in hopes of eliminating the stress and for a better lifestyle? Do I just give up and return to my homeland despite low pay? How do people weigh between passion of lifestyle and work-life-balance?

Im just confuse till im depressed. Unknown by people.

Can help?

[carebirdy]

I think one of the bravest things a person can do is uproot their life and come to a new country. Many of the simple pleasures that make life comfortable aren't there when people immigrate. You're right - you probably aren't treated as well as if you were born in the country you live in. I work in an area where there are a high number of workers from India. They get paid less and treated like less.
I bet lots of people think when they hear about American minimum wage that they could easily live off of what qualifies for poverty in the US - but the problem is that everything costs so much here and a certain standard of living is expected, especially if you work at a professional job.
I don't know if you made the right choice or not. Are there any people from your culture around? Is there a meet-up group, maybe?
I'm faced with the problem of should I work tons or do I work enough to maintain my mental health. It's hard. I think, "hmm, if I took that extra job, sucked it up with my boss is unkind and asked for more hours," then I could make more and maybe have some more security, but it is very difficult to not become overly stressed. Something else to consider is that maybe you're in the wrong part of the country. If it is a big country like America, then there might be places that are more inviting. It's a tough time to be a grad. I graduated last year from grad school, my boyfriend graduated this year. It's not easy.

[Sam2]

That is a tough one. I can't imagine living in another country. Do you and your husband have any friends as a couple? You must either be in a place where english is spoken quite a bit or you know another language. Depending on how your co-workers feel about foreigners, you might be able to start a friendship there.

I guess it comes down to is the extra money worth it or not. The economy and job market is not great, but it might not hurt to look at what is available here. You don't have to take a job if you don't want to, and it might help put things in perspective.

If your husband likes the country, would he be willing to return with you if you decided where you are is not right for you? Another possibiliy would be to stay there for a set period of time, save the extra money, and then return home. Money is nice, and gives you security, but if you are completely miserable, it might not be worth it. Remember, you are not a prisoner, and you do have choices. Figure out which what is most important to you. You haven't done anything that can't be undone.

Sam2