Finding a job abroad
I can’t believe it’s been a little over 13 years ago that I moved to another continent, a third world country, with no job and only a little hope in my pocket.
An entire year before the move, I’d reached out for every possible job opportunity I could find, but I didn’t even hear so much as an echo back.
So, we just moved, believing the best.
Once there, we contacted a U.S. diplomat asking if he knew of any job opportunities.
Thankfully, he put me in touch with a vibrant, bubbly woman who was in the country as a religious ambassador.
Getting beyond the gate
Any place of value there, was gated, unlike here in the states, where gated estates are few and far between, even among some of the wealthiest neighborhoods.
Also, in Cameroon, gate guards take their job very seriously.
It’s not necessarily a great idea to show up to a gated location if your name is not on some sort of guest list.
The contact — “Mama Leah” as she was affectionately called, initially hired me to create a financial database that simplified accounting in what had been a cash-based system, with receipts here and there and everywhere.
She provided my first paycheck in Cameroon.
But she didn’t stop there.
In my hopes of finding a job, for months, I’d tried to unsuccessfully get into contact with someone at the American School, one of few employment options for expatriates.
I discovered that Mama Leah knew everyone at the gate and her children (along with the country’s president’s children) went to that school, so she offered to take me there for me to personally drop off my resume.
I’ll never forget the feeling I had. When the large iron gates of the school opened, and the gate guards donned with large scary rifles, waved us through.
I’d been to the gate before, but needed someone to let me in.
Finding a job just in time
Once there, Mama Leah introduced me around and then I personally handed my resume to the office manager.
Just a few days later, I received a call from the director of the school telling me that ironically enough, the music director of 7 years at the school had just given her notice. They needed a K-12 music teacher as well as someone to fill a communications role.
At that moment, it felt like the job had almost literally fallen into my lap.
The next week, I was employed full time.
Yes, I’d put in the effort of finding a job. Yes, my desperation led me to tap into a network. But ultimately, someone had to open the gate.
It’s desirable to work hard. It’s admirable to be persistent. But don’t be frightened by the gate guards. Find someone who can drive you through the gates. Someone who has access to what you seek that’s beyond where you’re currently allowed.
Just don’t stop there.
Once you’re in, let someone else in behind you. Read More
Lovelifelinks.com wishes you success in finding a job you love at just the right time.
Remember, you can feel love anywhere. Anytime. All the time.
