Reasons to stay where you are

We all have our personal lists – of the zaniest/quirkiest/
funniest/ craziest/smartest ... We devote this page to them.
This week, Elizabeth S. Lingjaerde lists ...

Be where you give your best Ever heard of the 'Peter Principle'? This theory holds that in a hierarchy, members are promoted so long as they work competently. Sooner or later they are promoted to a position in which they are no longer competent (their "level of incompetence"), and there they remain, being unable to earn further promotions... Going by that, why not just stay and do what you're already good at!

Specialising in a field Going deep instead of ahead makes you seem more specialised, and thus more intelligent. And the deeper you go into a subject, or a relationship, the better the reward.

Been there, done that Why rush? You're staying where you are, because you have already been where the others are going. Yawn and relax. They'll be back wondering why they ever left.

My home is my castle Staying where you are, whether it's a job or a home, makes you the supreme master of the place. You know every corner, every shadow.

You can break the rules Being the stayer and the veteran gives you the privilege of breaking the rules. Who else would dare to do that?

Stamina is strength It takes a lot of patience and tolerance to stay where you are. You will be looked upon as the cliff upon which everything and everyone can rely on.

Be local These days, everybody seems to be on their way to or from someplace else. Whenever people visit a place, you should be one of the ingenious, an exotic species of 'local'.

Be unique Why change place, habits and professions? You are already perfectly just you!

The world is round And life is accordingly a cycle, according to certain philosophies. If you walk far enough, you'll end up where you started, so why bother?

What's the point? Why race? To sit still and watch others do the racing in life gives an immense feeling of peace and relaxation. Definitely worth a try!

- As told to Hina Navin, Dubai-based freelance writer