Hi all,
After reading through all relevant posts here, I understand this is probably one of the most asked questions among expats living in Afghanistan. I just want to make sure that I know what I am getting into before moving to Kabul. I am a Korean female in my late 20's, currently working in the development field. I am applying for a job in Kabul with one of the UN agencies that I used to work for before. The main reason I am apply for the job is because it matches my interests and skills quite perfectly and I have a faith in the organization that I am apply for.
Because I have never worked in a conflict area like Afghanistan, I can't imagine what it is like to live there -- even after reading many articles written by (ex-)Kabul expats. I have spoken to a few development professionals whom I trust or who used to work there; about two out of ten recommended I go and find out while the rest gave me straight No's due to the current security situation there. One of my colleagues who used to work for different agencies there for over four years from 2003-2007 and in 2010 told me that things in Kabul now are a lot different from they were while she was there and she wouldn't recommend I even apply for a job there.
I thought some of you who are currently there might share insights. I really would appreciate if any of you could share:
1) what it is like to work there these days, especially for female aid workers working for the UN;
2) how tight the security is nowadays;
3) whether you expect the situation to get better or worse, esp. for expats; and
4) after living there for a while, whether you think it is worth giving a shot for a career satisfaction/advancement (esp. for junior levels).
Thank you for sharing your time and two cents in advance.