Expats. Episode 3. Networking party

Part 1

Another lazy morning had started with a tasty cup of coffee and discussions concerning tomorrow's networking party. A chance to meet other professional ex-pats and locals. A great event marred only with the frequently asked question: “What do you do for a living?” meaning how can we pigeon hole you into a job category. None of our four has a straight forward answer. Unfortunately, the professional coffee drinker is not acceptable in this society. Passive income and occasional freelance work are veering to far from the path of the convention. Still, attending the party is beneficial for each of them for different reasons.

Bradley used it to practice his skills chatting to women. He wasn't interested enough to be a pickup artist although he had read the book “The Game” all about such things. He had enough male company every morning so enjoyed the refreshing change. All male conversations can be quite competitive and focus on limited subject matter. Brad enjoyed practicing his language skills on the local ladies who always heaped praise when they heard a foreigner speak in their local tongue.

Our “Local” fourth musketeer used the event for its designated purpose to network with the possibility of finding a job. It was a tricky one as he really had no intention of working so he made sure he did not commit to anything. Everyone was very helpful and gave advice or contacts which our “Local” made sure he proactively never followed up. All business cards were filled under B.I.N. Unemployment carried a stigma by a society that once imprisoned those who were unfortunate enough to fall short of the social norm, working to support the whole. You never see a lazy bee or do you?
There was a humorous observation in the period of transition post-Soviet countries from socialism to a new paradigm when the authorities pretended they were paying wages and thus workers pretended they were working.

The Brits were much more straight forward, mainly there to enjoy a glass of red wine and practice their sarcastic sense of humour. They would expand on or and create an employment history that made them seem incredibly interesting, luckily nobody there would ever check their credentials.

They would recommend this technique to “Local” but originating from this smallish town he did not want to get caught out. Exaggeration is not deception explained by one of the Brits who had created a successful hypothetical startup business back in the dot con boom days.

-Robots are increasingly taking over so what we are doing is preparing for the impending life of leisure. Ironically our experience will soon be in great demand by those forced to make the transition, -explained one of the Brits called Nike with a rye smile.

Another one, Adrian, agreed:
-Soon we will be overworked helping an increasingly underworked workforce of bees adjust their taste buds from pollen to coffee. Quiet and meditation will be the new norm. Reaching the “still point” will be the new busy for Bees.

to be continued...Next part https://steemit.com/funny/@dovetail/4wsgy6-xpats-episode-3-networking-party