u/notmercedesbenz

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working towards a career in the humanitarian sector with the long-term goal of working internationally, specifically hoping to work in the Levant.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a lot of tension regarding the personal side of this career path, and I would love to hear from those who are already in the field or further along in their journey.

Most of my peers in traditional career paths are hitting standard milestones right now. They’re settling down, getting married, and establishing roots. Because my focus is entirely on international service, language acquisition, and eventually relocating, my dating pool feels incredibly specific and limited and it’s honestly quite depressing. It often feels like a waiting game where I'm stuck between wanting a long-term partner and knowing my life trajectory doesn't look like everyone else's, so what’s the point on even trying to date locally?

For those who felt a strong call to international humanitarian work early on:

How did you navigate dating and relationships in your mid-to-late 20s while preparing to go abroad?

If you are married or in a long-term partnership, at what stage in your career did you meet your partner? Did you meet them within the sector, or outside of it?

Did you find that you had to intentionally put marriage on the back burner until you were established in the field, or did partnership happen organically along the way?

I really love this work and am fully committed to it, but the feeling of a delayed personal timeline can be frustrating and disheartening.

I’d deeply appreciate any stories, advice, or perspective you can share.

I read over the rules but if this isn’t allowed, please delete it MODs.

Thank you!

Hi! I am not Arab but I’ve lived in the Middle East, loved it and have been largely influenced by the history and depth of the region and the various views on theological matters compared to what I’ve widely been taught in the USA.

When it comes to the purpose of the Cross, I have only ever heard one thing taught. Jesus died on the Cross to essentially appease the wrath of God. I honestly didn’t even realize there were other views out there. This is called the Penal Substitutionary Atonement. I started researching, and I realized this is more of a western theology. It makes sense, because it fits the western values / framework of guilt / innocence (as opposed to honor / shame, for example).

But I’m so curious now to hear about this topic from you guys. What were you taught about the reason Jesus had to die? Was it for to appease the wrath of God? And without it, we could never have forgiveness? Or something totally different? Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts!

Hi everyone! I am interested in finding a nanny job in the Middle East. I was wondering if anyone knows of any nanny placement agencies specifically for that region?

About me: I’m American, 26 years old, currently pursuing my MA in Human Rights. I have 7 years of professional nanny experience. I have already spent a year in the Middle East and I’m hoping to go back for some time. I’m A2 in Levantine Arabic. My job contract with my current family ends in February.

I know this is a little far fetched but thought I’d see if any of my fellow nannies know of any connections or agencies, thanks in advance 😙

Edit to add: I know the culture surrounding household employees is totally different in the ME, so I’m not looking for any advice in that regard, as I already know to proceed with caution.