It's been exactly a year since I left Malaysia. It's not that long, not that short. Sufficient for me to get to know myself better but not long enough for me to travel all around the world. Yet, after 12 months, when I finally get to have my long awaited home passage, all I want to do is to go back to my real home, kick off my shoes, and rest on that nice, white, cushy sofa for 1 whole week! The last thing I want to do is trek around the globe, seeing new things, sights and sounds. After all, life in Dubai is like a working holiday! *Wink*
Once I've had my fair share of rest, I begin venturing out, meeting up with friends. At the end of every conversation, the following question will definitely creep up, and I begin anticipating it, so much so that I've prepared a script for it!
What's the million dollar question?
"So, do you plan to return to Malaysia after you complete your assignment?"
Geez... that is a pretty tough question. Considering that I learnt a mountain of living skills here, going back to work is the last thing on my mind. I must be insane if I answer 'Yes!'. After all, who would be willing to depart from this extremely comfortable lifestyle with many like-minded friends?
Yet, a patriot reminds me, "Never forget! You're a Malaysian. Here, is where you call home. At the end of the day, you will still want to rest in a place with your closest relatives and friends. The country is still developing. It needs your contribution."
That's true. So goes the old adage, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. But shouldn't one venture out to learn about everything under the sun first, before being able to transfer the best knowledge and new technology back home?
A senior thinks I want to fly far, far away because of the pay that's triple or quadruple times of the home salary. "Money is not everything." he begins. "As you earn more, you spend more. Your become more spendrift, acquiring an expensive taste. Gradually, your monthly spendings increase and you'll need an even higher salary to maintain your lifestyle. You know what's important? Family. Ultimately, regardless of how much we laugh and cry, fight and make peace, they're our loved ones and close ones who will help us through thick and thin. We must look after them. If we don't, who will? Spending time with your family is more important than slaving away in a foreign country without being able to spend every single second with them. Whatsmore, your company is developing and grooming young people. This is your golden key. Hold onto it and never let it go."
Another senior chips in, "Yeah! Times are changing. The management is listening now. Nowhere else in the world can you find such a good boss. So, stay, k? Stay."
Once again, I am swayed to the right. What initially begin as a leftist thought strays heavily to the right, like a pendulum, swinging back and forth, keeping spectators in suspense. Will it stop on the left? or right? or right in the middle?
Who knows? Only time will tell. We'll all know the answer eventually. In the meantime, I'll enjoy and learn as much as I can. I won't let life stop while I weigh my decisions. Live in the present. Enjoy the moment. The time is now.
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