Man quits established job in home country to work in Dubai

Dubai - He gave up his comfort zone, explored new territories and emerged as a winner.

Eduardo Almeda Jr. had a cushy, stable job as a brand/events manager in a renowned company in Philippines, but the 32-year-old man - with an appetite for risks - left it all and started from zero in UAE in 2014. 
"My life in the Philippines was pretty much established, but I wanted to challenge myself so I decided to move out of the country," Almeda told The Filipino Times.
However, it was not a cakewalk for Almeda. He had to go through a lot of trials and tribulations that tested his patience. 
"The first day in Dubai was hard. I was hit by the reality that I was starting from scratch and didn't know what to do," Almeda said, while recalling its initial days in Dubai. He had a rude realisation that he was one among many job-seekers in the cut-throat market in Dubai. But the daunting challenge didn't deter him. 
After sustained efforts, he finally got a job as an assistant event manager. Almeda excelled in his work and made full use of the skills he had developed. In 2016, he achieved a professional milestone when he got hired by Azizi Developments. 
"At first it was tough but then when you already have the flow, everything will go smooth," Almeda pointed out. It took him three years to climb the success ladder and to get a chance to handle top shot clients.
In 2018, Almeda was nominated for the 'Marketing Professional of the Year' category of The Filipino Times Awards, an event where Filipinos who have made mark in the UAE are acknowledged for their contributions.
'It allows me to be creative'
Almeda started his professional career as a brand marketing assistant for San Miguel Corporation in 2006. Later, he joined a publishing company.
He said that marketing and events not only allows him to be creative, but broaden his horizon in terms of people and companies he gets to collaborate with.
"I'm doing a mix of events and marketing. Every time I work, it stirs my thoughts, makes me feel flourishing, and that's what makes it an interesting field," Almeda was quoted as saying in the report.
When it comes to seizing control of your career, there's nothing wrong with taking a leap and risk as long as you know where it would it you to, he said.
"I always tell my fellow Filipinos in the office that they've got to find their purpose to motivate themselves constantly to aspire bigger things in life. Sometimes, people want to achieve more, but they lack courage to chase their dreams. Have the mindset to go further in life and career, and match it with action, it will take you places," Almeda added.

• UAE
• Dubai