Dear Agony Bhabhi,
I have been in a long distance relationship for many years and I've just completed my bachelor degree. I want to live with my love permanently in India but my parents want me to have a career. They want me to be able to live a normal life and save money for the future. So I am trying to find a job in India but this has not been easy. Companies never reply to me and I am not keen on having to work on a low salary.
I want to be with my love and India seems to be the perfect place as I am truly in love with this country. I know India very really well as I have spent many months there with my in-laws in the past. My only concern is, will I be able to have a career?
Yours,
Career Woman of the Future
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Dear Career Woman of the Future,
I have been asked about having a career in India many times, not only from readers who are planning to move to India but people asking me why I have not got a job. I always tell those asking about my career that adapting to India has been my full-time job! I say that but I can see great value in getting a job when you move to India. Not only will you earn money, you will also meet friends and settle into Indian life much faster!
Unless a company will sponsor you for an employment visa, it will take you two years after registering your marriage to be applicable for an OCI card and have the right to work. I have been in India for a while now so I just assumed that you were planning on getting married... oops. I am sorry if I am wrong.
If you are unable to find a company that will employ you without an OCI card, I have a couple of suggestions:
- Find a local charity you can volunteer with, there are lots of NGOs in India and I am sure you will be able to find one close to your heart. You won't earn a salary but you will meet new people, have a sense of purpose and priceless experiences.
- You could think about starting your own business online or work for a company based in your home country that operates online.
- Congratulations on earning your bachelor's degree! Have you thought about continuing your study and enroll on a distance learning master's degree programme?
- Do something creative or join a class and learn a new skill. This is another way to prepare yourself for a future career and settle into your new Indian life.
Always check the terms and conditions of your visa first.
These are my suggestions but unfortunately I don't have much experience on this topic, luckily I know I have several readers who are Western women with careers or have in the past worked in India...
Yours,
Agony Bhabhi***
Dear Readers,
Do you have any advice that could help Career Woman of the Future?About Lauren Mokasdar
Lauren moved to India from England after falling in love with an Indian man online, she now writes about her experiences as an English wife living in India.
