Zhang chose to work in Africa to gain global experience while she was young, and the financial incentives were attractive. She was also influenced by a senior who shared positive experiences about working in Africa, which made her consider it a viable career option.
Zhang faced challenges such as limited access to fresh food, long commutes to urban areas, and the need to adapt to different cultural and work environments. She also dealt with the complexities of managing multiple roles in smaller projects, such as being both a nurse and a procurement officer.
In smaller projects, living conditions were more basic, with limited resources and personnel. For example, one person might handle multiple roles like procurement and nursing, which could lead to inefficiencies and challenges in managing responsibilities.
Zhang observed that the local workforce in countries like Tanzania and Zambia was hardworking and diligent. They understood that their efforts contributed to national development projects, which motivated them to perform well despite the challenging conditions.
Zhang's perspective on Africa evolved from viewing it as a place of hardship to appreciating the resilience and potential of its people. She also gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of working in different African countries and the importance of adaptability.
In Lesotho, Zhang faced bureaucratic challenges, such as difficulties obtaining visas for project personnel. She also had to step in as a cook when the project's chef was detained due to a visa issue, highlighting the unpredictable nature of working in Africa.
Zhang described South Africa as relatively unsafe, with frequent power outages and high crime rates. She noted that people often had to stay in their cars for safety and avoid walking in public areas due to the risk of robbery.
Zhang found that healthcare in Africa was inadequate for most locals, with long wait times and limited resources. However, wealthier individuals could access better care at private hospitals, often run by foreign entities.
Working in Africa strengthened Zhang's resilience and adaptability. It also brought her closer to her spouse, as they relied on each other in challenging environments. However, the demanding work schedule and isolation from family were significant challenges.
Zhang expressed a desire to focus on her family and personal life in the near future, though she remained open to returning to Africa later. She emphasized the importance of balancing work with personal well-being and family priorities.
**【Insider】**当我们提到关键词「非洲」、「驻外」、「年轻人」时,往往一个健壮男性形象会跃然纸上。但今天,我们偏要聊聊在非洲生活工作过的女性:三年前,张总抱着「趁年轻看看世界」的想法来到非洲,三年来她的足迹踏遍坦桑尼亚、赞比亚、南非、莱索托、刚果(金)等许多国家。工作生活在非洲,她面临过怎样的挑战;她的眼中,非洲人和我们的原有认知有何差别? 主播 / 王妈妈 珂珂 嘉宾 / 张总音频剪辑 / 珂珂 Shownotes / 王妈妈 接下来,你将听到: ⭕️ 选择去非洲:有很多反对声音,但不会构成阻力 ⭕️ 一个驻非项目的人员构成:小项目里难免有财务兼护士 ⭕️ 苦中作乐往事之《我在莱索托颠巨巨巨勺》 ⭕️ 非洲见闻之「堕落」的南非:每天停电6-8小时是寻常事 ⭕️ 非洲见闻之「资源的诅咒」:刚果(金)人甚至会住塑料布建成的房子 ⭕️ 非洲人都比较懒?他们能意识到,在此地付出的汗水将会造福整个国家 ⭕️ 非洲工地情侣没法离家出走:毕竟出门就是河马(两个鼻孔像黑洞那种) 感谢张总的描述,她把远处的非洲具象化,将之通过声音带到我们身旁。但身在远方的记忆难免随着时间推移而如梦般遗忘;「看世界」之后,年近中年的我们更需要记录。 关于本期节目,大家还有哪些希望交流的内容,咱们评论区见!
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