A Brave Odyssey: Revitalizing My Career in a New Country with a Bundle of Joy

Embarking on a journey to a new country, leaving behind the embrace of my homeland, my newly owned home, and my people, was a conscious yet challenging choice. My decision to take a break from my 14-year professional career to embrace motherhood in an entirely different cultural landscape was both courageous and daunting. As the saying goes, "He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." This transformative journey, laden with cultural shocks, solitude, and the joy of raising a newborn, unfolded over six months, marked by introspection, resilience, and the pursuit of restarting my career.

In the initial months in a foreign land, the culture shock and loneliness hits hard because, in India, we are surrounded by so many people, festivities, and happiness that even on a bad day, you know you have people around to cheer you up without even asking for it. This holds true in any city there, not only in your hometown or workplace. While in western countries, their day starts super early and ends early, so there are no people on the roads or no hustle and bustle, especially on weekdays. Streets are empty of people, but for a few cars; no one seems to walk or stroll, no street vendors, no honking or animal or bird sounds, just the quiet, dimly lit roads in quiet, peaceful, clean neighborhoods looking towards beautiful, serene sunsets.

Slowly and steadily, as I was getting used to the new place and environment, dedicating the full day (and night) to the baby, suddenly one day while changing the calendar, I realized that it's been six months already since we boarded the flight from our native land. It's been half a year of cooking, cleaning, running to different grocery stores for different things, watching new shows online, and missing home, and most importantly, not working! I have been a person who has been working right after I graduated, even a tad bit when I was on maternity leave. So, although my baby needed me more and this was a welcome change with baby giggles throughout, I wanted to go back to my office desk, work on data and dashboards, and crib about work and other things with my sole companion. So, here begins the narrative of a 10-step journey to reignite my career in a new country while navigating the joys and challenges of raising a baby:

1. The Quest for Baby Care: The first step was to ensure the well-being of my little one. The search for reliable baby care in the surrounding area uncovered the surprising and shocking challenge of long waiting lists and exorbitant costs. Almost every daycare had a waitlist of 2-3 months, along with specific specifications and rules. We enrolled our baby for the fall period when she will be a toddler. I'm crossing my fingers and preparing myself, hoping that they will take good care of her. She will be learning, making friends, and having fun while we are in the office, earning for her future. The wait for her spot in daycare became a metaphor for the patience required in pursuing personal and professional goals.

2. A Remote-Hybrid Job Search: The digital age provided a myriad of opportunities. My job search was marked by exploring remote or hybrid work models, aligning with my desire for flexibility and work-life balance. The hybrid model has its own advantages, such as a change of setting, working with a team, meeting new people face-to-face, and enjoying a sip of coffee from the cafeteria, and so on. Somehow, remote work or working from home does not seem as attractive, as productivity at home decreases due to our minds being occupied with various tasks, including baby-related responsibilities. Additionally, the lack of a change in place or setting makes the day dull.

3. Preparing for Interviews: The prospect of returning to the workforce necessitated a revisit to my skills and competencies. Online platforms such as Coursera, Unacademy, Udemy, and LinkedIn offered a treasure of courses at reasonable price, to brush up on technical and non-technical skills. As responses and calls flooded in, the journey of preparing for interviews became a quest for self-improvement.

4. Building Connections and Networking: Networking, often underestimated, is an important step. The virtual world, with its plethora of resources, facilitated networking with professionals in similar fields. The exchange of insights and experiences not only enhanced my knowledge but also opened doors to potential opportunities. Virtual interactions with professionals who had walked similar paths provided insights and guidance. It was through these connections that the nuances of the job market and the professional landscape in the new country became clearer.

5. Mental Preparation and Progress Discussions: This is not an easy journey, of course, but one has to keep oneself motivated and keep learning in whichever way possible. The mental preparation for a career restart involved candid discussions with my soulmate and friends. Sharing the progress of the journey became a source of motivation. The importance of a strong support system in an unknown land, where time zone differences with friends and relatives posed challenges, cannot be overstated. The absence of a familiar social circle and the challenges of being a new parent demanded resilience. The emotional roller coaster of career highs and lows found solace in these discussions, keeping the flame of determination burning.

6. Visa, Work Permit, and Documentation: The first thing asked by any recruiter was my visa status and work permit things because most companies do not want to take the liability of sponsoring your visa or doing the paperwork for you. They are looking for someone who can join as soon as possible without any overhead or baggage or any kind of legal formality to be taken care of. As the job search gained momentum, having answers ready for questions about visa status and work permits became integral. The readiness with state or federal identification added a layer of legitimacy to my professional pursuits. This step, often overlooked, laid the groundwork for a smooth transition into the workforce.

7. Post-Job Success Planning: By God's grace, I got calls, gave a few interviews, and got the current job in hybrid model, which is compliance and data-related, just what I was looking for. Securing a job is just the beginning. Planning the days ahead, in a hybrid work model along with baby, required foresight. From paperwork to preparing oneself emotionally, to logistics of returning to the workforce and aligning them with the responsibilities of motherhood required meticulous planning. This step emphasized the importance of looking beyond the immediate goal of securing a job and focusing on the sustainable integration of work into the fabric of life. But as they say, "Man proposes, God disposes!"

8. Office Readiness: Preparing to return to the office after a hiatus and becoming a mom, demanded more than just professional readiness. From arranging paperwork and attire to packing bags and preparing emotionally for new routine, this step encapsulated the myriad of emotions that come with stepping back into a professional setting. The wardrobe that had undergone a transformation during the past 2 years needed a revival. The bag, the formal shoes, and the documents required a second look. I started every day with positive thoughts and prayers to keep myself motivated while still worrying about my baby. I needed to have an individual identity and to set a good example for my daughter of being a happy working mom who can achieve anything in life, just like my mother did!

9. Communication with HR: Staying in constant communication with the Human Resources department and the hiring manager was pivotal. The constant exchange of information, clarifying queries, and ensuring all necessary documentation was in order became a routine. This step not only facilitated a smooth onboarding process but also laid the groundwork for a positive relationship with the employer.

10. The Joyful First Day: Finally, the day of reckoning arrived – the first day at the office. As the cab was booked for the early morning commute, the reality of stepping into an office after a hiatus sank in. The night before was filled with tossing and turning, with the alarm clock ticking away the hours. The ritual of getting ready and bidding farewell to my baby was a delicate balance of joy and heartbreak. Yet, as the office doors welcomed me, and the team extended warm greetings, the bag of worries was momentarily set aside. The focus shifted to learning and contributing, with the determination to make the most of this professional opportunity. I feel the joy, anxiety, and the sense of embarking on a new chapter.

Reflecting on this odyssey, the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a robust support system cannot be overstated. The challenges of restarting a career in a new country with a baby were formidable, but each step became a lesson in resilience. The support of my soulmate, friends in the foreign land, and the virtual connections forged along the way became pillars of strength.

In my opinion, every mother should try to pursue her goals, her passion, and her dreams whenever possible and in whichever capacity, regardless of geographical landscape. This will not only make your child see you in a different shining light but also will help you grow personally and professionally, not to mention a boast in self-confidence. Seek support, help, or guidance or whatever you think is required to achieve that, but don't give up. The journey may be gradual, and the challenges immense, but as Confucius wisely noted, "It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop." Let's support each other in this journey.