About Me — Misbah Ul Haq Syed

Writer, finance professional, traveler…

My life at a glance

I am from Pakistan and have two siblings. My brother is four years elder than me who is a warm and caring person. My sister is seven years younger than me and is My Most Beautiful. I have the looks of my father and chase a lifelong dream to be like him. But did I succeed? Not even close. Personality-wise, I am my mother’s replica. She is a very kind person who loves gardening and reading. I also speak three languages.

Fast forward four years after I was born… my father got a job assignment abroad. We went to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and lived there for two amazing years. This was the time when I cuddled with my parents the most that made me very close to them. It has been the same ever since. Cannot have it any other way. Fingers crossed!

Into the 90s and onwards… I finished my formal education at age 24. I did M.B.A. and have a master’s degree in finance. Later, I started my career and got married to a lovely girl who has never left my hand. I have two beautiful kids. My daughter is a passionate baker but also a law student. My son is a gifted artist yet an aspiring aerospace engineer.

My professional career in the corporate world

I worked in top-notch European multinational companies in Pakistan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. I remained in management positions and worked as a finance specialist. I also handled projects worth billions for the oil & gas, power, and energy sectors.

After two decades, I took early retirement and moved to the South of France. Here I am engaged in writing and stock trading.

My travels

I have traveled a great deal within and outside my home country with my parents, siblings, wife, and kids. Of course, not all at the same time.

During my childhood, we have been to the USA, Canada, UK, Switzerland, and many other countries. But the most memorable journeys were going to places within Pakistan. Most of the time, we used to go by train. The excitement I used to have while going on these trips is beyond the expression limits. My mother would cook the world’s best Qeema and Paratha. My father’s elder brother nicked named Daddy would give us cakes and snacks for our trips. I remember getting off at the train stations and my father would buy me a soft drink every time. There we would buy tea in the early mornings from small vendors. Later, we will get a delicious breakfast from the train canteen.

After getting married and later getting a job abroad for employment, I again traveled a lot. This time, with my wife and kids. We have been to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. Altogether I have traveled to over 20 countries. My love for traveling is still young and want to visit and re-visit many many places. I want to take my kids on a Pakistan tour.

My passions

Let me give you a sneak peek. What I love most, and whom I love most.

Family means everything to me. My parents, wife, kids, and siblings. I live for you would die for you without thinking twice. I love each one of you more than my own life. There are others who mean so much to me for whom no titles or explanations are needed.

Friends are very important to me. I am very fortunate to have you. Mummy keeps telling me that being a Gemini makes me close to my friends. Who are the dearest and the closest remains in my heart?

Food is the love of my life. The saying is true to me. “Some people eat to live and others live to eat.” I most likely fall into the second category. I am a real foodie. I love eating at home, dining out, cooking, and serving guests.

My all-time favorites are Biryani, Karhai Chicken, Club Sandwich, Garjar Ka Halwa, Andai Ka Halwa, Kheer, French Toast, Cheese Toast, Mango, Fanta, Sweetened Milk Tea, and a lot of Chinese, and Italian dishes.

A few things I want to do

• Go on a zip line (do-able).
• Go on a hiking trail (but my wife tells me to lose some weight first).
• Take my wife and kids to Tanzania on a Safari.
• Build a house.
• Write a book.

My writing career

I have always been comfortable writing. But, it has remained academic-related. I joined Medium in Sep. 2020. I write on finance, business, and travel-related topics.

Here is the link to all my stories The-master-list.

If you can relate to my profile and/or stories, let’s connect!