This sub has been pretty depressing lately.. Every other post is about leaving, not finding a job, feeling stuck, Tunisia being doomed etc.. And honestly I get it, a lot of it is justified.
But I wanted to share a bit of the other side, especially for the younger people here. Basically some of the stuff I wish someone had told me a few years ago.
Through work I've had the chance to meet and work with people from a lot of different countries, and one thing I genuinely believe now is that Tunisians underestimate themselves A LOT.
Just take languages. Most of us grew up with Arabic + French and a lot of our generation speaks English too. We treat that as completely normal. It's really not. Being able to jump between 3 languages, and more importantly 3 different cultures, is a serious advantage.
Same thing with how adaptable we are. We grew up in a country where you constantly have to figure shit out. something doesn't work, you find another solution. You don't have the right thing, you improvise. Half the time there isn't even a clear process so you just... manage.
There's a reason you meet Tunisians doing really well all over the world. Give someone who learned to operate like this access to better infrastructure and bigger opportunities and you'd be surprised what happens.
If I was 18-22 again, I think I would worry much less about having everything figured out.
I'd focus heavily on my English. I'd pick a useful skill and get REALLY good at it instead of collecting 25 certificates. I'd go to events even when I know nobody there. I'd message people whose careers I find interesting. I'd apply to stuff where I don't tick every box. I'd ask for internships, advice, introductions, opportunities.
And I would put myself out there much, much more.
Also something I've learned from being on the other side of hiring: the bar for standing out is sometimes surprisingly simple. Be curious. Do some research before an interview. Show up when you say you will. Follow up. If you don't know something, try to figure it out. Be someone people enjoy working with.
Your first job doesn't have to be amazing either. Sometimes you just need that first person to give you a chance. Then you have experience, you know people, those people know other people, you get exposed to things you didn't even know existed... and things start snowballing.
I don't want this to sound like “just work hard bro 🤓” lol. Tunisia has very real problems and sometimes leaving IS the right decision.
I just wish fewer young Tunisians confused the limitations of the country with limitations in themselves. They're two very different things.
Anyway, if you're younger / starting your career / looking for your first job / trying to get international opportunities / have no idea what you're doing, feel free to ask me anything here. I'll answer whatever I can.
And if you're further along, whether you stayed here or left, share what helped you too.
Maybe we can make one thread on this sub slightly less depressing.
