Life After Peace Corps

A Job Offer – a Successful Story

January 2, 2012

It is the news that I having been waiting for more than six months. The Federal government finally makes its offer. After applying for 75 Federal jobs, I get myself not only one job offer but two; a budget officer for the USDA National Forest and a staff accountant for the Smithsonian Institution. I like both jobs, but moving to DC is much easier than moving to Utah, so the decision is obvious.

Some of my PCV friends said that I was lucky to get the job so quickly. Some of the AZ6 left Azerbaijan a year earlier still struggling to get an interview, how fortunate I am to land myself a job within a month after returning to the US. Just for the record, my dear fellow RPCV friends, I was not lucky; I had worked very very hard for it. I do not know any AZ7 (my group) who had applied as many jobs as I did, and I definitely do not believe any AZ7 who had done as much research as I did on “how to find a Federal Government job”.

Back in January 2010, I already knew it would be extremely difficult to find a job in the public sector. I was fully aware that I had to compete with lots of veterans, veterans’ family, former federal employees, people with disabilities and thousands of RPCVs. The chance of my resume to be selected by the “computer” and later by “HR” is close to zero, unless my resume is so exceptional, so outstanding, so terrific, so stupendous, so marvelous, or it would never reach the desk of the hiring manager. So I worked on my resume, I had a resume for every job I applied. I read, read and re-read the job description and made sure all the job requirements and qualifications were properly reflected in my resume. Some of my resumes were 6 pages long, some 8 pages long, some emphasized on my skills, and some highlighted my accomplishments, whatever format, style and presentation seemed appropriate for that job, I worked on it.

There were countless nights that I worked on my resume until my neck became so stiff. There were numerous weekends that I traveled to Baku, sat in front of a computer in the Peace Corps dark basement, spent hours and hours applying the job on-line until my eyes got so tired that I felt dizzy. Six months later, when I received a first e-mail for a telephone interview, I rehearsed the interview with my cell phone and practiced how to speak clearly. When I went down to Washington DC for a second interview, I practiced in front of a mirror, trained to smile properly, and learned how to use body language, how to dress, and how to impress the interviewers with well-prepared answers and questions. So my success is no coincidence, and definitely not lucks. It is hard work, discipline and not willing to give up that reward me with a result.

One advice to the AZ8 who wants to work for the Federal Government, start your job search NOW, don’t wait until you return to the US, don’t wait until this summer, get yourself familiar with the application process, apply as many jobs as possible. You will get zero respond for the first 3 months, but do not get discouraged, do not give up, keep revising your resume until you get a respond. Be prepared to apply for more than 100 jobs, just keep going.

You do not need luck, just hard work!

Life After Peace Corps - Returning to the United States

December 1, 2011

The first few days while I was in Hong Kong with my family, I often felt disoriented and confused. Few times, I woke up in the morning and forgot where I was, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong or the United States? Sometimes I spoke Chinese with my sister, sometimes I reacted to her questions with Azeri and sometimes, I mixed my sentences with three different languages. Now back to my New York apartment, I felt a little better, although once in a while, I was still puzzled as why the person on TV not speaking Azerbaijani.

The most difficult part of readjusting my life in the US is the “Cost of Living”. I was so used to paying only 50 cents or a dollar for a kilo of apples, carrots, potatoes and tomatoes, now I could easily spend more than 30 dollars every time I went grocery shopping. (30 dollars were my three weeks’ food money in Azerbaijan) Two-year life with Peace Corps, I learn to be moderate when it comes to spending money. I am not cheap but today I have to watch every dollar I spend, because I have no income, not even the meager Peace Corps allowance. I ought to be discipline and live within my budget.

Remember those good old days when I worked in Wall Street, I earned money more than I could spend. I had a luxury life but not necessary a satisfying one. Now, even I can not afford to go out for a nice dinner with friends, I feel content just cooking a simple but healthy meal for myself or my guests. I sense the newness of life, the kind of bliss coming from within my soul, it is hard to describe.

I love my life, very much!

Goodbye Sumgayit, Goodbye Azerbaijan

Goodbye Sumgayit, Goodbye Azerbaijan
Sizi heç zaman unutmarım (I will never forget you)
November 8, 2011

Entering to the Park, I notice the season is changing. Around me, fallen leaves swirl about with each breeze from the Sea. Inside the park, some yellow leaves have blackened, and some trees stand bare and silent. Soon the winter will be here, but I won’t.

These past two years whenever I felt glum and impotent, I would go for a walk/run in the park. The park never failed to lift my spirit. It was also inside the park that I met many friendly Azeri elders. I enjoyed watching them dozing off on a bench, drinking tea under a tree, chattering with acquaintances, playing with their grandkids or casually walking towards the sunset. For them, life in Sumgayit is neither dull nor harsh for it is the only life they know. They have little knowledge of the outside world other than their own.

Sumgayit, the town I called home for the past two years, is a small dusty little suburban area with population less than 300,000. During the Soviet time, it was a notorious, highly polluted industrial place. Even today, you can still see factory ruins and abandoned Russian compounds everywhere. Sumgayit is definitely not a popular tourist destination like Baku, Ganja, Sheki or Mingachevir. At times, when the living conditions were so harsh, especially during the winter months, I hated it here. Yet, slowly I developed a tolerance for this place, even affection. Maybe because here, something of the old ways still survive.

Every weekend, I was eager to go to the Bazaar, not only to buy foods but to smell and feel the excitement of the Azeri life. It was the hustle and bustle aura of the Bazaar that magnetized me. Street vendors and farmers came from far places selling their fresh fruits and vegetables, howling and yelling to market their products. With my broken Azerbaijani and a foreign face, I frequently attracted their attention, sometimes even unwanted type. Passing through my favorite bakery, with the aroma of freshly baked brick oven bread, I never could resist buying a piece. I don’t think I will ever forget that earthly taste, smoky flavor and burnt smell.

From a far distance, a familiar evening call to prayer brings me back to the present. This hauntingly beautiful cry echoes mellifluously around me. I again, look to the elders in the park. In spite of having so little in their retirement, they seem contented. After all, they believe their lives should be defined by not having lots of material things but by having many healthy grandchildren. When the sun begins to set, I take a last glance at the Caspian Sea. I can not help but wondering how many people in their lives time have the opportunity to see this inland Ocean. How privileged I am to stroll by its shore everyday for the past two years. I watch the glory sunset on the horizon and the peaceful image of the Azeri elders. The mystical ancient chanting resonates; the harmonies of this place are coalescing in my mind. I walk home with heavy emotion knowing that the end of my life in Azerbaijan is near.

Although I always feel the lure of far places, but today I am longing to go home. Tomorrow, I will be leaving Sumgayit and begin my long journey home and, at the stroke of midnight November 9, 2011, I will forever been called as RPCV ((Returned Peace Corps Volunteer). The title, I am proud and deeply honored to earn.

Chi S. Chan,
United States Peace Corps Volunteer
Azerbaijan 2009-2011

My Life in Azerbaijan - Autumn Rain

October 1, 2011

I was awakened by the distant sound a rolling thunder. It is nearly dawn but the sky outside my bedroom window is still gloomy and depressing. Lightning repeatedly flashes and thunder mutters ominously. I don’t want to get up, just lying in bed contentedly and listening to the sousing downpours of the rain.

Rain in this part of the world usually goes as quickly as it comes, but not today. By 11:00am, rain still comes and not wanting to go. I always have a rain fixation. It may seem inconvenient to go outside in the rain, but I do not mind remaining indoor; observing how the rain transforms the world.

First, it is the air. Rain washes the air heavy, fragrant. I find its smell irresistible. Then, it is the sound of the rain, the rhythm that it creates; the gentle tapping resonances on a rooftop, on tree branches, on leaves, on earth. It is prodigiously soothing, hypnotic, soporific and comforting. Wind turns out to be, if anything, even more magnificent. Here in Baku, the notorious gale often intensifies a rain storm. I watch the 70 feet tall giant cottonwood in my courtyard swinging back and forth ferociously as the gale grows fiercer. Leaves are drenched with rainfalls which help to wash away months of cumulated summer dust. I often wonder where the birds are, where they are hiding, how they keep themselves dry and warm.

Then it is the after rain. When the pale sky begins to brighten, slowly the chirping sounds of birds become audible. Patches of blue sky appear, sun peeks through dark clouds, and millions of diamond raindrops scintillating in its rays. Everything is brought back to life again.

My Life in Azerbaijan - Volunteer, a Life Time commitment

September 24, 2011

Years ago, I watched a special program on PBS and learned about a very touching story. A successful young eye doctor decided to give up her career in Europe and went back to her own country in Africa and helped those who had suffered years of unnecessary blindness. Accidentally, I saw her again on TV today, she is a bit older now but is still as energetic as the first time I saw her on TV.

Over the years, her story inspired many eye surgeons in the world. Once a year, they joined her and donated their service to help her people. She told the TV reporter that she was deeply humbled by their kindness. Some of the volunteers came from far places; and paid for their own plant ticket and brought their own supplies. Most of them came year after year. She continued to tell the reporter that when she first met those volunteer surgeons, they all had dark hair; today nearly all of them have grey hair. She laughed after she made that comment, but I found myself not laughing.

Before today, I convinced myself that serving the Peace Corps for two years; I had done my share of goodness to the world. After Peace Corps, I can move on to pursuit my own happiness with no guilt. Today, watching this young woman’s interview, I feel ashamed. These doctors have made volunteer work their life time commitment. They never thought of their action as “their share” of kindness to the world, they put no time limit as how many years of volunteer service they should do. They did it year after year for they believe in doing it. They have the true spirit of volunteerism. I am forever humbled by them.

Tomorrow, I will begin a search for my next volunteer work. Like those doctors, I will made volunteerism my life time commitment, whether it is just a few hours a week or once a month.

My Life in Azerbaijan - Director of my Bank

September 9, 2011

For the twenty months working at the bank, almost every week I could hear our director screaming at someone on the phone. Our director is a gentleman; he is always calm and polite to greet me in the morning. Sometimes I wish I could communicate with him better, he seems to be a man with knowledge, deep traditional culture and value. His yelling perplexed me so one day I decided to find out the reason of his anger from my co-worker.

My co-worker was embarrassed first, and then she explained. Our director is responsible to ensure all bank loans are paid on time. If a customer misses a payment, he has to call that customer to remind (more like “threaten”) him/her to pay. Most of the time, the call embarrasses or even terrorizes the customer. In Azerbaijan, most folks still hold on to their traditional value; still believe in “not able to pay their debts” is a shame, a humiliation. More often than not, the director’s call works and the customer shows up next day to pay. If that customer still refuses to pay, every morning that customer will receive an even louder and angrier call from our director.
In America, it is considered unprofessional to threaten any customer. If a customer misses a payment, it is not a big deal. A friendly computerized notice will reach the customer and remain him/her to pay. If the customer is behind the payment more than six months, then the account will be handed over to a collecting agency or bank attorney for legal action. (Something like that order, not 100% sure) Neither the loan officer nor anyone at the bank would make any “threaten” phone call to a customer. Eventually, the loan defaults, the bank forecloses or sells the property. The entire processes may take months or year, and it costs the bank thousands of dollars.

I compare the two methods and could not help but wondering which method is more effective and efficient.

My Life in Azerbaijan - Job Hunting

September 8, 2011

News from AZ6 (the group left last year) that lots of them having difficulty finding jobs in the States. Some advised us to begin job searching as soon as possible, even before we leave for the States. I am a planner and I have started my job searching back in January. As of today, I have already sent out 65 Federal job resumes, received six potential interviews, two telephone interviews and in fact one job offer. The reply ratio is 9% and successful rate is 1.5%. When compared to others’, my response ratios are considered very high. One of the RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) told me that he sent out 150 resumes and received NONE, yes zero response.

I was a little distressed when I received my 1st rejection letter. The rejection letter was just a standard computerized e-mail, no personal touch, plainly say “NO, thank you for applying”. After the 2nd, 3rd…. and the 50th negative response, instead of being upset, I simply joked around with the RPCV that 60 resumes down and only 90 more to go. By now, I am used to all the rejections but I am not giving up.

I never held a Federal job which could be a disadvantage. Federal job usually opens to veterans first, their spouses, disable applicants, federal employees, former federal employees, and finally candidates under special appointing authority, such as RPCV. Even I am an over-qualified RPCV candidate for the position, someone who is a “Status” applicant and meet the minimum education or experience requirements, he/she will be considered for an interview before me. All and all, I am on the bottom of the list but slightly better than average non-status US citizen.

Another thing I want to point out is the application process, from the time you send in your on-line application to the time you receive (If you do receive) a response, average time span is 45-60 days, sometimes it is even longer. My country director told me that she did not hear about her application until 9 months later. On top of that, writing a Federal Resume and KSAs (knowledge, abilities and skills) essay are exasperating. You have to use the exact wordings on the job description to prepare your resume. Every resume is first screened by computer, not someone from HR. If you don’t use the language that the computer is expecting, your resume will not be picked up for further review. That means each job you apply requires a customized resume. It took me six months to become proficiency in my Federal resume writing. Now I have set up three standard resumes: one for Accountant, one for Budget Analyst and one for Financial Analyst position. Each time I apply for a new opening, I just have to revise some wordings to match with those on the job description.

Finally, the technical and assessment questionnaires, which can add up to a hundred questions to answer. I usually print them out, study them and use the questions to adjust my resume as well. All these never ending processes add up to many frustrations. A lot of people did finally give up.

But I am not giving up. I will continue applying for that Federal “Dream” job. I truly believe that if I work hard, I shall be rewarded. In addition, I really like President Obama; and I love to help him to straight out the Federal Budget. :-P

My Life in Azerbaijan - Strong is Beautiful

September 12, 2011

I was watching the US Open on Azeri TV. It was the final match and Stosur from Australia won the championship. As I looked at both players: Williams and Stosur, I could not help but noticing physically how strong both of them are. Their arms and legs are muscular, tanned and with athletic curvature. Maybe according to the Hollywood standard, they are not feminine enough to be called beautiful. To me, they are striking, eye-catching, stunning.

I have always admired athletes: sportsmen, dancers, runner, and mountaineers. How discipline they train every day in order to achieve most human beings cannot accomplish, how determine they are in order to win the competition. They are mentally and physically powerful, have strong will and restraint. To me, they are exceptional human beings.

Most my friends in New York my age are either over-weighted or completely out of shape. Their muscle is drooping everywhere with floppy stomach, sagging bottom and wilting figure. Numerous times, I advised them to take good care of their bodies, do moderate exercise; tune up their muscle, and to be physically and mentally healthy. Middle age women do not have to grow old like a piece of “SHIT”. With daily exercise, we can look as well as younger women. We should all grow old with grace and dignity. Unfortunately, my friends’ altitude is “Why bother, men don’t even look at me any more”. I got frustrated every time I heard this. Why we continue to allow men defining us?

We all should insist on having a quality life; a healthy, independent, productive, and happy one. Human life span is very short and I wish I could live a hundred, two hundred or a thousand years longer and experience more of what life has to offer. Unfortunately, I could not so I must live every second of my life to the fullest. In order to do that, I have to be emotionally and physically energetic, this drives me to go out everyday; run, walk, climb, jump, smile, and be active.

After a prolonged rain, the sun finally came out yesterday. I watched the sun peered through dark clouds, suddenly it came into full view on the horizon, hitting the earth like thunder! Life is beautiful!

My Life in Azerbaijan - Little friend from Azerbaijan

September 3, 2011


Even Peace Corps discourages it, but every year, one or two PCV would bring an Azerbaijan animal home, usually it is either a cat or a dog. Not only it is a very costly arrangement, it is also a tiresome process, tons of paperwork to fill. Dog and cat are not well cared for by the Azerbaijani and it is not difficult to understand. Some Azerbaijani do not even have enough money to feed their kids; so how can they afford to treat an animal as well as the way the American do. Personally, I would never go through all these trouble to bring an animal home. However, I fully understand why someone would do that.


Few months ago, while I was running by the park, out of nowhere, a little yellow object leaped out from behind a bush. I was startled by it and my immediate reaction freighted the little creature as well. It, in return, ran back to the bushes and peeked at me coyly. When I finally realized that was a puppy no more a month old, I approached it with extreme gentleness. The puppy was still afraid of me but its curiosity overcame its fear, slowly he came out from the bushes, hopping up and down to greet me. The little thing was just a ball of furs, so tiny, so cute and so adorable. But as I got closer to it, I saw ticks covering the puppy’s head and body. I was sick to my stomach. The puppy was abandoned by its mother and it desperately needed affection. I wanted to touch him so badly but I would not dare, just left him there with those “begging for attention” and innocent eyes.

For the next few days, I continued seeing him, each time, he greeted me with the same eagerness and affection, and each time, I avoided him. After a week or so, I did not see him anymore and I just assumed that he was death (most dogs in Azerbaijan end up that way).

Few days ago, I came to the same area and met an old lady with a dog. The dog seemed to be very happy to see me. He kept using his feet to touch mine. I did not recognize it first but as I looked into its eyes, I saw that innocent look again. It was the same dog! He was adopted by this kind Azeri grandmother. He was tick free and had grown much bigger but it was still a playful puppy. The following day, I brought him a bone. As soon as he saw me, he ran so fast to greet me, again hopping up and down to show its affection. I told him “otur” (to sit), and he understood! He let me took a photo of him. My heart just melted. It was lucky that this puppy was adopted or I had to worry about leaving him behind.

Now I am seriously thinking about getting a dog or a cat when I get home! Hum……

My Life in Azerbaijan - Reflection of My Peace Corps Dream

I chewed over this statement for a long time:

“Peace Corps was a lovely idea-for idle and idealistic young Americans. Gave them a chance to see a bit of the world, learn something. But as an effort to “improve” the lives of other peoples, the inhabitants of the so-called “underdeveloped nations, it was an act of cultural arrogance. A piece of insolence.” - Edward Abbey

Edward Abbey is my idol but when the first time I read this, I was angry. What did he know about Peace Corps, he had never been a Peace Corps volunteer! Now as my Peace Corps dream approaches to an end, I can not help but brooding over his statement once again, and this time, to a certain degree, I agree with Ed.

Recently, I read an article written by Paul Theroux, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) served in Malawi in the 1960’s as a English teacher, his reflection of Peace Corps experience somewhat resonates Ed’s opinion:

“My teaching had its uses for them, but what I taught was negligible compared to what I learned.....most people would not see what I saw in Africa: the resiliency of the people. Africans knew neglect, drought, flood, bad harvests, hungers, disease…..and yet in the face of these adversities they had developed survival skills, and prevailed….today... despite forty years of volunteer efforts, Malawi is probably worse off than it was back in 1963…”

So what is the point of Peace Corps?

“I became a teacher in Africa and my whole life changes. I was happier; I had a purpose…… I was becoming the person I wanted to be, not just a young man with a job but someone developing a sensibility....”

The time I spent in Azerbaijan, without a doubt has a greater impact on me than on the people whom I was trying to help. How much I have changed since I set foot in this “underdeveloped” country. I know I can tolerate a much higher degree of discomfort, no regular running water, gas or electricity is not the end of the world. Having lived with people with so little material provisions, now I can go home and be happy to live simple. I don’t need a high paying job; I can survive with less income. I don’t have to live in a luxury two-bed room condo. I can be just happy to live in a cozy studio. I don’t have to drink Starbuck coffee, eat imported cheese, and indulge with expensive wine. I don’t need fancy jewels and designer clothing to look good. I don’t have to compete with colleagues and friends. I don’t have to rush going from point A to point B.

I will return to New York with a much lighter spirit. Three most valuable lessons I learned from my Peace Corps experience: be patient, be flexible, and always have a sense of humor. I have grown to love life with a different attitude, I become more sensible and understanding, learn to listen more, have less self-pity, care more about my community, friends and family, recognize there are many people in the world with real problems, be more supportive with their needs rather than constantly complain about my own problems. Life in Azerbaijan has made a profound difference in me.

As my Peace Crops journey comes to an end, and soon there will be more new faces (the AZ9) coming to Azerbaijan in October. I wish them well and my advice to them is another quote from Paul Theroux:

“…don’t make a mistake in thinking that you will make an important difference in the lives of the people you are among. The profound difference will be in you”.

Value your time here for it will forever change you. Good luck AZ9, and be a good Peace Corps Volunteer!