Facing Job Challenges in Afghanistan: How Do You Handle Unethical Demands?

Hello, I am Sameera from Afghanistan. It is unfortunate that Afghanistan is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. It is hard to survive in my country. Similarly, it is also not easy to obtain a job. Every male or female wants to have a job; they have to sacrifice their honor and go against the ethics and HR policies if the applicant does not have a reference. I recently lost my job because my boss wanted me to have a chitchat with him after office hours. I need advice, please.

Universal Challenges and Opportunities

Please be informed that this problem has nothing to do with Afghanistan. It is a universal problem and exists to some extent even in the most developed countries. The fact that you have lost your job and not your honor indicates that you have the mental strength, courage, and ability to make good decisions.

Please stay informed about HR-related activities and discussions across the world through Cite HR and other forums. You seem to have access to the internet and should not have any constraints in keeping yourself updated. You never know when a good opportunity might present itself. Just be fully equipped with the best knowledge and await good things to happen. Having seen the worst, just wait for the good days. Let me instill hope in you that the best place for a large company in the world to invest is to set up a branch in more affordable countries. It is only a matter of time for things to change in your country for the better. We have to wait and contribute our best to attract investments in our capacity. See if it is possible for you to contribute to and improve the reputation of your country as an individual, as a team, and as a group, for the future.

May God bless you with strength, patience, and the best opportunities.

First off, I really appreciate your courage to mention the instance here. Though I understand your situation, I would recommend you to be more diplomatic in such instances rather than losing a job. I am sure you already had enough patience before losing the job, but in the future, if you foresee such a threat, get away for some time and try for a good opportunity and then come back with a reason... not an easy job though.

Always remember, whatever happens in your life happens for a good reason. The corruption has become a bug and spread through many countries, can't help it. I don't think you can at all contribute or change the culture on your own, but I must suggest, don't generalize this social cause to every company in the country. You may have faced some bad experiences, but losing hope is the biggest threat to your career. Consult some established consultants or check for jobs through your friends or online... All you need at this time is a little more patience and focus on search options.

I learned about the culture in Afghanistan, and I understand your present situation. Further, your post also shows your positive attitude to seek solutions towards any problem in your life. There are very few people who analyze the cause of their defeat and look for alternatives, and I see you are one of such a group.

I am sure that you are going to get a good job in the near future. Just buck up with full anticipation and start applying for a new experience... hope you will find some ease in this response.

Wish you to get busy with your new role very soon and Cheers!!!

I echo the views of Anil & Praveen Kumar Kambhampati. I also understand how tough it is to stand up to corrupt/unethical practices, especially in the situations that Afghanistan is currently facing. However, as Anil mentioned, corruption is a scourge that is prevalent worldwide—it's only a matter of degree. I am not sure if you have access to world programs on TV, but if you do, you would also be aware of the corruption and unethical practices in the UK right now, a society that is more known for fair and ethical practices thus far.

So, in a nutshell, focus on WHAT'S IN YOUR CONTROL rather than what's not. What's in your control is YOUR RESPONSE to the situation(s). Given a choice, try to avoid such situations where your principles could be compromised. But if such situations do occur despite your best efforts to avoid them, CALIBRATE your responses.

Given the current state of affairs in Afghanistan, your local options could be limited. Have you considered opportunities in the Middle East? Usually, many people from Afghanistan move there. Another suggestion could be to return to the University to pursue a higher degree. This way, when you graduate, the job opportunities available to you would be of a different nature where such practices would be less prevalent (unless, of course, financial reasons also influence your job decisions).

If you have anything specific in mind, please feel free to raise it in this forum—I am sure the members would offer practical suggestions.

Regards,
TS

Dear Sameera,

First of all, I salute your courage, which inspires all of us that nothing is bigger than self-respect. Secondly, corruption is not just an issue in Afghanistan, but the whole of South-East Asia is a victim of this cancer. We welcome you to be a part of this community to express your desires and wishes with us.

Thanks and regards,

Sumit Kumar Saxena

I am so thankful to each one of you for motivating not only me but all the working class of Afghanistan. We are so unfortunate that 30 years of war have shattered us. One whole generation is illiterate. However, I am among the few fortunate Afghans who could avail education, but my education can't fight with the warlords and the dark mentality of today's Afghans. I also realize the fact that Afghanistan's future is in our hands. I can't think of living somewhere else. I have already lived in Pakistan for 18 years as a refugee.

Focusing on Entrepreneurship

I am focusing on entrepreneurship, and soon I will be on my own. I think it's the only solution for anyone facing problems like me. I have not lost hope, and it is also true that I don't want to go to big offices there. I am very thankful to each one of you.

Regards

One can't help but appreciate your fighting spirit—something the Afghans are known for worldwide for centuries. However, the pity seems to be that much of that attitude and nature has been oriented and focused towards war rather than other positive directions.

Entrepreneurial Decision

Regarding your decision to become an entrepreneur, that is definitely a good decision. But at the same time, please bear in mind that this is not the panacea for all the evils you want to avoid. The corrupt or unethical situations that you want to avoid would, at best, reduce but won't disappear. So it may be imperative for you to learn how to cope with such situations (which doesn't mean you have to succumb to that culture but learn how to handle them with tact).

However, there definitely would be two advantages when you are on your own—'how to respond' to such situations will now be 'in your control' (the buck stops with you now, isn't it?), and you don't have to answer to anyone for something that you haven't done and/or compromise on core values.

By the way, what is it that you want to do to begin with? Which area/activity? Just bear in mind that you can bank on the members of CiteHR whenever you need support or guidance.

All the best.

Regards,
TS

I wonder if such courageous females are in Afghanistan. One day, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Terrorists and warlords have never won if you read history, but you all have to endure the temporary bad phase.

Dear Sameera,

First of all, you are most welcome for your queries and concerns. To be more practical, let bygones be bygones. At the end of the day, you should have an earning factor to feed your family and keep some savings for your future. As a part of this aim, we seek opportunities on the bright side. No matter what hurdles we go through, we should continue. Well, there's only one thing that we always need: some spirit.

I wish you good luck with your thoughts and hope to see you as a successful one-boss soon. It always becomes a nice day when we meet people with some solutions, like YOU. Stay in touch in this forum.

Regards