A 'Love' Letter To My Boss...

Caution: Huwag tularan. When you have the guts to write your boss a letter, be prepared and expect the worst things that can happen to you- your boss might take it against you, every little details of your work will be monitored and finally, the possibility of being terminated/deported.

I was aware of these consequences and yet, these did not prevent me from writing a letter to my boss. I was thinking back then, atleast i have to get to air my grievances. I was on this notion that the only right I have in this country is 'the right to remain silent'. I want to breakfree.

Background: It was in March 18, 2007 when my 1st company here in Dubai was sold to another company. The employees were absorbed by new management. I have been wanting to look for another job before this but a 'ban' will be more likely to be imposed on me. Employer here has a right to ban anyone should he not finish his contract usually a 3-year contract. I do not want to jeopardize my future and my family's so i have no choice but to love my 1st company whether i like it or not. When they sold our company, i saw it as a great opportunity for me to leave. It took only days when i was offered a job by another company and in less than a month, i was working afresh in my 2nd company here in Dubai.

Everything's going well except for the fact that my visa is still not transferred. Apparently, my 1st company (now with a new management) to my opinion, doesn't want to give me an NOC though they assure me of giving one when i resigned otherwise, i won't decide to leave. An NOC (no objection letter) is required so they can issue me a new visa. I have been following up to them (old and new mgt) for almost everyday. I was also personally going to the old and new office (al garhoud and bur dubai respectively) from time to time to secure the same but I was unsuccesful. I got tired and exhausted. I wanted to give up.

In my 2nd company, my boss/in-charge is very supportive of me. He understands my status. Legally, i was not their employee. I do not have yet a visa. I can be sued for working illegally. Since i was new and had no user account (our tasks were computer-related), i was working but literally doing nothing. My mind was always up in the sky- will my 1st company ever give me an NOC?

When I knew I have given my 100% to something, I can wholeheartedly accept whatever the outcomes. It's now outside my area of responsibility therefore, outside my control.

With all these in my mind, i wrote my first ever letter to my boss! (dtd April 2007). In the letter, i requested for an indefinete leave from office until i get NOC (anyway, they can never issue a visa to me without it). i also wrote about being paid in the office eventhough i'm not really working (very noble? but that's how i really felt).

My Boss' Reaction
Naturally, he called me in his office. He reiterated to me that everything will going to be okay. He added, the management expects me to do nothing in the office until they provide me a user account.There is no problem with that according to him. The management is aware of my condition. He also offered his help should i need him to talk to my 1st company (my boss is Jordanian therefore, speaks Arabic). After this talk, i felt relieved and free from all worries.


I knew right there and then, I made the right decision. I also do not forget to lift up everything to HIM. I do believe He has always a good purpose in everything that's happening to me.