Work it out

Working in Pakistani company looks something like that:

A) fixed time means nothing more than approximate time to show-up to the office (anyway management is coming much later and it just a thing of respect to be at your desk before your boss)

B) verbal communication practically mean nothing until it's put it written, for example in e-mail with other 2-3 random people who might be involved in on or another way (most likely your boss, his boss and etc.)

C) deadlines are for those who can't manage their own time. If you think you are good at that - you will re-plan deadlines according your need...

D) there is a crucial thing to know before starting to communicate with respectful Pakistani: 'Yes' means No and 'No' means No. Confusing? For me too...

E) if your relations are not developed with colleagues yet, it's better to approach them by Mr. If you writing e-mail it is strongly advised to use as much as possible advanced and super polite English words as you would be writing letter to President of country (Even your colleague is sitting across the table).

F) I don’t even dare to talk about ‘F’ point…

About new beginning: be part of it

Well well well... guess who's back again! As most of the bloggers I'm not going to apologize for not posting for a quite long time. Because (!) I have a reason for that.
As you know from my last post (end of September) I decided to dedicate one more year for Karachi, Pakistan. Since that decision my life was little bit messed up: a) traveling back home to Lithuania, b) flying back to Karachi with small adventures in Istanbul, c) business trip to Dubai, d) finally settling down in Karachi and working your ass of for better results.
It might sound strange, but I'm one of those people who don't really like traveling. Sometimes I write traveling as my hobbies in various applications just to impress people with my open mind-ness. True. The life "in luggage" is hell for me.
Besides changes in my career and living place (honestly, I expected today be employed in one of the successful companies in Lithuania) I had to say goodbye to few people who were living with me since very beginning. From the moment they left Karachi I realized that: "Oh f...k, I'm here already one year!".
I don't want to make this blog entry as a report "what's new in Andrius life", but just to give you an overview about my current situation.

So back to basics: mentally I'm prepared to stay for another year in Karachi and go through the same cycle: work, home, dinner at home or/and going out, meet new interns, goodbye to old interns and etc.
The main difference is that this year I committed to myself few things which I skipped last year. Yeah yeah - know: as an AIESEC'er I had to set expectations, goals and etc. - didn't work as I was too much concentrated about my job (I didn't have that much time and opportunity to travel around and get to know country). So this year I promised myself that I will push this environment closer to my needs.
First thing I need to do - meet more foreigners (sorry, but there are only few Pakistanis with whom I can really build meaningful conversation) and expand social circle. Secondary, I will work more on my eating habits (less and less fast food). And finally I will make sure that sport and exercises will be my regular activity. Can't promise attendance in sport gym, but I have ideas how can I use my surrounding for keeping "shape" (girls, you know what I mean!).
Dear reader, you just had an honor to be witness of my commitments to myself. Feel free to criticize, comment, use psychological pressure and keep reminding me about it. You are part of my commitment... Cha!

I also have good news for you. Very soon (so soon, that I almost can smell it) I'm going to get a brand new smart phone (brand name and model is unknown yet). So it means that I will be able to shoot you with: mini, smart, funny, shocking, deep and philosophical blog post. Sounds fair? Think so...

That's all for now.

My Path II

The moment of truth has come.

I’m sitting in office (19:10) and just got to know that my flight tickets have been confirmed. Yes, in 9 hours from now I will be taking off from Karachi International airport and the same day will be landing in Baltic land. Yes, I'm excided and nervous at the same time.
My visit to Lithuania is a bit unexpected, but because of that not less pleasant. As you might predict, I’m coming for very temporary visit, as after few weeks I’ll be heading back to Karachi where I’m going to prolong my “Experience Pakistan” journey.
After all discussions and reflections I finally decided that for me will be best to stay for another year in Pakistan and strengthen professional experience as business development head for CIS countries (Commonwealth of Independent States).
Looking back at my behavior, attitude, fluctuating mood, food poisoning experience and more and less pleasant interaction with local AIESEC chapters I finally can choose what is good for me and what is simply against my nature. I believe that second year of staying in Karachi will be full of new friends discovery, higher living standards and more other pleasant things (maybe traveling abroad, inshallah).
So, to summarize my short entry of today: I will be in Lithuania from 25th of September (historical date) till 11th of October. I’ll try to use this time as efficient as possible. If you are interested to see how the person looks like after almost one year staying in Pakistan – get in touch via e-mail, sms or phone call (my old phone number will be valid from 25the of Sept. afternoon).

And one more good news for my loyal blog readers: the fact that my experience in Pakistan will be continuing, you will have a chance to keep reading my progress (hopefully not regress) living in divers and full of contrasts country.
God bless you!
With love, Andrius