Apr 23 2009
Once Rich Beggars of Dubai
An average person, working in an average job probably sees beggars (online and otherwise) and walks by, shaking head, possibly thinking some poor thought or another about the person. Likely, the person passing by does not have any particular thought that this could one day be them. After all, we live in a rather wealthy country where our way of life is secure and even protected. I am reminded of the poster I had up on the wall of my office in a particular production environment which was nothing more than a letter size sheet of paper with the phrase ‘Nothing Can Go Wrogn.’ printed in large type across it. - Things most certainly have gone ‘wrogn’, and whether this means you end up in the gutter before things go right or you just find yourself less comfortable than previous times have allowed, it is definitely thanks that should go through your mind when you see a beggar these days. Perhaps a little trepidation.
Thankfully, we are at least somewhat protected against these sorts of problems as individuals in the United States. Even as one who is not overly fond of having my money taken away from me to be handed out by the government to whomever they deem in need, (and likely with much more overhead than necessary) I have gained a fresh appreciation for how things are here, after reading about how the difficulties the world economy has faced is impacting others.
It seems not too long ago that I first heard of Dubai and was awestruck at the vision that went into creating such a wondrous, capitalist world literally up out of the sands of the middle east. I wished I had been one of the best and brightest, ready to take on some job or another there in the midst of what seemed to me to be a resort life. It wasn’t until just last week that I learned that Dubai had been hit hard by the economic downturn, and the scary reality of what this means for numerous ex-patriots there.
My recognition of this scary reality came from reading an article titled Why Bankruptcy Matters , which looks in on just what has happened to the once rich ex-pats who flocked to Dubai in general, with specific focus on one story in particular. I won’t go into great detail on what is available via the link above, but to put it simply, people who nobody would ever expect to have difficulties have been reduced to the level of beggar. Truly chilling, even to one who chooses to live as an online beggar.
Have a story about someone you know who went from riches to rags? How secure do you feel in your job in the current economy? Comment below!
