Two years ago, I moved to Dubai for work, an opportunity I was both thrilled and terrified about. It was my first time living so far from home. As a Malaysian, relocating to the Middle East felt like jumping into the unknown. The distance alone, an eight-hour flight, made me question everything. Was I ready to leave behind the familiar? Could I adapt?
At first, everything felt overwhelming. I was surrounded by people from all over the world: Russians, Kazakhs, Syrians, Jordanians, Egyptians, Indians, Tunisians, and you name it. The diversity was beautiful, but it also challenged me. The way people communicated, their body language, their humor... it all felt different. I struggled to keep up. I was sensitive, and honestly, I used to take things too personally. A simple joke could leave me overthinking for days.
There were moments when I felt like I didn’t belong. The team dynamics were unlike anything I’d experienced before. I didn’t know how to navigate certain conversations, especially when cultural context was so deeply woven into every word, every gesture. I felt small, unsure, and emotionally drained.
But somewhere along the way, I had a quiet realization: this was a rare chance to grow, not just in my career, but as a person. Not everyone back home would get this kind of experience. So, I started paying attention. I learned to listen more. I observed how people interacted.
Over time, I began to understand that empathy is the foundation of communication. I worked on setting boundaries, expressing myself clearly, and most importantly, adapting without losing who I am. Even though I’m an introvert who finds socializing exhausting, I pushed myself to engage more, during lunch breaks, at team gatherings, and even in small chats by the coffee machine. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me build connections and earn trust.
Living abroad has taught me that communication isn’t just about speaking well, it’s about understanding others deeply. It’s about showing up, being kind, and giving energy to relationships, even when it’s hard.
Looking back, I’m grateful. The version of me who boarded that flight two years ago wouldn’t recognize who I’ve become today, and I think that’s the whole point.
Peace out.