Six Years In, 4 Years Out, And Up for a Career Reboot
Can money buy happiness? It’s a question as old as time and often met with a resounding, “Yes, of course it can!” And, on a certain level, that’s true. Money can provide security, comfort, and access to experiences that enrich our lives. But what happens when the money we’re spending is not what we have earned? What happens when the foundation of our “luxury” is built on something other than our efforts? Then, the question of whether money can buy happiness becomes much more complex.
Six years of navigating the professional world, from Kerala to Dubai. years of striving for work that truly fit, often settling for less. And then, Dubai. A company that redefined what a workplace shouldn’t be, shaking my confidence to its core. No details were needed; it was simply an environment that jeopardized trust and suppressed growth. Many have been there, those experiences that leave invisible scars, making you question your abilities.
2019 was a year of extremes. a mix of both beautiful blessings and deeply unsettling challenges. On the one hand, I found love and married a truly wonderful person, On the other hand, the pandemic forced me to resign from my job in Dubai and leave Kerala due to the widespread shutdowns.
After marrying and moving to Saudi Arabia, I struggled to find work. Saudization made it incredibly difficult for a foreign woman like me, and each rejection chipped away at my confidence. Eventually, I lost all motivation for professional growth. It wasn’t laziness, but a deep discouragement that affected my health and well-being. Finding a job became less about a paycheck and more about reclaiming a sense of purpose and self-worth.
Three years in Saudi Arabia, and then, a wonderful turn! My husband’s career took us to Jordan, a new adventure with his well-deserved promotion to Executive Pastry Chef at the Marriott. Exciting, right? I am happy for him. For me, the job hunt began again; my job search made one thing clear: Four years since I last held a paying job. My resume? A big, fat career gap. What skills could I even offer an interviewer? Honestly, it's nothing concrete. That realization was a punch to the gut: a career gap isn’t just a blank space on a resume, it’s a challenge that demands a proactive response. I needed to rebuild, to reboot.
I knew I needed to acquire new skills, something that would not only make me employable but also contribute to my personal growth. The search began, a quest for the perfect fit. After countless hours of research and consideration, I found it. A true gem.CDA Academy in Kerala.
I’m now a freelance digital marketer in Kottayam. It feels like I’m finally back on track.
This is not just about filling a gap on my resume; it is about investing in myself, learning valuable skills, and building a foundation for a future where I can thrive. It’s about professional advancement, yes, but also about personal fulfillment and the satisfaction of knowing I’m moving forward, growing, and becoming the person I’m meant to be.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this experience, it’s that I’m not alone. So many of us face similar challenges, career gaps, dips in confidence, and struggles. And while my knowledge is limited, what I can offer is this: it’s never too late to learn, to grow, to reinvent yourself. Opportunities are all around us, but sometimes, we need to shift our focus to see them. I can honestly say that I feel more alive now than I have in a long time. This journey, this career reboot, has reignited something within me. And to anyone reading this, I urge you to focus on what you need, what truly matters to you. Don’t be afraid to take that first step, to invest in yourself, to work towards the life you envision. Are you ready for a reboot? I hope you are :)