I'm financially privileged as I was raised, received a quality education, and worked various jobs in one of the most expensive cities globally. I was fortunate enough to save sufficient funds from these jobs to move out of that city and into another one of the most expensive places to live globally.
Dubai is home to many western (British, American) expats. It's likewise home to many Asian (Filipino, Indian, Pakistani) expats.
I can't tell you what it felt like when I made a local phone call and expected a Filipina receptionist to answer. When I hail a taxi and know I'll be greeted with a male driver from Yemen or Pakistan. When I walk into a business building and have the door opened for me by Indian office cleaners.
...I've had the door opened for me by my parents and their parents who chose to immigrate to America 30 years ago. I've had the door opened for me by the government which helped fund my education. I've had the door opened for me by the Latino guy I bought my car from to go to school.
There have been too many people in my life who have consciously or unconsciously provided me with the means of getting where I am today. I can't tell you what it feels like when I survey the beautiful business towers hovering above me and remember all the cheap laborers who were crushed under their weight.
I am a western-educated American who graduated without debt. I am inconceivably more privileged than I ever appreciated in Beverly Hills, CA, when I would stupidly bemoan my poor material state compared to that of my peers. I'm disappointed that it took moving to another country to remember how privileged I am.
Here's to self-awareness, gratitude, & being happy with what you have, not having what makes you happy.
