Friday, December 12, 2008

Refugees

I once supervised a man who'd escaped a dictatorship. Although he had enjoyed an distinguished career as an attorney and as the vice president of a major corporation in his country, he'd had to flee and leave his family behind. He lived in a small apartment near our office and walked to work. A large chunk of what he earned was sent back to his family. When the dictator fell, he returned to his homeland and, I'm happy to say, was able to regain considerable status and happiness before he passed away.

Another refugee I met had been expelled from his country after being subjected to the less-than-tender mercies of the police state. He'd arrived in his new country with next to no money but with a solid reputation as a scientist and a dissident. He rebuilt his life and has written a series of books. He still lives frugally in a drab neighborhood of a major city.

I sometimes think of these two men and of the torment and challenges they had to overcome.

The memory usually comes to mind whenever people complain about their career.

1 comment:

Kurt Harden said...

What a great thought. Thanks.