What is a Dream Job? What is a struggle?

Every emotion is relative. I write this today after finding out that I cannot quit my job ONLY because of my visa situation. I have a stable and decent (but very boring) job, but I made up my mind to move on to a better job this month. I was on track, and got a couple offers. I was weighing the pros and cons of each job, I was spoiled for choice. But, it turns out I had a unique visa situation that made me stay put in my current role for 8 more months. I could not take any of the jobs that were more fun and paid way more than my current job!

I spent the entire day crying and wondering what I did to deserve this. I made a plan, worked on it and achieved it! All this, only to discover that I can’t go through with my plan because of something that’s completely beyond my control — my visa situation. I have to stay in my current role for 8 months so I can have a valid visa status in the US. I was so angry that I finished a wine bottle all by myself (not proud of it)!

After spending the entire day angry, frustrated, and helpless, I decided to take a step back. I thought — the fact that I have a job and 2 other offers puts me in a very privileged spot.

I know so many people that have struggled so hard to find a good job to stay back in the US.

I know so many people that had to go back to their home country because they could not get their H1-B visa on time — they were smart and qualified — it was just lack of luck.

I know so many people that are smart but don’t have the money to pursue higher education and better jobs. They do the best they can with the skillset and qualifications they have.

I know so many people that don’t have the money to get the basic education that can help settle them down in life. They find a way to survive in this rat race.

My inference from all of this is that — whatever stage you’re at in your life, you’re privileged. There is someone out there that does not have the resources that you’re privileged to get. Every time you feel like you’re not getting what you want, think of all the people that are not getting the things you get. Be grateful and keep striving for a better version of yourself.

Life is like a game of Catan- you’re on track to be the winner, but an opponent plays the monopoly card and ruins all your plans of winning. But the good thing is that your life isn’t decided by the 10 points you need to win in the game. Life goes on and on and on. So keep striving to get more points. Do it till you die and you’ll be the winner!