I’ve heard this one too many times. At some point during my first few jobs in Dubai, I also asked the same question.
But just a friendly piece of advice, especially for those new to Dubai: Be more open to connecting with other nationalities at work and in the larger community.
Try to learn more about their backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. You might be surprised at how much you have in common and what you can learn from each other.
Be friendly and try to start conversations. Be willing to listen as well. By taking the first step, you can help break down barriers and build relationships.
Share your culture. Just as you express interest in learning about your coworkers’ cultures, they may be interested in learning about yours too. Share your own experiences, traditions, and customs. Trust me, they’d love to have a reliable point of contact when it comes to anything “Filipino.” Be that guy!
Don’t be intimidated, even if there are no other Filipinos at the workplace. Building relationships takes time and effort. Stay friendly and approachable. Over time, you may find that you have developed meaningful connections with your coworkers from all walks of life.
The workplace is a great opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Let’s maximize it Kabayan!
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