Of International Jobs And Spending In Dollars

My recent experience at the improved income levels my international job has brought me, has had me undergoing certain changes I never thought could happen to me. From converting everything that the local currency in Uganda or Dubai had to offer into Indian Rupees to gauge its value, there was a reversal of roles. Suddenly I found myself calculating the auto fare from the ISBT to my destination near India Gate in dollars. Rs 80 – oh, that’s about $2 – its OK I guess. I stopped bargaining with the auto-rickshaw driver and sat down without a murmur. Is this the real me?

Even though I fully know my job abroad is barely for one year, I suddenly found myself spending money like there was no end. What’s that? You like it, wifey? Go ahead and buy it then – never mind the cost. Ahem. My wife would look at me in wonder, and then politely refuse – its too expensive. At least one of us was still sane.

I have to confess – the power of good money definitely makes you feel good. The fact that you don’t have to look at the backside of the labels before you regretfully tell the salesman- actually I like it, but I’ll come back with my wife for a second opinion. Or think whether or not you are likely to visit the same hotel again before tipping the waiter handsomely. Whoever said that that money doesn’t buy happiness needs to take re-birth in the modern world at least once.

Having your pockets full has its benefits. You can be generous to the street urchin who has been pestering you ever since you got off your car, and watch the grateful expression in his eyes (whatever a certain movie explaining the professionalism behind begging may say). You can tip the servant at your parents’ home pretty well and be assured of a smiling face and a willing worker the next time you make a trip. You can tell your little son to go ahead and actually play the video game he always wanted to, and which you always made him content with by moving the steering wheel along with the demo version. You can fill up the tank of your car without worrying about how long it will last. Many more such minor joys could be added to this list – it is never-ending.

Now if only someone could find a way to make my one-year tenure a little more long-lasting, before I return to the same basic salary and penny-pinching ways!

I am beginning to understand the craze for settling abroad amongst our youth. Or that broad smile that encompasses the face of the person you are talking to, the moment you tell him you’re going for a foreign assignment.

It’s All About Money, Honey!