Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Some Do's and Don'ts Living In Jakarta

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You have read the theory so what do you do now? Hopefully some of the following suggestions will help smoothe your time in Jakarta and maybe at your next posting as well:

- Be a Considerate Replacement:
When you arrive bear small gifts and not big boots. Allow time for the disengagement of the old and the engagement of the new.

- Prevent Boredom:
There has to be sufficient food for the mind to last throughout your term in Indonesia. Personal and community development is very possible in Jakarta.

- Settle Personal Relationships Before You Arrive:
Jakarta will strengthen stable relationships. It will devastate flawed relationships.

- Set Personal Goals and Work Towards Them:
Make the goals realistic and attainable.
Don't aim too high. Make the goals dependant on self-motivation.

- Keep In Touch With Home:
Your family and friends will retain a genuine interest in you and it makes readjustment easier when you finally return home.

- Join In Group Activities:
It is fun, useful and brings people together.
Good club secretaries are always in demand.

- Aim For Team Work:
We all need time to be alone but we all need the support of others

- Show Tolerance:
Avoid being argumentative. Be tolerant of different opinions and attitudes.

- Be Positive:
You started on a positive note so continue and finish on a positive note. Focus on the positive contributions of others.

- Don't Get Depressed:
Everyone gets dispirited occasionally.
Recognise it for what it is but don't worry about it.
Try a new activity.

- Don't drown your sorrow in alcohol or food

- FINALLY:
Again recall we are basically concerned with the 20%
To answer a question sometimes asked: The incidence of significant mental upsets of any type in Jakarta is no worse than in other place generally.

The positive effects of a time in Jakarta overwhelm the negative effects: You will have more self discipline, greater adaptability, more tolerance, more understanding of self and more understanding of the other person and other cultures.

It will have been a positive, memorable experience thoroughly enjoyed by you but even more so by your children. You will have had a broadened experience and a sense of adventure.

Most importantly of all you will have had something experienced by relatively few expatriats - the privilege of having lived in Jakarta.
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