One year in. Still unsure. Still learning. Still glad I came.
It’s been a year since I moved to Dubai, and honestly, I think about that decision a lot.
When I was still in Bombay and talking about moving, most people had opinions.
“You’re too old to start fresh.”
“This is the age to get married.”
“Why take such a big risk now?”
I wasn’t unhappy back home, but I wasn’t at peace either. Something felt unfinished. So I applied, interviewed, packed up, and moved with more anxiety than confidence, if I’m being honest. This year hasn’t been glamorous. It’s been survival mode at times. New job pressure, money stress, missing home, questioning myself more than I’d like to admit. Starting from zero in a new country messes with your ego. You’re constantly proving yourself to others and to yourself!!
I don’t know if this move will “pay off” the way people measure success. I don’t know what the next year looks like. But I do know this staying back would’ve eaten at me more than leaving ever did.
If you’re in your 30s and feeling like you’re running out of time, you’re not. There’s no deadline on choosing yourself.