This has probably been discussed before, so sorry 
What’s it like to work in Pakistan, at a real job, where you have to do actual work? I am not talking about govt jobs or the likes, because they are the same all over the world. I am basically talking about working at a corporation.
Compare it to working in the US or something to give me an idea.
Re: What's it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
This is a very interesting question and i would like to know more about this myself as i am also looking into the option of moving to pakistan from the UK.
Pity no one knows about this....
Re: What's it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
not of any relevance to your specific question, but on a sidenote, not "ALL" Govt. jobs "ALL" around the world are the same - a Govt. job has been one of the most demanding jobs that I've been in, and I say this after having experienced different organizations as a practitioner, a consultant and an academic.
In any case, I deem one of the greatest differences would be in managing your work-life balance which may be easier in Pakistan than in the States... again its a generalizaiton, but someone who's experienced both worlds would be able to say better.
Re: What's it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
I have worked in Pakistan, in what you call a "real job" and I work in US. Essentially the same field of work and in both cases big brand name multi-national organizations. I can safely say that the work environment is remarkably similar. Here its probably a bit higher-tech, but I am sure Pakistan has also caught up in recent years.
Depending on which line of work you are in, in Pakistan we used to work many extra hours during work week. Worked weekends as required too. There is a focus on professional development. Similar kind of office politics. There is a bit more segregation amongst men and women co-workers, as they don't hang out after hours all that much. But professionally both had similar opportunities to succeed.
One other thing that I would characterize as a difference is the emphasis on making the most use of time. My experience in Pakistan was that people tend to be a bit careless on how efficiently they can use their time. Labor is cheap so there are a lot more bodies available to do little tasks, and this makes people a bit lazy. Here in the US, since labor is expensive, so people do most of their work themselves (there is no chota to do photocopy) and have a much higher concern to make the most of their time at work. Even in US, you find people wasting some time during work hours, but the percentage is much higher in Pakistan. Again it all depends on which line of business you are in.
Re: What's it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
i LOVE working in pakistan
Re: What’s it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
What do you love about working in pakistan, name some really good things
Re: What's it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
I have worked briefly in pakistan for multinational and local subsidiaries/partners of multinationals and the most stark contrast that I saw was the speed at which people work, The public is not as efficient in general.
Faisal brought up a good point about the level of technology. I am not sure how much of that lack of effieicny was due to limited tools ate people's disposal and how much of it was just work culture. What I know is that while working on similar projects with IBA grads, I could get more done putting in the same number of hours, These guys missed the deadlines while I was usually done before the deadline, and this is where I am not even some workaholic.
My understanding is that things have changed in Pakistan to some level since my experience which is from a decade ago.
Re: What's it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
I worked for for about 4 years in medical field in karachi, Pakistan. Techology wise many pvt institutes had good facilities. Stress level was also lesser and they don't drain you out before the pay check. One can work however much they want to.
I think what I miss most is eating samosas with cha in break, & short work days in ramzan!
Working there is not bad at all, there is always give & take.
Re: What's it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
Would you say - if you move there (after having couple years of experience ) from here. Would you be able to maintain same level of comfort? (I know they have their own perks. Food, cheap labour, etc)
Basically, I am asking whats the downside of moving back?
Re: What’s it like to work in Pakistan? At a real job, not govt.
Really If I have to do it now after spending time out of the country, I will do it without hesitation. You have to understand that in Pakistan things are done differently & if you adapt, it will be ok. It will take some time to do so.
Some people say less money is the down side. No one can deny money is important but how much $ you need…it depends!
For me I think it will be schooling of my child who would have to adapt to British system which is different from American system. Other than that I don’t see any problems or drawbacks.