Sitting back… May 9, 2007
Posted by Simba in : Life Marvels, MBA, Work & Beyond , trackbackOk, now, finally I am done with all my coursework and officially signed off except for the graduation bit. I haven’t blogged for a long time and I wont start making excuses. This last Term was busy as usual and I just got busy with academics and interviews. I had finally started getting some good news on the job front when the visa situation became bizarre.
For those of you in it, I am sorry - our timing really sucks! And for others who are not aware - Well, the H1B visas were all taken on the first day of application i.e April 1st. And about 20,000 visas that are reserved for all those who graduate from US Universities, they were taken a few days ago. While many with job offers played their luck with lottery, I stood wondering what would happen to me! It has always been a hard ride for me and I didn’t expect this to be any different. So, all my interviews and almost offers got stalled due to the visa situation. That truly sucks! Basically, though many companies want to hire us international students, they wont be able to due to legal restriction. I have about a year to stay here and make my stay worthwhile. I don’t think it will be any different next year or the year after till the government takes some measures. We all have been signing petitions to voice our concerns and hoping for some miracle. So, till the ah-moment, I guess I should fend for myself.
While I am not too happy to be in this position I have a feeling that things will be ok. I don’t think I would have been excited at something I wouldn’t enjoy doing for a long time. But I feel sad that I wont have a full time job and get into a comfortable life after all; after all this work! Phew! Who said life is easy, ah! Anyways, amongst some of the things I wish - more retailers on campus, more retailers willing to recruit internationals, more efforts from my side (who knew things would turn so dire so soon!) These days I have been doings ups-downs on a daily basis. I can work for non profits or keep looking for firms that will take a chance on me, But I am leaning on entrepreneurship - I plan to start my own small business, of course something to do with retail; either I go bust or make enough money to pay up my loans, only time will say! The next couple of months will be a lot of research and groundwork. Hang in there, I might just spill some beans in a few days 
So, what happens if I go bankrupt? Ouch! I will pack my bags and go home! Now, let’s pray that it won’t be that bad….
Comments»
Hey Gal
Just hang in there
..things will be fine…though they might be messy right now … even my life has never been a bed of roses…but hey that exactly is the thing that adds the zing to it…isnt it? 
Good to see this entry after such a long time. See ppl have missed u
Regards
Shilv
Hi Simba,
Yeah its a never ending struggle ! But i guess we would better after walking on fire. I remember you said that “you’ll end up where you are meant to”..thankfully i got something close to what i wanted. However as you so well know..there would be yet another struggle in full-time..and with visa being an issue as well.:) . Keep going..and i look forward to see the next star in the retailing world..btw..this packing of bags and going home..idea..has been repeating in my mind over the last 4 months..! haha..
Best,
Wafter
hey buddy…good luck with whtever venture ur gonna start…..and congrats on graduation …….welcome to the world of yem bee aye for whtever its worth heheheh
The going gets tougher and tougher. You deserve every inch of what you are getting. Enjoy your success!
Hey Sowmya,
Read your article today, which reminded me that I have not read your blog in a while
I too have been keenly observing retail sector in india and a quick reading of “It happened in India” re-kindled my thoughts on fire…
It is impossible to turn iron-ore into shining steel without processing it through blazing furnances. I wish you all the best and do keep in touch.