This post was triggered by one of the Instagram influencers, who was about to conduct a workshop for the immigrant women who were on dependent visa and looking for jobs in the USA.
The workshop was a paid one. I did think it was a unnecessary as I felt if they want to share their job search experience, do so. Why monetize the effort!
It was mainly because of the fact that my sister who is on a dependent visa herself or I, who is on my student’s visa, didn’t face any hurdles in the job search front particularly. Also, it stemmed from the ultra-conservative thought of not willing to look past the life of the people beyond my circle. After a little introspection, I realized it was completely wrong of me and it was not my place to think so.
But, it’s only until you do something, that it would seem a humongous effort. Once you do it, it wouldn’t seem as big as it seemed to be. This is coming from my personal experience.
I feel, if you did have a good foundation on basics and previous experience anywhere in the world, every skill you possess is transferrable. On the other hand, I realized for somebody who has absolutely zero professional experience, they do need guidance. While I would say – Just Google!! – some need to hear from the horse’s mouth. I can’t speak for the people from industries other than IT – not saying it’s easier to get a software job – but it would just suffice to have a broad and shallow skillset, as many projects require diverse skills combined – hence, its even more easier if there is no over-specialization.
I am not here to debate about how easy or difficult it is for somebody to get a job in the USA 🙂 My only point is – it was their choice to come as a dependent wife. It was their choice to make their lives in a foreign country – why complain about the visa restrictions. This has been the case since the start of the time. Nobody forced them. Why complain at all!! Well, don’t come at me for saying these. I am still on my student visa. Absolutely no complaints. Did I come knowing full well I might have to go back to my homeland if the visa situation doesn’t work out – yes. Did I know the things are always uncertain when it comes to visa – yes. Every single person who decides to come to the USA knows that. Embrace your decision. Embrace the uncertainty!
I can’t tell others as to how to process their emotions or how to get their needs met. Some need to express their thoughts and feelings and take comfort in knowing that others go thru what they go thru themselves.
However, I learned through the likes of this Instagram handle, about a variety of stuff those women do, while and while not working full time. I felt exhausted at just seeing various different things they do to keep them updated or even just to be occupied. That needs a special kind of energy and enthusiasm.
Having said it all, in my defense, I have been conditioned to think a certain way. I can’t be completely non-judgmental of the stuff people do or of the way people are. It’s a process of learning, unlearning and relearning. And I feel its a life long learning process just like the learning never ends in the professional front as well.
So, to all the strong women out there, kudos! And thanks for enlightening me that there are indefinitely many things out there, to do in life than what I do 🙂
Until next time, Godspeed 🙂