10 Years as Nomads
This week marks our 10 Years officially as Nomads. 3 years living in Myanmar, 7 years in Australia. My experience living in both countries are unique and interesting after learning about both countries cultures, the people, and what’s considered normal in their country.
Based on my experience living in the states (Brooklyn Baby!), we have a few favorite phrases. Do what you gotta do. Suck it up and just do it. YOLO! And my favorite ones. Know your shit, and watch your back.
After working for a few years in Investment Banking, definitely an eye opener working with some narcissistic and egotistical A-holes. Get real, nobody’s truly friends in banking. We only care about who gets the higher bonus and who has deeper pockets. Play golf, went to Vegas, or how many chicks they’ve screwed over the weekend. Money was good for sure. Work wise however, in all of my corporate jobs, I’ve always focused on pushing myself, learn new things and focus on working efficiently. I’ve pulled in about 80+ hrs a week, during month end and working until 2am was the norm, and pulling in weekends during quarter closes as well as yearend closes. No exemptions so long as the job gets done. No excuses. Preparing, consolidating and reporting financial statements became easy as my managers appreciated my work and work ethics.
In Myanmar, prior to the government intervention days, I’ve experienced a culture shock. Without getting into the whole psychological stages, it wasn’t as bad surprisingly. I’d say I’ve adjusted quite well actually. So it’s common that the internet speed is slow, and at times you can’t even use it. Blackouts occur at times, and swinging mosquito bats every evening was a great exercise.
As for the people, there are different personalities depending on their network. When I was working with my clients’ employees, some are genuine and truly wanted to learn, some envy me, and some just ignored me. None of them were A-holes, but some did try to be smart with me, and for those who were wrong, I called them out on it. I’m an Expat after all.
Regarding those whom are family oriented, their behavior and their way of thinking is interesting depending on their generation. The older generation focuses primarily on culture, which is to respect the elders. Middle aged families with kids, their focus is on money. You would think that the wives are the caretakers of the kids. Nope, not in Myanmar. There are maids for that job. The wives are working moms. The husbands are either working in corporate, or they have their own business. It’s common to be a business owner. Their work ethics are interesting. They focus on the revenue/income only. They mismanage their cash flow and their operating expenses as they don’t focus on the bottom line first compared to the US standards. Smaller SMEs don’t have their own HR or Legal department. The manager does everything including drafting up contracts for the business, as well as for their employees. However, one thing I’ve noticed is that certain SME’s treat their employees like family and employees become loyal to the employer. You don’t have that in the US. Get the job done or get out and we’ll higher someone else who will be dedicated.
Living in Australia is a unique experience as well. Shops close early. It’s not even dark outside yet and they’re already packing up to go. Work-life balance seems like, and the men here are mostly family oriented. In the US, even those who have family spend more time working at the office or on their blackberry responding to emails than spending time with their own kids. AU family time is priority.
I’ve also noticed that employees seem to take their time. US is always rushing and focusing on efficiency and doing more and more. Here in AU, they just take their time.
Regarding conversations, my experience so far is not many Aussies are open on discussing money matters. I’m open on discussing our financials with my family, as well to the FI community. I believe it’s essential for open communication, awareness and personal growth and development. I suppose it would also depend on their age and where they are in life.
