Opportunistic or Entrepreneurial?

A question worth asking in uncertain times

Over the past few weeks, I’ve introduced a couple of services aimed specifically at helping people navigate the current situation here in the UAE.

One of them is the British Expat CV Reset, a service designed for UK professionals who suddenly find themselves reassessing their next move … whether that means returning to the UK, exploring opportunities elsewhere, or repositioning themselves in a shifting job market.

The concept is simple. It involves reviewing and reshaping a CV so it speaks clearly to employers back home or in other international markets, aligning experience gained in the Gulf with what recruiters in those markets expect to see.

It’s practical support for people who may need to move quickly.

But introducing services like this during uncertain times has led to an interesting question being raised on social media.

Is that opportunistic?

In fact, the same question has appeared in response to other types of support too. For example, individuals offering transport to help people reach repatriation flights, or services helping people organise travel logistics during a difficult period.

Some see that as taking advantage of a situation.

Others see it very differently.

Opportunity has always existed in times of change

Historically, periods of disruption are exactly when new services emerge. When circumstances shift suddenly, people need different types of help, often very quickly.

Someone has to step forward and provide those solutions.

That might be transport.
It might be advice.
It might be professional services.

Entrepreneurs tend to see these moments not as opportunities to exploit people, but as opportunities to solve problems.

And the key word here is choice.

No one is forced to use a service. People decide whether it’s useful for them.

If the service provides value, people use it.
If it doesn’t, they don’t.

Being responsive is part of being entrepreneurial

For those of us who run independent businesses, adapting to circumstances is not optional — it’s part of the job.

Entrepreneurs constantly watch the environment around them and ask a simple question:

What do people need right now that didn’t exist yesterday?

Sometimes that leads to a new product.
Sometimes a new service.
Sometimes just a small adjustment to what already exists.

The idea is not to take advantage of people. It’s to be useful when circumstances change.

Supporting people through transitions

In my case, much of my work focuses on helping professionals navigate career transitions.

Sometimes those transitions are planned - a promotion, a move to a new company, or a relocation.

Sometimes they arrive unexpectedly.

When that happens, practical support can make a real difference. A clear CV, a structured approach to job searching, or simply some guidance on how to present experience to a different market.

These things may seem small, but they can have a significant impact when someone is trying to move forward.

A different way to look at opportunism

Perhaps the word opportunistic deserves a slightly more balanced interpretation.

It doesn’t have to mean exploiting a situation.

Sometimes it simply means recognising that circumstances have changed and responding constructively.

At its best, opportunism is really just another word for initiative.

Spotting a need.
Creating a solution.
Offering it openly.

And allowing people to decide whether it helps them.