The other activity

By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
09 August 2009

Without batting an eye lash, reading through the contract of employment overseas workers inked with their employers would only state one thing: performance by all means as the main activity. This means, consequently, the concepts of the law of the Country of Operation as well as of the Country of Source have to apply.

To date, overseas workers, especially after the economic downturn that was experienced globally, are facing economic difficulties, too. Not mentioning those who were laid off and were sent back to their homesteads, expatiates in all Middle Eastern Kingdoms today are trying hard to make both ends meet.

Ask people from all walks of life in the GCC this time – yes, life is becoming more difficult each day. Prices of commodities in these Kingdoms are gradually skyrocketing. And whether you are in the Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates or Oman – it doesn’t matter. All roads lead to one thing: price increases. Although comparatively, prices of goods, services, and commodities in open cities are higher than in “closed” or “conservative” ones like all cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Deeply, let us talk about this activity once more.

Undeniably, expatriates set out to these weird Kingdoms of the world to earn decent income for families back home. Today however, the compensation packages these expatriates are receiving may no longer serve the purpose. Back home, prices are soaring; in this place, prices are gradually skyrocketing, too.

And what options are laid before the naked eyes of these expatriates? Other activities that can either sustain the economic difficulty or sustain the boredom, loneliness, and homesickness. And whether or not the purpose is moral or financial, in this part of the world – it seems that it doesn’t matter anymore.

Take for instance OFWs doing office-related activities. Normally, they work from 7:00 am to 5:00. After this period, their evening time, Thursdays and Fridays are free. In this regard, part time jobs play into the picture.

One Secretary I knew, he works as a part time sales clerk in a mobile phone store within the city where he lives. One accountant does massage service to Filipinos and Saudis after office. One accountant does part time accounting job in a small firm; this job was offered to me earlier.

One welder spends at least four hours a day as Sales Clerk at the Giordano Store in Al-Khobar after his eight-five-day work. A restaurant service crew dons massage service during his day off.

Which is why, I almost have conceded to the recommendation of a colleague to apply for part-time teaching job in one of the Philippine schools here. The thing is, I might technically breach the contract of employment I signed. Although, my contact in the Philippine Labor Office assured of non-conformity as long as I don’t harm the performance or its delivery, or use official time and resources.

What else? Others use their talents wisely and profitably. Singers here perform for live bands in areas where “white expatriates” are numerous and where these activities are allowed within their compound or accommodation. Workers who can host activities accept hosting contract for a fee.

For expatriates whose economic or contract status in these places are better off than the rest, they dedicate themselves into Sports. This time, this is not for economic rewards but simply for leisure, health and pleasure. I said leisure because it is only during sports activities that these persons relax; health because sports is a way to good health; and pleasure because, people in this level needs pleasure for what they do and for what they want to do.

For expatriates whose loneliness, boredom and homesickness are entertained, most of them plunge into extra-marital affairs without them realizing these. I have known of a registered mid-wife who falls in love with a man of almost her age. They met in a restaurant early this year and their acquaintance blossomed into an affair. Both are married. This time, the man is feeling guilty towards his relationship with his spouse and children and wants to end the affair but the woman is insistent. The man stops entertaining her because this man turns actively into gym exercises and sports activities.

This activity can only be good if both of you are not committed in life yet.

And whether or not the other activity is purposely directed towards financial rewards, temporal sexual bliss, combat loneliness, boredom and homesickness is not a question; the real question is: can the OFW survive the ordeal and goes back home as normal as he was before leaving his homestead?

Which is why, loved ones at home must not only call or send SMS messages asking about remittances. Suggestively, the firsts question to ask is “how are you doing today?” Looking at all angles, all conversations must in fact be ended with a gentle reminder: “I love you and I miss”.

Which is why, involving one’s self in other activities, are still needed by all of us here. And in this I mean, quality activities.

Not all expatriates are doing things happily here. Pragmatically, not all other activities are for purposes of augmenting financial requirements or pleasure; others are simply for nothing.

Take it or leave it: Quality activities for quality life; nothing more, nothing less!

Be blissfully happy then!