If someone had told me ten years ago that I’d be living in Saudi Arabia, working for one of the world’s largest energy companies, I probably would’ve laughed and said, “Yeah, right.” But here I am—an African American woman from the suburbs of Chicago—thriving in a place I once only read about in textbooks and international relations classes. This isn’t just an expat story. It’s my story, and it’s proof that life has a funny way of coming full circle.
The Road to Saudi Arabia 
My journey to the Kingdom began in 2018 during a particularly rough season in the U.S. job market—especially for a Black woman in corporate America. Despite holding a double major in marketing and international business, a second bachelor’s in telecommunications engineering, and a master’s in organizational performance and workplace learning, I found myself running into the same glass ceilings: overlooked for promotions, silenced in meetings, and constantly having to prove myself twice as hard for half the recognition.
It wasn’t just a professional struggle—it was emotional and spiritual, too. I knew I had purpose and potential, but the system made me feel stuck.
Culture Shock Is Real
Although I had lived in Mali during my time with the Peace Corps, nothing prepared me for Saudi Arabia. Bamako had its challenges, but the Kingdom was a different world—socially, spiritually, and environmentally.
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I was surrounded by tree-lined streets, weekend barbecues, and the calm rhythm of Midwestern life. Downtown trips brought the energy of the city and the serenity of Lake Michigan. In contrast, Saudi offered vast stretches of desert, deeply rooted traditions, and a climate that felt like a constant dare. Atlanta’s humid summers didn’t prepare me for 125°F (52°C) heat and 80% humidity that hits like a wall in June. I remember stepping outside one day and thinking, “If this is what hell feels like, I definitely do not want to go”.
Adapting Spiritually and Emotionally
As a Christian, one of my biggest concerns was how I’d continue to worship. I missed going to church, singing in fellowship, and sharing spiritual space with others. But God, in His faithfulness, made a way. I found a few like-minded believers and a quiet but powerful support network that kept my spiritual flame alive.
I’m especially grateful for my pastor, who, despite time zone challenges, still sacrifices his time to meet with me and share the Word of God. That kind of dedication has been a lifeline.
Still, loneliness creeps in. No one really warns you about it. Yes, I’m an extrovert, and yes, I made friends. But being away from your family, culture, and community—it’s something that lingers. Rather than dwell on it, I reminded myself why I came: to grow, heal, and become financially free.
And let’s be real—brunches and rooftop parties may look good on Instagram, but they drain your wallet and your energy. My focus was bigger. I didn’t come just to live abroad—I came to live better.
The Expat Lifeline
The expat community becomes your chosen family. Whether it’s figuring out how to get a driver’s license, finding a mechanic who speaks English, or needing a friend with Arabic skills—your network is everything.
We help each other navigate unspoken rules, celebrate holidays together, share meals during Ramadan, and show up when homesickness hits hard. The community is ever-changing, but the connections are real.
The Gift of COVID
Here’s something unexpected: COVID turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With borders closed and travel risky, I was forced to sit still—and that stillness became transformative.
I didn’t just survive—I flourished. I saved more money than I ever thought possible. I earned multiple professional certifications. I lost 37 kilos. I deepened my walk with God. Spiritually, financially, and emotionally, I became stronger.
It’s funny how isolation shows you who you really are—and who you’re becoming.
A Grateful Heart
Gratitude has been the anchor of my journey. I could focus on what I miss—same-day Amazon delivery, the sound of rain, changing seasons. Or I can thank God for what He’s given me: an abundant life, new friendships, and the space to thrive.
He took me from homelessness to global citizenship. From surviving to thriving. From longing to fulfillment. I know deep in my soul—I’m finally living the life I was created for.
A Life Reimagined
What humbles me most is the stark contrast between where I was and where I am now. I went from being undervalued in corporate America to being seen and supported in Saudi. From living paycheck to paycheck to being financially secure and able to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
I’ve wandered the souks of Muscat, admired the skylines of Dubai, laughed with friends in Bahrain, and stood in awe of the Saudi desert. I’ve eaten dates straight from the palm, shared tea with generous hosts, and been welcomed into a culture that has changed me forever.
The Arab community—whether in Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, or Qatar—has shown me hospitality in its purest form. And in turn, I’ve brought them the richness of my own identity, heritage, and purpose.
This is more than a career move. It’s a life reimagined—and by God’s grace, it’s just getting started.
About Tiffany Smith
Tiffany Smith is a seasoned Learning & Development strategist with over 15 years of international experience spanning the energy, finance, and government sectors. She specializes in organizational performance, instructional design, and leadership development—delivering impactful solutions that drive growth and transformation.
Originally from Chicago and currently based in Saudi Arabia, Tiffany holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning. Her work is rooted in purpose, with a strong commitment to fostering professional development and amplifying underrepresented voices in corporate environments. Passionate about unlocking human potential, she partners with individuals and organizations to create inclusive, high-performance cultures.
