An OFW’s dilemma: should I renew my contract?

Dear Ms. Ina,

I'm currently working as an Accountant here in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and my contract will soon end on April 02, 2005.

My boss, who is a Palestinian, chose and entrusted me important and delicate jobs among other fellow Filipino accountants because of my good analytical skill. But there were a few times that he got angry with me because I committed errors in doing them. There's an instance also when he did not approve my overtime hours. I tried to negotiate for it because I already worked for those OT hours; as an OFW, the OT is also a valuable amount. But the boss really neglected my appeal. I think he's unfair and inhumane, I can't last working with this kind of person. Aside from money, I also want to work in a good and friendly environment, and have a good relationship with fellow workers.

Right now, I'm thinking of not renewing my contract but finding another job.

What would I tell him? What if he offer me an increase so that I'll not leave? With his bad treatment of my fellow workers, I think I will not consider his offer. I'm an emotional person and maybe would have a hard time controlling my patience if he treats me the same way. Please help me arrive at a good decision.

Best regards,

R.

Dear R.,

Should you stay or should you go?

I think you have answered that question in your heart, and I am happy to hear that you are unwilling to accept unfair treatment. Tell him you want to leave because you have to attend to important family matters (finding a more decent employer with better pay is an important family matter!). If he offers you higher pay, politely tell him, "No, thank you, I really must attend to these family matters." You need not explain what these family matters are.

And, although, he has not approved your overtime hours in the past and seems to have treated your countrymen unfairly, be sure to be calm and unemotional when you talk to him. He has, after all, recognized you for your analytical skill and entrusted you with sensitive tasks. Be the better man – be gracious, thank him for the opportunity to work abroad, and bid him goodbye.

Always,

Ina

[Ina Teves is an organizational development consultant with a change management firm dedicated to making a difference wherever it goes by journeying with the client through the entire process of organizational transformation. Email your questions to inateves@pacific.net.ph]