The concept of uncertainty is something that has always scared me, as it does for many people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ambiguity can often feel threatening, and it is uncomfortable to walk through life not knowing what will happen next. However, that is an inevitable part of the journey, and you just have to accept that by trusting the process.
The world is full of uncertainty, and learning how to adapt to the situation is a crucial skill, especially in a professional setting. As I mentioned in my last post, a lot of the work I do here is grounded in research. Part of Foundation Scelle’s ongoing efforts is to promote and strengthen the application of the Equality Model nationally and internationally. We are conducting a comparative study on the different policies and campaigns targeting “sex-buyers” around the world, and in order to do this, my role is to seek out the expertise of local NGOs and conduct interviews to discuss the strategies used to combat the issue of sexual exploitation internationally. It can be difficult to compare the variations in the approaches used in each country, as the frameworks differ and certain policies are only legalized in some areas. There is undoubtedly a lot of ambiguity here when it comes to measuring the successes and challenges of each approach, considering there is no standardized way to go about this evaluation. Additionally, the laws regarding prostitution and its decriminalization (or lack thereof) are ever changing, and new models are being implemented across the globe. Yet, there is often a limited amount of data available online, which is why the responses to outreach requests by NGOs is so important. That said, there are other obstacles that come with this, as not every NGO responds, nor is able to discuss their strategies with the Foundation.
To navigate these challenges, I remain flexible in my research and have learned to become more comfortable with the uncertainty that comes with this job. I follow up with organizations when possible, and I check through multiple sources to validate my findings as I look for patterns across the different models adopted by each country. The most important thing to remember when dealing with these grey areas is to trust the process. It can be hard to work on a project with an unclear direction, but as long as you are moving forward, progress is still being made.
Throughout life, you must adapt to the uncertainty that comes your way, but I’ve come to understand that this sentiment is especially true when working in a foreign country. In my previous experience working in the United States, the work is very clear-cut and typically follows a direct schedule. There is more structure when planning the day ahead, and you know what is expected of you and what must be accomplished before you clock out. Since my arrival and exposure to the French work environment, I have observed that there is more leniency in terms of scheduling, as there is more creative liberty in the work that you do. Rather than focus tentatively on getting things done, the culture here is much more detail-oriented. It is better to work on one aspect of a project for the whole day and perfect each piece as opposed to running through a checklist in an effort to quickly complete smaller tasks. This approach is definitely unlike what I am used to in America, but by immersing myself in this type of work environment, I am learning a lot about how I can manage my performance in this setting.
The difference in the professional work environment and priorities is honestly refreshing, despite the uneasiness that uncertainty may bring. Having the ability to work in a different country and see how organizations overseas operate is truly eye-opening, and I am so grateful to have this opportunity. It has shown me that there are numerous ways to approach the work being done, and it has helped me to discover which strategies can be adopted to my own approaches and ameliorate my tactics. With this newfound experience, I can now put into practice these methods and what I have learned in this professional field on an international scale. I will be able to provide a unique perspective wherever I go, and contribute to projects with meaningful insight that has been shaped distinctly by a more worldly outlook.
