Celebrating One Year

A year ago this month, The Olive Grove was officially registered as a company, and we celebrated with a grand opening party. Two weeks ago, we celebrated our one year anniversary with our members at our monthly community brunch. 

We’re honestly amazed at what has been accomplished in one year. So we’ve been reflecting on the lessons learned. 

Starting a business takes time. We remember the long, hard days of trying to fill the space. Cold calls, countless emails, networking events… We had one office filled, for the first few months, and the space felt completely empty. There were times when we didn’t think we would make it. Then it picked up. 

In March and April, we had a sudden influx of inquiries and converted leads to sales. People asked us what the trick was, and we never knew how to answer that question. But looking back, it was the dedication we put into getting the place up and running. Diligence, persistence, patience. 
We worked late nights, weekends, long hours… We hosted so many events. We talked to so many people. We got rejected more times than we’d like to remember. But we were diligent in creating a beautiful space, hosting the best events, being as kind and hospitable as possible, and putting in the hours. And over time, word got out about us, and The Olive Grove started becoming successful. 
So, here’s what we’ve learned…

1. Remember why you started. If you’re passionate about your work, you won’t want to give up.
   
2. List the things going well. It’s easy to feel discouraged, so keep track of the things working.
   
3. Own up to your mistakes. You will make them.
   
4. Work with people you enjoy because when you start a business, you spend A LOT of time together. 
   
5. Laugh when things go wrong. Especially when some things are out of your control. 
   
6. Be kind to people… even when they are not kind to you. 
   
7. Enjoy the ride. It’s cliche, but so true. Enjoy the late nights, the stressful days, the ups and downs, and celebrate the successes (both big and small). It all pays off. 
   
   

TOG Team

To conclude our series highlighting people who have moved back to Lebanon, we wanted to share the story of Rami - a recent returnee.
Rami was living in NYC and chose to come back to continue to pursue his startup in Beirut (Twig Collaborative), be with his family, and reconnect with a good group of friends. 

Did you have to come back to Lebanon or did you choose to come back? Why?
In general in life, recognizing the agency of your own decisions is a big step in your career, in becoming an adult, and forging your own way in life. So it’s definitely based on choice. I chose to come back to Beirut, for multiple reasons. The first of which is family, work, but most importantly, I think Beirut is an extremely and dialectically very inspiring and frustrating sort of place to live in. And somehow, for a designer, that keeps you on your toes. 
How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?Food, beach, work, family, in no particular order. I think Lebanon has so much to offer from it’s landscape to its culture to the food, to the people you meet - both an amazing international crowd and a vibrant local crowd. I’m doing my best to make the most of Lebanon. 

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
Once you live abroad, you become complacent and you expect things to work out, you expect the internet connection to be perfect, you expect great customer service, you are used to a certain level of liberty in expressing your thoughts and yourself and engaging in public discourse. So one of the biggest challenges is to find a way to exercise all of those things and to have all those amenities in Beirut. It’s not impossible, it just takes a little bit of work and a good dose of patience.
How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Moving away from NY, you do lose some opportunities. I was finishing my masters degree, I was teaching at Parsons, and it’s not super easy to walk away from that city. But I don’t necessarily think of them as sacrificeis. I think of them as this time is done, and it’s time to come back. And I think that’s the only way to have enriching experiences. I don’t see them as sacrifices, I think that’s part of life. 

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
I don’t do favorites very easily. I would say spending time with a good group of friends that I would say I have generally missed. With that said, most of my friends now have one foot in Lebanon and one foot in another part of the world. But what I love about this group of friends is that everyone makes it a point to come back to spend some time in Beirut and I think that the memories that we make and spending genuine time together, it’s widely enriching. So I would say my favorite thing about living in Lebanon is the people. 

What would your advice be for other returnees? 
My advice for other returnees is have thick skin, remember why you made the choice to come back. Recognize that there are so many frustrations but also so much potential. In a lot of ways, this place is a fertile ground for so much. So my advice is to remember why you came back, and if it wasn’t your choice, how do you make the best out of it? 

Find your people, find your tribe, find like-minded people you can discuss and share life with. And what I mean by like-minded is not finding people exactly like yourself, but find people you’re comfortable enough with to build bridges of communication with. They can be people who carry quite a different set of values and life views, but find your tribe who you can have enriching experiences with. 

TOG Team ft. Rami

Leaving the comfort and luxury of the Gulf to move back to Lebanon can be a tough transition. Many Lebanese working in the Gulf countries constantly weigh the cost of leaving security and stability to move back to their home country. 

As a continuation of our blog series, "Wise Words from the Returnees," we interviewed Rana, a civil engineer who worked with the multinational company AECOM for 8 years in Qatar, and who recently moved back to Lebanon (again). We love her words of advice, and we hope they leave you feeling encouraged. 

Did you have to come back or did you choose to come back? Why?
Interestingly, this is my second time to come back to Lebanon from overseas, and both times it was absolutely by choice, just different reasons!
I left Lebanon twice, first from 2006-2010 (following the Israeli war) and then from 2014-2017 (following the Syrian crisis and construction sector being extremely hit).. the first time I returned was purely being fed up with the desert and for my well-being and family, second time was because I’m taking a break and changing career through a Masters, with the aim hopefully to find work here when I finish it!
My plan was always to stay and work in Lebanon and it was the major political upheavals that made me leave to the Gulf, both times. This time, I came back after working for 4 years in Qatar and the main reason this time was a decision to change careers, I enrolled in an Executive Masters in London (part time, few visits to London only) so I decided to use Lebanon as my base and the intention is to find a job here once I graduate. I would like to work in the Development domain which means targeting developing countries, so to me it is obvious- why will I have to look elsewhere rather than help my own country in urgent need for development?

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
Having worked for 8 years in Qatar and its desert climate and nature, I developed this urge for being in nature which is abundant in Lebanon, for enjoying the cultural scene that is vibrant in Beirut as well as the authentic villages and their heritage and warm habitants. My Doha experience made me appreciate these assets so much more and this is how I try to make most out of living here!

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
Driving, driving, and driving!
To me, this is not just about the mere chaotic driving challenge, but sadly, it reflects a whole negative side of Lebanon: the lack of organization, rules, and the absence of proper civic behavior and respect towards each other- unfortunately this is something not just limited to the streets!

How do you deal with these challenges?
Rather than dwelling on the negativity of these challenges, I just do my best to avoid being in such scenarios and avoiding confrontation, but at the end of the day, you just learn how to live with them. While driving, music is my best fix!
How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
What I mostly learned from living overseas and the people I have worked with, who were from different nationalities (the advantage of working in the Gulf!), was the importance of good civic behavior and abiding by the law/rules. Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, this is the main challenge I am struggling with daily here but I still try to apply these values myself here, thinking that if we all start from ourselves, one day things might change on this front.

What are some of the sacrifices you have to make living in Lebanon?
Few things of course that I think are common to all people who have returned like me: major salary cut and losing the luxury of basic services- 24 hour electricity, water, good infrastructure and such.

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
Being around family.
Beirut…I’m in love with this evergreen and super resilient city.
And of course, the beautiful nature spots that we have all over Lebanon, I’m a big fan of exploring the most hidden gems  and every road trip around our mountains leaves me more and more amazed by how much beauty we have!
​
What would your advice be for other returnees?
Even though my overseas experience was mostly driven by incidents of political instability here, I now encourage everyone to leave the comfort zone and live a few years abroad for the enriching experience- on both the professional and personal levels. My advice is to do that and then return once you have achieved a certain level of financial stability that will allow you to survive the low salaries and the expensive cost of living here!

There is understandably plenty of negative things that makes so many people unwilling to return back but the key thing, if you decide to come back, is to exactly acknowledge this fact, embrace it and get over it as soon as you can. Focusing on the positive things rather than becoming stuck on our issues is how I get through the day, create yourself a bubble to live in (in a good way)- quality friends, interesting activities, and lots of getaways from the city- there is a lot to love and do in here!
If we keep giving our expertise and skills that cost us years of education and hard  work to the rest of the world and never to our own country, how can we ever hope for anything good to happen here? Be brave!

​TOG Team ft. Rana

Choosing to move back to Lebanon to launch your startup is a challenge and a risk, to say the least. But we're meeting more and more Lebanese entrepreneurs who believe in the potential of Lebanon. Plus, if you're able to start a business in Lebanon, with all of its obstacles, you can probably start a business anywhere. 

A few months ago, we met Rida and his team as they were in their idea stage of their startup. They're ambitious and inspiring, so we wanted to share Rida's story with you.

Did you have to come back or did you choose to come back? Why?
It was a bit of both – but the main driver was me wanting to come back. I arrived to NYC in August 2008 to start grad school in financial engineering – On September 15th Lehman Brothers collapsed and my entire plan to work on Wall Street changed drastically. By the time I graduated in 2010, the economy was in shambles, and I was already questioning the very decision of staying in the US. I’ve always been involved in activism in Lebanon since before I left, and at that time, I had a slight feeling that things were about to happen in the Middle East and I need to be there for that. I returned in December 2010 – In January 2011, the Arab Spring started, and I realized that it was the best decision I ever made. Some might say “but it all went to shit” – It did indeed. Change is cruel and gruesome, and I think that 20 years from now we will look back at 2010-2020 as the years where the Arab World changed. 

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
I try to connect with friends and family as much as possible – because I never know when I might move again. As for making the most of the country itself, I make it a point to do retreats every now and then, and explore the beauty of nature. I also find myself working out of cafes and coworking spaces every weekend, and meeting new people. But most importantly, outside of work, what gives me purpose is my big involvement in politics and activism in the country. I’ve been part of the campaign management teams of municipal and parliamentary campaigns. An experience that put me at the forefront of local, national and regional politics. 

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
I am more aware than ever of the small size of Lebanon – It’s more of a reality that’s always been there, but it just hit me personally. Lebanon is a very small country and a tiny market. If one wishes to grow financially, opportunities are limited. If you’re an employee, there is always that point when you have to relocate outside the country to keep growing. And as a business owner, Lebanon is never your only market. Now the challenge is that while we can consider the Arab World as a single from a consumer point of view (300-400M people who share a LOT in common), the economic and political realities beg to differ. Visas, different regulatory environments, and other restrictions stand in your way as a business owner. So to sum it up in one sentence, I would say that Lebanon doesn’t offer me the geographical “depth” that I can have if I were to stay in the US or live in Europe.

How do you deal with these challenges?
I am still trying to figure a way around this main challenge. I manage to create connections outside Lebanon as much as possible. In parallel, I try to support political platforms that aim to simplify economic exchange between Arab countries – because that’s the country’s only salvation. Unfortunately, we are landlocked today (Syria on the one end, and Occupied Palestine on the other), but politicians in the country need to be very aware that the country cannot survive without facilitating trade and economic exchange with neighboring Arab countries.

What would your advice be for other returnees?
Set your expectations right. Lebanon is beautiful, but there will be a point where it will undoubtedly stand in the way of your own personal growth and self-development. I encourage anyone to come back, but at the same time encourage them to understand what they’re giving up on the one end and what they’re gaining on the other end. I made that choice very consciously. I gave up an easy way to financial/career self-realization, but at the same time I gained a tremendous amount in awareness, and agency. Agency is very important here. No matter what the word out there is, you have agency in Lebanon. It’s a place undergoing change, and is part of a bigger regional context of change. You will be closer to the dirt, but closer to the glory as well ☺  

How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Living abroad for a long time and on my own gave me a lot of independence. When I maintain this level of independence I am most efficient, productive and creative. Since I was in the US, I’ve had this practice of periodic “self-assessment” in which I ask myself the question: Am I too tied down in my life today? Do I have room to manoeuver and be flexible? This informs a lot of my life decisions. Of course there are things that “tie us down” that we choose, and that are beautiful (family, marriage, kids.). These are not the things I ask about. There are other unnecessary things that tie us down that we can control. A very simple example for me is owning a car if you live and work in Beirut. If you don’t have a family to care for, this is a terrible investment. 

Aside from that, I always remind myself to keep my perspective. I’ve gained this as a result of living abroad and interacting with so many different people and cultures. When you’re in Lebanon it is sometimes easy to fall into bad habits that make you lose sight of the big picture. I always remind myself that Lebanon is not the center of the world and never will be. In fact, no place is the center of the world. It allows me to stay sane, humane, and centered.  

What are some of the sacrifices you have to make living in Lebanon?
I sacrificed order and predictability in life, and clear/simple financial growth. But I learned to re-create all through alternative means.

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
Honestly, the weather. And the fact that I am always 1 hour away from a different climate/weather. I can always escape the city very easily to rejuvenate. 

Why did you choose to launch your startup in Lebanon? 
Well it was mostly for practical reasons. I got funding here in Lebanon and I live here. My startup is in Fintech, which is a very tough area in Lebanon. So if I am able to validate it here, it will be easy to scale outside the country. 
​
What are some of the challenges? What are some of the rewards of launching in Lebanon?
Market and regulation. Lebanon is a small market. My cofounders and I were very aware of this reality. We know that we will never realize the returns we want by staying in Lebanon. In fact any B2C business needs scale. And therefore, one needs to have enough funds to test and validate in Lebanon and then scale. Because revenue will not be enough to cover costs if it stays in Lebanon. Regulation, on the other hand, stands in the way of easy scaling.   

What’s your advice for other entrepreneurs launching in Lebanon? 
Remember that Lebanon is the size of Connecticut. If you want to address a “local” challenge only, do all the research and make sure that it could sustain itself financially. In fact, I am in my second startup. In the first startup it was obvious that our solution, while amazing, is not scalable. So we had to make the hard decision of dropping it. If we had enough money to launch it ourselves we would have probably done so, but we needed venture capital money. And VC’s will not invest in a business that is local only, because it is not enough to provide them with the returns they need. (Some VC’s are making the mistake of investing in local businesses. So be very aware of that as well.) 

TOG Team ft. Rida

Unfortunately, the Lebanese passport presents it's fair share of problems and travel restrictions. Even if the desire to work abroad is there, it's not always possible to leave Lebanon. We wanted to hear from a few people who had the chance to spend some time abroad, but then had to come back to Lebanon because of their passport. 

This week, you'll hear from Rawan who lived in NYC then had to move back. What we love about her is that she always tries to make the most out of any situation. We hope you're inspired by her story and her positive outlook on life. 

Did you have to come back or did you choose to come back? Why?
I did not choose to come back... Although I was in New York for a 6 months internship only, the plan was to stay abroad. Having only a Lebanese passport made that difficult and so I had to come back. Just like everyone who leaves Lebanon, I wanted to leave for better opportunities, for independence, for the space to explore myself and become my best possible self, I wanted to live in a country where I wasn’t surrounded by people complaining about all the lost opportunities, and I was worried that if I stayed in Lebanon I would become exactly that. I wanted to discover who I was outside what defined me back home. 

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
When I first came back, I wasn’t very accepting of the idea of being back (being unemployed didn’t make it easy). You can say I was still in denial– I didn’t even register at a gym because in my head I was going to find a way to leave again, but once I got a job, and once I allowed myself to create a routine, I started enjoying Lebanon and appreciating the small things it offers, and I appreciated the time I had with my family and friends (the ones that were still here at least and the new friends I made). Exploring different parts of Lebanon and visiting parts of Lebanon I hadn’t even heard of before makes being here a pleasant and satisfying experience. 

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
The constant instability and absence of respecting laws. Living in a country where conflict can arise suddenly and seeing that people don’t even react anymore. I'm still trying figure out how to navigate through uncertainty and not become too frustrated when things happen. 

How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Mmm... to a certain extent. For instance, I have become more independent, I know how to rely on myself, and I now enjoy getting things done on my own. However, when I was in New York, I lived on my own and so I had to cook my own meals, do my own laundry and clean up after my own mess – things we take for granted living at home with family. Coming back to Lebanon meant of course living with my family again, I still cook but only when my parents are abroad. But that’s something I’m trying to go back to as I learned that I enjoy cooking and eating home cooked meals as opposed to ordering all the time. 

Also, something I learned from living abroad, and I hope to always apply, is to always get out of my comfort zone. Since I came back I’ve been trying my best to always try new things, challenge myself (whether professionally or socially) and push my boundaries. 
What are some of the sacrifices you have to make living in Lebanon?
Personal space and independence are two things you have to constantly fight for  when living in Lebanon, especially when you move back in with your family. Rent is too expensive in Beirut and it’s the social norm to live with your family. 

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
People’s appetite for life. Yes, many people (including myself) complain about the lack of opportunities, the instability and the chaos, but we still live life to the fullest and make the most of it. Events happening all the time -- there are always concerts, seminars, trips, street fairs, art shows, etc., going on in Beirut. There is real culture here and it is thriving despite all the problems.
Depending on what you choose to do with your time here, you can meet the most interesting people who love to live, and that is contagious.

What would your advice be for other returnees?
Allow yourself to explore Lebanon (it has so much to offer, you just need to look!). Allow yourself to create a routine that you enjoy. Go to different events, meet new people and just enjoy being home. If you willingly chose to come back to Lebanon, come back with the right state of mind and focus on the things/people that matter to you the most. Invest your time with people and places that make you happy, and soak it all in. 

TOG Team ft. Rawan

Did you have to come back or did you choose to come back? Why?
​I chose to come back to Beirut from the States after completing my graduate studies. Staying abroad was an option, but I chose not to pursue it at this stage, partly because the practice I chose is very much place-based and every city is a learning opportunity on its own. I'm very passionate about the city I grew up in and I always thought that I needed to come back and immerse myself here with my newly-developed “expert lens” and learn from this city. It wasn't an easy transition at first as I didn’t know what was awaiting me here and I was uncertain for how long I'd be in Beirut, but it eventually worked out. At some point, you need to start building yourself up somewhere and despite the many challenges here, it is worth giving it a shot. 

How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Moving back here wasn’t really an interruption of what I learned abroad; the learning process continues and becomes more adaptive the more time I spend here. Living abroad was a milestone that definitely helped me grow as a person, and that process is far from done (does it end, really?). Getting things done on my own was one of the key things I learned abroad; I kept that momentum as I came back to Lebanon and I still deal with any issue as if I had no guidance/support. I also still cook! My biggest learning curve was during my studies and I still use the tools, skills and resources that I cultivated in grad school in my work in Lebanon, helping me take major leaps in my projects. It was a challenge to adapt skills and methods imported from abroad to our Lebanese way of doing things, but I’m glad to have that reference always there in the back of my head. 

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
By being fully present here, looking at the glass half full and getting out as often as I can. There’s always something to do here, whether alone or with your friends, so getting bored and/or uninterested is really a personal choice. I keep on coming across hidden gems, and this city/ country has plenty. It certainly helps to stay off social media!

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
Aside from the basics that ought to make your day-to-day life so much easier (ease of access/ mobility/ affordability…), it's how slow things generally get done here, and fishing for motivation to keep going. Also, the struggle to find and collect (accurate) DATA! 

How do you deal with these challenges?
I don’t think I (or anyone) have really figured a way to deal with those challenges yet, aside from living with them and making the most of what you can actually do at the moment. I’m still learning to cope, even if that sometimes means going the extra mile to get what I need. 
What are some of the sacrifices you have to make living in Lebanon?
The sense of independence & living on your own terms, found in living alone abroad, is great, and it's something I had to give up initially. But that can be transferred here once you’re able and willing to move out of your parental nest. A small salary cut at first, too, but not too significant, as it’s a financially draining struggle to be a graduate student in the US. You don’t come close to faring well until way after you start work - but so is the case in Lebanon, I hope.
I'm yet to get back to using my bike as a primary mode of transportation. So nothing too major, at the end it's all about your priorities and what you’re willing to trade off. 

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
Beirut is my all-time favorite place to be. Some people I know don’t get my infatuation (it comes and goes, of course - have you tried driving here? or paying rent?), but it’s where I find a sense of permanence, purpose and community. And of course friends, family, and plenty of mom's food!

What would your advice be for other returnees?
Be patient and not too picky. Focus on what you're able to control and/or change, and don't dwell too much on the inconveniences, because you’ll have them everywhere. Be fully present, and not one foot in and one foot out, because you need to make a lot of effort to be able to give this place a chance and it's the least it deserves. Finally, don’t expect to be returning to a rosy place, to spare yourself the disappointment. You can control the way you perceive being here and that makes all the difference.

TOG Team ft. Tala

Every young Lebanese has considered leaving the country. Many have left. And some have returned. We wanted to hear their stories, learn more about why they left and why they came back.

Through this series of blog posts, we want to share their stories, including the challenges and the joys, and then leave you with some of their advice. 

In part one of this series, you’ll get to hear from our very own Angela who chose to come back to help launch and run The Olive Grove. And we’ll get to hear from her husband, Falah, as well. 

Angela and Falah met in Lebanon about 7 years ago, dated long distance for a few years as Angela studied in London, and then they lived in Dubai for the past several years. This past year, they made the big move and came back to Lebanon. 

​Every young Lebanese has considered leaving the country. Many have left. And some have returned. We wanted to hear their stories, learn more about why they left and why they came back.

Through this series of blog posts, we want to share their stories, including the challenges and the joys, and then leave you with some of their advice. 

In part one of this series, you’ll get to hear from our very own Angela who chose to come back to help launch and run The Olive Grove. And we’ll get to hear from her husband, Falah, as well. 

Angela and Falah met in Lebanon about 7 years ago, dated long distance for a few years as Angela studied in London, and then they lived in Dubai for the past several years. This past year, they made the big move and came back to Lebanon. 

Did you have to come back to Lebanon or did you choose to come back? Why?
Angela: Coming back to Lebanon was always a thought running through my head but I never thought it would actually happen. My job in Dubai was not giving me the satisfaction I deserved after spending more than12 hours a day working. The pay might have been good, but honestly, hardly enough to really compensate for all those hours spent staring at a screen.
It just so happened that my best friend (Anna) asked to come and help her launch a business in Lebanon, and it just happened to be the right time. 
So I would say that maybe, yes, I had to leave Dubai (to keep my sanity) but I chose to go to Lebanon and not anywhere else in the world. 

Falah: I lived abroad for 6 years, however I used to come back to Beirut every chance I got (probably 100 times). And every time I came back it was just amazing. So finally when I got a good job opportunity that continues to challenge me and is in line with my career plans, I just took a leap of faith.

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
Angela: Honestly, I really don’t think life in Lebanon is as bad as people who have lived here all their lives say it is. Yes, fine, there is no 24/7 electricity, no water, bad traffic and annoying politicians, and I do complain too. But I just choose to surround myself with positive people and look at the bright side. I’m happy at work. I live in a nice house. I have my whole family here. My cat. The ability to walk everywhere. All four seasons. The beach, the mountains. Amazing restaurants, amazing bars. And the best part is that all your Lebanese friends will come visit and stay with you when they're back in the country.

Falah: I’ve been back for 6 months now, so at the beginning I was settling down, finding a home, then furnishing it (still work in progress). I also got a bike. My wife and I try to go outside Beirut every weekend to somewhere new in Lebanon, and Lebanon has so many hidden and beautiful places, also great people to meet. Of course I also looooove eating mama’s food more often.

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
Angela: Lebanon is a very weird place, and I'm not sure how it’s actually functioning. The luxury and comfort of having a smooth running country is nice, but I don’t think this is the biggest challenge. I would say the salary cut was hard at first but you adapt. I think the hardest thing is making choices here. Every decision for some reason has a much bigger effect. Actually, maybe that because I’m getting older. 

Falah: It’s probably the disorganization and uncertainty. For the first time, I try to see through the noise and avoid frustrating situations such as traffic, slow internet, and electricity. As for the uncertainty, (un)fortunately as Lebanese we know how to neutralize it and just carry on with our lives.

How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Angela: I personally think everyone should leave Lebanon (if you have the opportunity) and live abroad at least once in their lives. You learn how to live alone and how to be independent. You learn how to make real friends and surround yourself with a new family. You learn a new way of life. So when you come back to Lebanon, you’re no longer stuck in the routine and mood of those here. The hardship you face here is only a stepping-stone. I think the greatest thing I learned abroad is to be adaptable; and that is one of the most important qualities to develop when you move back to Lebanon. 

Falah: Working abroad in multinational companies taught me high work ethics and standards that I implement at work here. I also rely a lot more on technology during daily activities such as transportation, banking, even for recycling I use an App. One thing that I learned but haven’t implemented yet is volunteering.

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
Angela: Having my family close to me, though the family obligations can be overwhelming sometimes. Reconnecting with some old friends. Being able to walk everywhere. I recently bought a bike and it was one of the best decision ever. The list can go on and on but I’ll stop here. 

Falah: Family. Getting to see them more often is amazing. Outdoor activities come second.

What would your advice be for other returnees?
Angela: Make sure what your are doing here in Lebanon satisfies you. Live with your parents for the first part of your return just so you won't have to deal with too much at one time. Definitely find your own place before your first year is over. Surround yourself with the right crowd - with people that are inspiring and positive. This will help a lot. Have a routine. It's very easy to spend all your money in one day without noticing. Don’t live too far from your job so you won’t have to deal with traffic. 

Falah: For those of you who wish and plan to move back to Lebanon one day, try not to delay that day too much. The earlier you move back, the better it is to establish yourselves.
For the brave ones who moved back, I say "Ahla w sahla." It’s a rollercoaster, but you will enjoy every single bit of it.

Stay tuned for our next blog as we continue this series.... 

TOG Team ft. Angela & Falah 

​Is Creativity Necessary? 
We think so. 

Creativity doesn’t necessarily equate to artistic qualities. It can be expressed through innovation and problem solving skills.

Think about these two scenarios: 

Scenario #1: 
You hypothetically live in a country with electricity, water and waste management problems. Everyone around you complains about it and says it’s a hopeless cause. So, overtime, you begin to believe what everyone else is saying. And you give up, because there’s obviously no point in dreaming up solutions. 

Scenario #2: 
You hypothetically live in a country with electricity, water and waste management problems. However, the people around you view this as a challenge worth confronting. They start thinking of ways to come up with clean energy solutions to bypass the lack of infrastructure. Sure, you have some hesitations and doubts, but it’s more exciting to think of creative (sometimes far-fetched) solutions rather than dwell in hopelessness. Right? 

So how do you incorporate creativity into your day to day life?

I love coffee shops. And I also love my bed. They’ve always been my favorite places to work as a freelancer. I used to brag about being able to work from wherever I wanted. But then one day, I realized I had no routine and my productivity level was determined by the tidiness of my house or the internet speed and crowd noise at coffee shops.

When I started working out of a coworking space, I felt more productive. Going into a workspace every day required discipline on my part at first, but in the long run, the routine has paid off.

I still love going to coffee shops, but I've definitely noticed a difference in my work after I started working at The Olive Grove. 

We made a little checklist to compare the two:

1. Use a Project Management Application 
We use Trello to organize our to-do lists and projects! It’s great for team delegation, as well. “Trello has everything you need to organize projects of any size.”  Ever since we started using Trello, we’ve noticed a huge difference in organization and productivity.
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2. Take Care of Your Work Station
When you need a fresh start, switch up your work station. That’s what’s great about working from a coworking space - you can work from a bean bag in the common space, at a Hot Desk or in your office. 

Keep your desk space clean. At the end of each workday, clean your workspace so that when you come in the next day, you don’t have to deal with clutter. Also, the layout of your desk matters. 

3. Get Fresh Air
Take a walk outside. Some fresh air always helps clear the brain. 

Add an indoor plant to your workstation. “Studies have also proven that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15 percent!), reduce stress levels and boost your mood — making them perfect for not just your home but your work space, too.” (NBC News)
4. Leave Your Work at Work
Try your best not to take your work home. You need to give yourself a break. And never work from bed! There have been studies that prove it will affect your sleep. 

5. Dress the Part
It’s tempting to show up to work in sweat pants and a t-shirt when you don’t have to follow a dress code, but research shows that dressing the part can help fuel your productivity.

One friend gave me the advice to wake up a little earlier on Monday, do my hair and put on some lipstick. It’s actually helped beat some of the Monday blues! 

6. Cut Out Distractions
Mute your Whatsapps. Your friends can wait for you to respond.
Don’t check your social media pages or YouTube every 10 minutes. If you don’t have the self discipline, download the Self Control App which allows you to block websites for a set amount of time while you finish up a project or big task.

7. Start Early and End Early
Even if you don’t have to report to work at certain hours, try to follow the 9-5 schedule. It helps you maintain a healthy social life. 

More tips: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-rampton/12-tips-to-being-producti_b_9052590.html

​TOG Team