Working in Egypt

As previously mentioned, I have taken a job as a Personal Trainer at Gold’s Gym in Cairo.  My certification through Can-Fit Pro had expired so I am simultaneously taking the Certified Fitness Trainer program through the International Sports Sciences Association.  The program is very thorough and I enjoy it even though finding time to work on it is difficult.  I work 6 days a week for 8 hrs a day- normal for Egyptians but taxing for this foreigner who hasn’t had a job in nearly a year!  My time at work is spent training clients, providing orientations to new members or just chatting to people.  I am the source of much entertainment for both clients and co-workers who find my lifestyle slightly strange, my Arabic comical, and my nationality exotic (and alluring...).  As in any gym, there is plenty of entertaining gossip and eye candy- artificially induced eye candy that is.  Apparently taking steroids is normal for many of the gym rats.  They are not illegal and supposedly really cheap.  About 75% of the personal trainers are using them and also sell them to their clients, it is crazy.   But even though half the people can’t turn their heads or relax their arms, they are a bunch of teddy bears- gigantic teddy bears...

Working in Egypt certainly gives you an appreciation for the working conditions in Canada.  As an employee in Egypt you have absolutely no power.  If I make a mistake I get one warning, the second time I lose a ½ day of pay!  There was basically no training or employee orientation, so I learn the rules as I go. We have a fingerprint machine to ensure we start and end our shift as scheduled.  If I start work early, it does not mean I get paid extra or can go home early, I am working for free.  My monthly salary is $250 plus my commission, can you imagine?!  Having a job (especially one like mine) is a blessing and therefore no one complains when they are used and abused by the management.  Perhaps we can have a revolution at Gold’s Gym... 

At the end of the day I enjoy the work, my co-workers are incredible, the clients are great, and I feel like a part of the community.  I am experiencing what it is like to live and work in a foreign country- illegally.  Thinking of home but happily abroad,

Carrie