This is one of my favourite pieces in the series, and coming from a Europhile like me (haha), that's saying something!
So many wise words and lessons from Catriona here, and applicable to wherever you end up. Thinking long-term is something too many of us - I think - overlook and we find ourselves in a place where there comes a point when you wonder whether it's going to work anymore or whether it's time to up sticks, except...that may not be possible. (I may or may not be speaking from experience 😂)
I've only spent 10 days in the UAE, one of those in Dubai and the oppressive heat was stifling. I can't imagine living there, especially as a Scot. I lived in Edinburgh for 18 months and, call me crazy, but I liked the weather. Give me a nice, 'balmy' 17 degree summer day anytime! That's my kind of weather.
Thanks for this comment Daniel - I remember reading and resonating with your piece about Ukraine a while ago. Yes - if I could go back and give myself some advice, it would be that long-term thinking and especially when you are somewhere completely different from home - it can take a long time to realise you need to start thinking about some of those longer term questions. UAE from Scotland was such a shock - esp as I had spent the previous 3 years getting settled at home. I was so homesick for nature and seasons when I first moved over here. I do enjoy the sunshine and the temperature here though - 5 months of the year the weather is really nice - the summer months in Dubai are worse than Scottish winters though I find - at least in winter you can put on layers and get yourself outside. In high temperatures you end up stuck inside.
I've had this argument/discussion with people before, the banal summer v winter thing, and that's always been my point. No how matter how cold it gets, you can always layer up and get warm but there comes a point when it gets so hot that you can't do anything about it. I don't know anyone, truly, in the UK who has A/C and most Austrians I know (where I live now) don't have it either. The summers even here are oppressive and it's hard to sleep or get much work done. I know in Dubai they blast the A/C and all.
Yes in Dubai it becomes about hanging out inside - and some AC is better than others which also makes a difference. I remember being in the south of france during the summer and being inside wads like being in an oven - there was no escape from the heat - at least in dubai inside it is ok but it cuts down on options of what you can do and you feel a bit cooped up.
It’s miserable when you can’t escape the heat—global warming is making that more and more the case, especially in places without infrastructure, unlike Dubai, which was built to withstand high temperatures. In Switzerland, AC is banned in many buildings, which was fine and good once upon a time, but no longer. It can be pure hell during a heatwave.
Yes without AC in the heat it is really hard to not get dehydrated/do anything. I think as the world gets hotter this will be more and more an issue and lots of places in the Middle East don't have the infrastructure Dubai has (and even in Dubai lots of workers have to be outside in the hot months - so being in AC already is an advantage). I read a study from Iraq about the impact of heat on conflict and anger and other factors - it is not really surprising but interesting to see the data around those sides of heat.
Fascinating. It's ludicrous to think that scorching temperatures wouldn't impact our temperament. I know I get cranky when I can't cool off. That said, global warming is making Scotland a varitable paradise!
In the immortal words of The Clash, “should I stay or should go?” It’s a question, that if you have to ask it, you probably already know the answer to… and don’t much like.
It's funny, I'm not sure at times. I've said on numerous occasions how I long to be somewhere like western Ireland or Scotland, quiet, remote, on my own. But I couldn't bear to be away from my daughter and I can't take her with me. I don't think there's a decision to be made, which is strangely comforting.
My Grannie lived out on the Western Isles - and we inherited her house - so I have spent a few solitary weeks out there myself. I find I go a bit crazy after a week or so but it is nice for a escape and the connection with nature is really special - its like the modern world feels really far away.
My parents mainly use the house but they also let it out to friends/family - so if you are serious - do reach out! Its on Tiree - which you can fly to from Glasgow or get the boat from Oban.
Oh my goodness, I was totally kidding! I could never be so audacious, yet...from Oban, you say? That's my favourite Scotch btw. I just might be tempted one of these days 😁
This resonates with me on so many levels. The learning opportunities are so broad, but the loss of connections - and shared experiences - back home is real. Giving yourself time to adjust to change is essential. Difficult if you are expected to hit the ground running professionally.
Thanks for your comment Lisa - yes it is is that in-between space - between learning and that home/routine which can be tricky to find the right balance - I agree. And sometimes the expectations of companies who want you to move somewhere and start doing really ambitious projects without having a house yet are a bit crazy when I look back.
Yes i have never been offered a fixer - but that would be such a great idea to help get set up without so much stress - esp when starting a new position. I did have some local staff help me in Myanmar - it wasn't really their job they were more like general admin staff - but it was really needed as trying to find a flat without their help would hve been so difficult.
I think so many people on here are moving for lifestyle and not professional reasons, it’s great to hear from someone who has to make the pieces of her working life come together, and as you mentioned, right from the jump!
You really helped clarify something for me here Elizabeth - especially why so many travel pieces of Substack don't resonate with me or confuse me with their logic - because they are about moving for lifestyle. Thank you for this!
Right?! It’s apples and oranges. The considerations made for a working move are totally different from the retiree on a pension, or even from a digital nomad—whose location and job are unrelated. Moreover, once you’ve relocated, the decision to stay or go isn’t based on a whim, not unless you’re independently wealthy.
This is one of my favourite pieces in the series, and coming from a Europhile like me (haha), that's saying something!
So many wise words and lessons from Catriona here, and applicable to wherever you end up. Thinking long-term is something too many of us - I think - overlook and we find ourselves in a place where there comes a point when you wonder whether it's going to work anymore or whether it's time to up sticks, except...that may not be possible. (I may or may not be speaking from experience 😂)
I've only spent 10 days in the UAE, one of those in Dubai and the oppressive heat was stifling. I can't imagine living there, especially as a Scot. I lived in Edinburgh for 18 months and, call me crazy, but I liked the weather. Give me a nice, 'balmy' 17 degree summer day anytime! That's my kind of weather.
Thanks for this comment Daniel - I remember reading and resonating with your piece about Ukraine a while ago. Yes - if I could go back and give myself some advice, it would be that long-term thinking and especially when you are somewhere completely different from home - it can take a long time to realise you need to start thinking about some of those longer term questions. UAE from Scotland was such a shock - esp as I had spent the previous 3 years getting settled at home. I was so homesick for nature and seasons when I first moved over here. I do enjoy the sunshine and the temperature here though - 5 months of the year the weather is really nice - the summer months in Dubai are worse than Scottish winters though I find - at least in winter you can put on layers and get yourself outside. In high temperatures you end up stuck inside.
I've had this argument/discussion with people before, the banal summer v winter thing, and that's always been my point. No how matter how cold it gets, you can always layer up and get warm but there comes a point when it gets so hot that you can't do anything about it. I don't know anyone, truly, in the UK who has A/C and most Austrians I know (where I live now) don't have it either. The summers even here are oppressive and it's hard to sleep or get much work done. I know in Dubai they blast the A/C and all.
Yes in Dubai it becomes about hanging out inside - and some AC is better than others which also makes a difference. I remember being in the south of france during the summer and being inside wads like being in an oven - there was no escape from the heat - at least in dubai inside it is ok but it cuts down on options of what you can do and you feel a bit cooped up.
It’s miserable when you can’t escape the heat—global warming is making that more and more the case, especially in places without infrastructure, unlike Dubai, which was built to withstand high temperatures. In Switzerland, AC is banned in many buildings, which was fine and good once upon a time, but no longer. It can be pure hell during a heatwave.
Yes without AC in the heat it is really hard to not get dehydrated/do anything. I think as the world gets hotter this will be more and more an issue and lots of places in the Middle East don't have the infrastructure Dubai has (and even in Dubai lots of workers have to be outside in the hot months - so being in AC already is an advantage). I read a study from Iraq about the impact of heat on conflict and anger and other factors - it is not really surprising but interesting to see the data around those sides of heat.
Fascinating. It's ludicrous to think that scorching temperatures wouldn't impact our temperament. I know I get cranky when I can't cool off. That said, global warming is making Scotland a varitable paradise!
I have Googled how to buy property in Scotland more than a few times, myself.
If you ever need any advice let me know :)
In the immortal words of The Clash, “should I stay or should go?” It’s a question, that if you have to ask it, you probably already know the answer to… and don’t much like.
It's funny, I'm not sure at times. I've said on numerous occasions how I long to be somewhere like western Ireland or Scotland, quiet, remote, on my own. But I couldn't bear to be away from my daughter and I can't take her with me. I don't think there's a decision to be made, which is strangely comforting.
My Grannie lived out on the Western Isles - and we inherited her house - so I have spent a few solitary weeks out there myself. I find I go a bit crazy after a week or so but it is nice for a escape and the connection with nature is really special - its like the modern world feels really far away.
Hey, let me know when the house is free and I can do a bit of house-sitting 😉
My parents mainly use the house but they also let it out to friends/family - so if you are serious - do reach out! Its on Tiree - which you can fly to from Glasgow or get the boat from Oban.
Oh my goodness, I was totally kidding! I could never be so audacious, yet...from Oban, you say? That's my favourite Scotch btw. I just might be tempted one of these days 😁
This resonates with me on so many levels. The learning opportunities are so broad, but the loss of connections - and shared experiences - back home is real. Giving yourself time to adjust to change is essential. Difficult if you are expected to hit the ground running professionally.
Thanks for your comment Lisa - yes it is is that in-between space - between learning and that home/routine which can be tricky to find the right balance - I agree. And sometimes the expectations of companies who want you to move somewhere and start doing really ambitious projects without having a house yet are a bit crazy when I look back.
Having a “fixer” or guide to help you in invaluable, but not always easy to find. I think it’s a great help and something a company ought to provide.
Yes i have never been offered a fixer - but that would be such a great idea to help get set up without so much stress - esp when starting a new position. I did have some local staff help me in Myanmar - it wasn't really their job they were more like general admin staff - but it was really needed as trying to find a flat without their help would hve been so difficult.
I think so many people on here are moving for lifestyle and not professional reasons, it’s great to hear from someone who has to make the pieces of her working life come together, and as you mentioned, right from the jump!
You really helped clarify something for me here Elizabeth - especially why so many travel pieces of Substack don't resonate with me or confuse me with their logic - because they are about moving for lifestyle. Thank you for this!
Right?! It’s apples and oranges. The considerations made for a working move are totally different from the retiree on a pension, or even from a digital nomad—whose location and job are unrelated. Moreover, once you’ve relocated, the decision to stay or go isn’t based on a whim, not unless you’re independently wealthy.