When the going gets tough, Abdul gets going!
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, goes the old adage that is meant to motivate people going through hardships in life.
If you get to see young mechanical engineer Abdul Rahim Taha standing outside major business centres in Qatar holding up a little billboard, saying he is on a job hunt, then you are seeing a person who’s enjoying life’s best lemonade.
Abdul has a very positive attitude towards life. His parents work in an Indian school in Qatar (father a teacher and mother a librarian) and he was born and raised in this country.
Being the eldest of four children, he wanted to help add to the family’s earnings as fast as he could. But then, the oil price came crashing down and world economy came to a virtual standstill.
Companies in Qatar cut existing staff and only few were hiring mechanical engineers. Even fewer were interested in giving a fresher his first big break.
Not one to be disheartened easily, Abdul is keeping at it with dogged determination.
“In the last few weeks, I personally handed in more than 60 CVs to various companies. I also sent out 200+ emails with my resume. A majority of them didn’t even respond.
“I attended three interviews, but they all needed only highly-experienced candidates. I worked as an unpaid intern for a month, but left when they said they weren’t interested in making a fresher a permanent staff,” he told Qatar Living.
That is when Abdul decided he had to do something to make himself stand out. Thus, the ‘billboard’ idea was born.
“I was thinking hard about how to stand out in the crowd. Then it hit me that I should perhaps take the word in its literal sense. I went over several scenarios, but finally settled on the ‘billboard idea’ as I thought it would give me the most impact and recall value,” he said.
Once the idea was fully formed, he chose his words for the billboard carefully. He kept his message short and crisp and stationed himself near corporate and business centres.
Though people initially looked at him strangely, their attitude soon began to change.
“I’m an introvert by nature, so I had to build up my courage to do this. But I was overwhelmed by the well wishes and positive messages. Although I haven’t received any solid offers yet, there’s now a beautiful ray of hope in my life that that things are eventually going to work out. I’m so grateful to be in this country, my home,” he said.
The history of the world is the history of a few who had faith in themselves. Abdul Rahim Taha has that faith. Do you care to believe in him?
If you wish to get in touch, you can email Abdul at [email protected]. Also, check out his LinkedIn profile here.
How desperate is he to do so, but really no one cares specially here on QL, commentters went too carried away to the point of asking the authorities to take action against him. Take off your board Abdulrahim and go search for job in other countries don't waste your time here anymore.
To the writer: "Abdul" is not a name, not even an abbreviation. it sounds funny for those who understand Arabic..
Please write "Abdulrahim" instead
As Brit had predicted this becoming the trend. Two of the comments suggest the same.
Al the best man.
NOWADAYS!! Looking the job in Qatar becomes harder, I was planning to make the same like him, just I don't have bravery enough :0
this a typo of street begging an shameful act.
is this even allowed ? he is like the only person holding up a sign in the country. in america you could find this everywhere
is this even allowed ? he is like the only person holding up a sign in the country. in america you could find this everywhere
I would advise him to wait for a chance.
I am also a job seeker and it's obvious from our profile photos.
nice tie.
Great, i am also a job seeker, I am in Qatar for last 45 Days,Fresher Draftsman In GCC, This kind of idea have in my mind also, i will take this idea to practical when i didn't get a job in next 45 days...
Not a good idea
He is very desperate for job, He is trying hard as much as he can. I can understand him even I have gone through this in life. All the best Abdul, you are brave boy, very less people have the courage what u have. You will be successful one day...inshallah..
So crucial and heartbreaking response....
WE PRAY FOR THIS ENERGETIC YOUNG PROFESSIONAL.
@britexpat
Well, if this becomes a trend, you'll soon see increased Al Fazaa cops' presence in and around business towers.
Wishing him all the best.
Not like Engineers...suiting more like show business people
@Elegy you really are a piece of work. Heartless and cruel. What's so rebellious about this? this man needs a job this is what you call innovation and determination! dude try to think it this way we are lucky that we have jobs.
Oh come on, Elegy. Give this guy a break. Instead of getting disheartened and wallowing in his own tears, he's actually taking things into his own hands.
That's the never-say-never attitude.
Rebellious mind? Are you kidding me? This kid is going to go places, imho.
We must all help our parents .. they are like our sponsor
Very bad approach sorry not interested in him and will not recommend anyone with such rebellious minds to be supported.. Authorities and police should take care of this matter.. ASAP.. should nip in the bud..
Hats off to Abdul.. Let us hope that this does not start a trend