The Foreign Service Journal, January 2007

C O V E R S T O R Y 32 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 7 A post that is safe and friendly toward Members of Household. That’s all. A small consulate or embassy in a country where the national government is actually trying to improve the lot of its people. A small hardship post with minimal CODELs! Abidjan. Despite the problems the post was the right size, the society was interesting and complex, and I was able to make good friends. Afghanistan — because I want to make a difference. Africa (writ large): challenging environment, more opportunity to see the direct results of one’s work, and a continent that desperately needs good, committed officers. Any Andean nation for the the culture and natural beau- ty, opportunity to do significant development work, and still manageable anti-American sentiment. Any place in Europe, because the work is interesting and my spouse can find something to do. If State were to get its act together on spousal employment (i.e., facilitated with real headhunters, job skills bank, etc.), then the geo- graphic options could be much expanded. But I’m no longer holding my breath. Anywhere my work would involve interesting consular issues with third-country nationals (especially involving outreach to the Muslim community). At this point, I look for good secondary education for my children. Later, I’ll look for a unique and different place. Baghdad, to be part of history and earn some money. Bangkok. I love Asian culture and living in big cities. Plus, the cost of living is cheaper than my present post and it offers a wealth of recreational activities. Buenos Aires — rapidly developing country, lively cul- tural life, opportunities to improve U.S.-Argentine relations. Cairo. Great housing, great school, lots of things to do, lots of travel opportunities, great staff. Sense of commu- nity despite its size. Chiang Mai because of the people and the culture, plus the medium smallness of the consulate combined with a broad range of issues. Copenhagen — important small country that con- tributes to transformational diplomacy. Dubai, because the work is interesting and important; the post is small enough to permit management to be sup- portive of all personnel; and the economy is large enough to provide employment opportunities for my spouse. Every posting has had good and bad points. I don’t have a ‘dream’ post. Flexibility and problem-solving are key to any good post. People who understand the critical nature of hous- ing, shipping and customs, etc. to morale are very impor- tant. Can-do people are the most important thing in the FS. There are too many people who just interpret the rules so they can say no. Generally, I would like to be someplace where the front office cares about the staff (though I know I’m dreaming on this one). More specifically, I miss having seasons. Geneva. Because my wife has told me that after 20 years of putting up with lousy places, if I don’t get this for her, I’m out! Guadalajara or Mexico City. Good cities with plenty for the family to do and plenty of interesting work. Hanoi or Rangoon — beautiful cities, low cost of living, lovely locals and interesting work. Hong Kong, because the commercial work is interest- ing and the lifestyle is fantastic. I am enjoying my tour here in Ouagadougou. We call ourselves Team Ouaga and the local staff are all super nice, helpful and friendly. I cover six countries as a Regional English Language officer, and I’ve been impressed with the atmosphere in Chisinau. It’s small, but housing is substantial, the staff is friendly, and FSOs have productive, effective access to the GSO and the front office. I’d probably work anywhere in the world with a good team and a good leader who treated everybody equitably and respectfully and had good interpersonal skills. Working for jerks can be very stressful (expensive posts can also be stressful if you’re raising a family on one salary). Also, I’m just plain tired of staffing gaps, and excessive hours; I never get to have dinner with my kids. State needs to look at work/family balance and not just promote the workaholics who were staff aides working 12 hours a day — because those folks, when they become principals, then expect everybody else to be workaholics with no family life. DREAM POSTS “If you could choose any post today, where would you want to be? And why (briefly)?” Continued on page 34