This is my first newsletter to share what has been going on in our lives since the past several years. Every year I will publish a newsletter with reflections on the year including interesting content…
2008-2010
This was a major point in my career and life. I met my wife in Canada and my career launched into SAP at IATA. This time was also very hectic since I also moved to Switzerland, got married and settled here for the long term. The first years in Switzerland were interesting and dynamic, as it took some time to adjust to living in Europe again (I was raised here as a child before going to the USA to study).
My desk at IATA.
2010-2013
After my great experience at IATA, I found a fantastic opportunity at Nestlé and did not hesitate to take it. This required us to move closer to my office, and I must say it was a delight to be in that region of Switzerland – almost like a little paradise (everyone must see it at least once).
The view from the cafeteria at Nestlé.
2013-2015
As the years progressed, the Information Technology landscape started to shift in Switzerland and many companies started offshoring their operations, which created a challenge for me to find my next opportunity. Thankfully, through my connections on LinkedIn, I was able to land a temporary contracting job with eBay in San Jose, but working remotely in Canada. So, Canada was calling and we had to move yet again (as you can see a lot of moving in our lives due to work).
My desk at eBay.
2015-2017
eBay was coming to a close, and again through my network we received a call from Switzerland to return and for me to work in Basel. We did not hesitate to move, since Switzerland always has been our favorite country to live in. Integrating in Basel was challenging due to the language requirements, nevertheless we managed to make the best of it. We developed a network there, and enjoyed much that the city had to offer.
The view from our apartment in Basel.
2017-2020
As you can imagine, all this moving took a toll on me eventually suggesting that it was time for a long and overdue sabbatical to regroup, focus on my health and develop plans for the future. We remained in Basel for some time, but eventually moved to Biel/Bienne to integrate better (they also speak French there) and enjoy a lower cost of living. We took the opportunity to travel to Japan (first time), and it was an incredible experience since we do not travel much.
Tokyo in the daytime.
2020
It was time to get back into the job market, so I landed an opportunity at UBS to work remotely. This was a great experience since it was my first job in banking – fascinating opportunity with lots to learn. This was also during COVID, and it was interesting to see that remote work can function effectively if others get used to it – I say this because at eBay I worked remotely despite others having challenges with it and yet made it a success. I was probably one of the first to work remotely on a large-scale Information Technology project at eBay – I am thankful for the opportunity.
Social distancing warning on the bus in my town.
2021-2022
My contract at UBS came to a close, and I found my next opportunity at Philip Morris International. This was another first for me to work on laboratory systems, since at PMI they have laboratories that closely examine their products and the effects they have on biological material. Fascinating experience, with much to learn and worth the experience.
My desk at Philip Morris International.
2022-Present
This period in my life is when things really started taking off. I finally found a permanent job at Infosys Consulting working remotely from home, published my book on project management and launched my company Mango Labs. We also took the opportunity to travel to Japan again – second time was even better (amazing place – must visit for anyone). Sadly though, this was also a time in my life when my father passed away.
My late father – taken when I was last in Lebanon 2012.
As you can see, we have achieved a lot in our lives, mainly due to our careers and we are thankful every day for the end result. We often keep in touch with those who had a hand in our careers, thanking them often and sending them lovely Swiss chocolates from here to enjoy! Let’s see what the future holds…