From Burnout to Blessing: My 5-Year Journey Through the Middle Eastern Corporate Jungle
A few years ago, I was stuck in a grueling cycle, struggling to find a job that paid a decent salary. I endured immense hardships at my previous companies. I worked late into the evening, logged unpaid overtime, and was expected right back at my desk early the next morning—regardless of how late I had finished the night before. I constantly found myself taking on responsibilities that weren’t even in my job description, working myself to the bone without a shred of appreciation.
To make matters worse, I faced systemic discrimination. The company prioritized employees who spoke fluent Arabic, leaving non-speakers sidelined. As a Filipino in the Middle East, I also had to battle harmful stereotypes, as our community is too often unfairly labeled as only fit for domestic or service work. Even worse, instead of finding solidarity, I encountered Filipino colleagues who viewed me as competition, constantly trying to sabotage me instead of lifting me up.
I will never forget the dread of waking up and not wanting to go to work, knowing I had to face such a toxic environment every single day.
The Illusion of a Higher Salary
Eventually, I resigned. I felt confident that with my experience, I could easily find a better environment. I managed to land a new job that doubled my previous salary, but it came with a heavy price. I was expected to be an "all-rounder," handling everything from operations to setup. My shifts morphed into exhausting 12-hour days. It was the exact same story: toxic people, toxic workplace. OMG.
Mercifully, I was able to leave that company within three months.
Next, I got lucky and landed a role at a well-known company in an entirely new field. The pay was even higher, but after factoring in room rent, transportation, and food, the financial gain didn't match the mental toll. The environment was incredibly toxic, managed by unprofessional senior leaders whom I had no idea how to handle.
I quickly realized the brutal reality of that industry: if you aren’t selling, you are nothing to them. The moment you hit your KPIs and sell in high volumes, you are treated like royalty. I soon accepted that this high-pressure sales culture just wasn't the right fit for my skills or my peace of mind.
Finding the Answer to My Prayers
Exhausted and desperate for a change, I decided to aim lower. I applied for an easier, lower-paying position just to escape the stress. But fate had other plans. During the process, the company recognized my potential and offered me a higher-level position with excellent benefits.
It was the exact breakthrough I had been praying for, for a very long time.
I haven’t taken a vacation to go home in almost five years because I could never save enough money to travel without financial worry. I wasn’t asking for the world; I just wanted stability, fair compensation, a free annual return flight home, provided food, an accommodation allowance, and reasonable working hours.
Today, I finally have all of that—including two full days off every week.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Reflecting on my journey, working abroad has taught me one invaluable lesson: no matter where you go in the world, you will encounter all kinds of people.
Maintain professional boundaries: Do not mistake colleagues for friends.
Protect your peace: Never let people take advantage of your hard work.
Master the art of the boundary: Learn to say "no" politely but firmly.
I am incredibly grateful to finally be in this workspace. Thank you, God, for this blessing. Please continue to guide me along the way, and grant me the patience to handle the people who still manage to test my nerves!