Pharaoh's Path to Mancunian Marvel

In the ancient epochal city of Cairo, Egypt, I embarked on a career journey that took me through the corridors of both Citi and HSBC serving as a dedicated service provider for the past 12 years. The vibrant energy of Egypt became an integral part of my life, wrapped in the warmth of family and friends that made each day fulfilling. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Cairo, a passion for network management began to bloom within me. The allure of navigating my network and ensuring seamless operations captured my imagination. At that moment, it became clear to me that pursuing network management was not just a career choice but a calling. Yet, my decision to transition wasn’t taken lightly. With roots firmly planted in Egypt, I was aware of what I would be leaving behind. A vast network of relationships, both personal and professional, making the prospect of change both exciting and bittersweet. I stood at the crossroads ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the new world.

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After a series of interviews, I secured my ticket to Manchester where I knew that it would soon become my new home. Joy surged through me – no mixed feelings, just a resolute certainty that I was ready for this exciting chapter! As the countdown to departure began, I made a conscious decision to savour every moment in Egypt. Determined to extract the best of my time there, I embraced the present, that was destined to become the past.

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With a massive move ahead, I bid Cairo adieu, trading the Nile’s embrace for Manchester’s vibrant spirit. The decision was bold, the excitement undeniable – from Egypt’s warmth to the promise of new adventures in the heart of the United Kingdom. As the departure date from Cairo drew near, I couldn’t escape the feeling of anticipation, reminiscent of a little girl embarking on an adventure. Overnight, I flipped my life upside down, trading the familiar for the unknown in the UK.

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Working for BNY Mellon added a fresh perspective to my professional journey. Dealing with familiar contacts took on a new dimension, offering a unique vantage point. I not only built a network within the workplace but also fostered connections outside, embracing the challenge of creating a new community while maintain the bonds that mattered the most.

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Europe as a continent wasn’t a stranger to me at all, my passion for travel has led me to explore lots of countries around the world especially in Europe, where I immersed myself in diverse customs and cultures. Despite having a network of friends scattered across various European countries, the city of Manchester stood as an unfamiliar territory. To my surprise, from day one the city embraced me with open arms, and quickly found companions who turned strangers into friends, transforming my solo adventure into a vibrant journey of shared experiences and newfound connections.

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Falling head over heels for exploring new cities and villages in the UK became my favourite romance. Each cobblestone street, hidden alley, and charming tea shop felt like a love letter waiting to be opened. My heart skipped a beat with every historic landmark and cosy pub, turning my wanderlust into a passionate affair and developing a deep connection with the diverse tapestry of the UK.

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Simply put, what stole my heart in the UK wasn’t just the iconic landmarks but it's incredible people. But here’s the twist - Little did I know, though, that the real adventure lay in decoding various English accents to a language I spoke fluently. Accents change faster than you can say ‘cuppa tea’!

While everyone’s busy giving the UK weather the side-eye, I’ve made peace with it like an old friend who tells corny jokes. Rain or shine, it’s all part of the British charm, and unsurprisingly it doesn’t rain on my parade. Don’t get me wrong, I am from the land of Pharaohs and Pyramids where hot weather is my daily dose of sunshine but guess that’s what we call stubborn optimism!

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As my tale unfolds, I’ve learnt that What you think – you create. What you feel – you attract. What you imagine – you become. Just like flowers need both sun and rain to grow, I’ve accepted both compliments and criticism for my own growth. I would say confidently, relocating in my mid 30s is great because this age range offers a balance between youthful adaptability and the wisdom gained from experience, fostering a smoother adjustment to a new chapter in my life. Also, I believe what helped me in my experience is having the mentality of ‘always be open to try new things’ – this philosophy helped in turning my journey into a whirlwind of adventures, and if time goes back, I will still do it in a heartbeat.

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And that’s my story simple and sweet...