All is not Gold for Expatriates

People say that for an expat, life is more hassle-free, far less distressed, a lot luminous, and more gratifying. Is that for real?? Let’s check out.

So lastly I got this chance to speak my heart out and address those who says ‘inki tu bari ayyashi lagi hai mulk se bahir jo rehtay hain—inhay kia pata yahan k maslay masail’??? EXCUSE ME? DUDE, I am living on the same planet TRUST ME! I was born and brought up in the same country. I have confronted those glitches myself as well. Thought to list down some 'pleasures' (pun intended), an expat relishes while living abroad:

1.      NO FAMILY:

The worst part of this life is they are quite away with their siblings and parents. They really can’t enjoy the everyday 6 P.M tea time at home while discussing some Khandaani gossips. They can’t enjoy Sunday’s lunch (Biryani) with the family. Whenever they achieve any milestone abroad, it holds them bereaved to see and feel the real contentment of their parents. Some are so privileged that they don’t even have any family friends or relatives to cherish the weekends. Consequently weekends end up boring or doing groceries or visiting any place in the city (the highest level of enjoyment).

2.      COMMUNICATION:

No one in the family calls them and here no one means EXACTLY ‘NO ONEEE EVERRR’ except AMMI and ABBU. But ‘THEY’ are always expected to call every one whether its eid, Baqra eid, Birthday or New addition in the family, etc. And unfortunately if they don’t or forgot to have a chat with them then there will be list of such statements whenever you visit back to your hometown “Humein tu bhool hee gain wahan jakay” If not this then “Arey aik whatsapp hee kardiya karo”, etc.

3.      CULTURAL SHOCKS and OFFSPRING BROUGHT UP:

Change of place always brings cultural shocks as a gift. Either one is living in Middle East, American region or European region, etc. Every zone has its own set of cultural values and preferences. Now the biggest challenge is to remain attached to the origin one belongs to and bring the children up in the same way. For that the expat parents need to put in a lot to give their children their hometown’s environment. They struggle enormously to celebrate Eids and other traditional and religious festivities in full swing to teach their children the real value of their own culture and religion.

4.      NO MAIDS:

OMG 😕 We Pakistanis are not brought up this way that how to deal if you have no maids at all. This phrase should be used here ‘Sir mundwate hee olay paray”. It’s easy to say that nobody is there from the family to judge you how you are maintaining your house but Dude TRUST ME it’s not easy to manage without a maid. From washing dishes to clean the washrooms, every household chore needs to be done by oneself. Maids are available in many countries but it’s often beyond the affordability.

5.      RACISM:

Racism and discrimination is a worldwide practice. Not a single expat is protected from this throughout the world.

6.      MISS SOCIAL GATHERINGS:

Being an expat, one doesn’t only miss family but family gatherings such as family dinners, picnics, BarBQ parties and most importantly weddings and its scrumptious food.

7.      PAKI FOOD:

Now a days many countries have Pakistani restaurants but their ingredients can never match the actual taste of Pakistani cuisines.

8.      NOTE CHAPNEY KI MACHINE:

Last but not the least; we are often tagged as note chapney ki machine by the extended family. Can I ask why??? Actually no one knows the fact that every penny worth enormous pain. All dour daraz ki aunties, khala, phuppi, chachis and some uncles should acknowledge that it’s easy to say Bahar walo ko koi maslay nahi hutay akeley zindagi apni marzi se guzartay hain but not that easy to live.

If you are also an expatriate and want to add some remarks or problems you face, feel free to write in the comment section. 

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