Can you go home?

Recently, I went to an accountant to complete my taxes (Sidenote: first time I had to do that ... but owing a state over $1,000 would certainly encourage anyone to seek professional help). Anyway, I digress. Going back to my original point, my accountant made a comment, who interestingly is a native of Antigua, which gave me reason to pause.

In our casual conversation he asked, ‘Do you plan to return home?’ My answer was quick and assertive. ‘Of course, as soon as I finish my education.’ A few weeks have passed since that conversation. However, the question still resonates. Now, I have somewhat changed the question to ask: Can I return home?

If we are truthful with ourselves, we all want to go home. Home is, after all, where the heart is. But we are forced to ask ourselves, can we go home? Are there opportunities? Is the environment conducive to your professional and personal growth? Can you contribute?

I know too many friends who struggled on their return home to find jobs, secure positions that would utilize their skills and qualifications and then build a career. It’s a tough choice for young professionals. While I long to give back to my country, I am hesistant to make a choice that stymies my growth.

Admittedly, I don’t have answers to these questions. Rather, I pose them to the other young professionals at home and abroad.

Can we go home?

Customer Disservice

The customer is always right!

WRONG!

At least that seems to be the case more often than not in my twin island federation. While you can find many courteous employees at various businesses in the federation, there is still an unflattering prevalence of disservice, disrespect, disregard, and even disdain exhibited by many ‘service’ workers.

I can see your heads nodding in agreement already. I invite you to comment and share any incidents of customer disservice you have experienced in the federation. Here is a recent one I witnessed at the RLB International Airport:
December 2007: Waiting to collect checked bags at RLB, a FedEx employee (a young lady), accidentally dropped a large box on the foot of a middle-aged lady (returning national). Her reply to the elderly woman’s cry of pain: “That’s why allyuh need to kip allyuh backside one place!”

{By the way, why does passenger luggage and cargo arrive in the same area of our highly touted international airport? Stay tuned for more on this.}