This is the 47th time diaspora diaryregularly writes stories about Nepalis living and working abroad in Nepal Times.
When I went abroad for the first time to Bahrain in 2005 to help in the kitchen, I had only one goal. The idea was to save 200,000 rupees to go back to Nepal and start a small business like a cold store.
Nearly 20 years have passed since then, and I’m still overseas. The months have passed quickly.
When I started applying to immigrate for work, I was rejected in many interviews because I was not good at English. I almost gave up, but I enrolled in language training.
And it paid off. I was the last person interviewed for a job based in Bahrain and was selected.
When I first saw the job posting in the newspaper, I didn’t know where Bahrain was. I had heard of Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, but not Bahrain.
After spending a few years there, I managed to save the first 200,000 yen, but I wanted the next 200,000 yen. And so it continued. As you work and earn money, your dreams will expand more and more. And there are no limits to our dreams.
After buying land in Nepal and going abroad for a while, I managed to build a one-story house. After building the first floor, he thinks about adding a second floor. Once the house is completed, it’s time to start thinking about the future of your children. There’s really no end to it.
Also read: Finding a niche market in NepalBabare Bahadur Bonjan
My starting salary in Bahrain was 12,000 rupees. I now earn 33 times more as a chef. My specialty is French and Italian cuisine in fine dining restaurants, but with an Arabian twist to suit your taste buds. I manage her kitchen staff of over 35 people from Asia and Africa.
At peak times, the kitchen can get very chaotic and noisy, but I strive to do my best under pressure and create a fun environment for my team.
My base is in Bahrain, but I am currently temporarily in Saudi Arabia to set up a new dealership for the same employer. One of the reasons for my involvement with the Saudi store is that many of the new staff are from Nepal, so my employer found it easier for me to train and motivate them.
Also read: Adventures of a Coffee Lover in NepalLakshmi Prasad Timilsina
Before leaving Nepal, I dreamed of joining the army, but this became complicated as I was often interrogated in the village, including by friends who had joined the Maoists. They made me feel very bad.
I lied at the cafeteria and said I had worked in a restaurant before. I was always making mistakes and didn’t even know how to properly cut vegetables. I said, “That’s how we used to do it at the old restaurant,” and I cut the carrots without peeling them or adding the appropriate spices to the noodles. I got away with it. My first mentor at a restaurant was a Dubai returnee who trained me.
During my years away, I returned twice with the intention of staying. My sacrifices and efforts working day and night earned my employer’s trust so I could go home and try something and say if it didn’t work I’d come back.
And I came back and they welcomed me. If you prove yourself at work and build good relationships, doors will remain open.
Changing jobs also improves your bargaining power and employment benefits, with your old employer taking up new offers or your new employer trying to lure you with better benefits. I have flown from Bahrain to Qatar and back again over the years and these have added to the benefits.
I know that even though I accomplished something, I missed out on a lot in life by leaving. True happiness is found at home with family. That doesn’t change no matter how far away you are.
The first time I left Nepal was when my wife was pregnant with our first daughter. This was a time when photos were exchanged by letter, and telephone calls were expensive and difficult to arrange. I wasn’t there to hold my wife’s hand during those months.
Also read: Return of the Master BakerRaju Pakrin
I partially made up for it when my son was born eight years later. At least I was able to get home for the delivery. When my daughter graduates from high school next year, she plans to go abroad for her education. By the time I return to Nepal, she will have left to pursue her own dreams. Once she goes abroad, I will pass the baton to her and she will help take her younger brother everywhere.
The fact that families like mine can dream of sending their children to study abroad is a testament to the sacrifices we have made. But then you’ll miss out on all the important milestones in your life.
I could have taken my family to Bahrain, but my busy work schedule doesn’t allow me to give them enough time.
I’ve come a long way since my days working as a kitchen helper. But if someone were to make a movie about my life, it would not be about my professional journey, but about separation and sacrifice. About not being able to give your family the quality time they deserve.
Our generation is a generation of sacrifice. And we were born into a time and a country where it seemed impossible to balance spending time with family and making money. There are some festivals that you miss because you are away from home. But sometimes we are so busy with work that we even forget that it is Dashain that we have come home.
Despite lacking formal education or language skills, many Nepalis do well throughout the Gulf, including in the hospitality sector, by proving their hard work and loyalty.
Young people these days have a very easy life, Nepali young people are well-educated and can speak English. But what matters most are your skills, work history, and performance on the job. As a current hiring interviewer, I’ve learned to look beyond English skills and resumes to identify truly hard-working people who want to learn and grow.
Many newcomers these days are so quick to get an overnight success or promotion that they quickly become discouraged, but it’s a process and a journey. With luck, hard work, and perseverance, success will come.
Also read: Nepal is on my mindIshwar Choragain
I don’t think my story is all that remarkable. I’m a simple Nepali guy who worked hard and made personal sacrifices, but things worked out. He was good at seizing opportunities that came his way. I think most people who stick with their craft for years eventually become good at it.
Everything may not work out the way we planned or hoped, but something will inevitably work out. My philosophy is to do my best without worrying too much about the results. In fact, I try not to worry about anything.
This is a translation of a conversation with the author. Diaspora Diaries is a regular column of Nepali Times that provides a platform to share experiences of living, working and studying abroad. Authentic and original entries should be sent to editors@nepalitimes.com with “Diaspora Diary” in the subject line.