It’s a dream and I can relate to it since I was once dreaming of the same almost 8 years ago. No wonder I had a vision then to settle down in Australia and prove to myself that any thing is possible and that if you have a vision your dream definitely comes true. Back 2001 my student visa was declined first due in financial grounds. I fought back with the Australian Embassy emailed them, faxed them and even called them and finally my efforts were worthy.
Life wasn’t easy here in Sydney when I landed. I faced problem in accommodation,jobs,friends all normal stuff which a first generation person like me in Australia would .I always wanted to come back to India, my comfort zone but some thing stopped me, My vision to prove myself. “Survival of the fittest.”
14 Feb 2002 I landed in Sydney alone away from my family and girlfriend with hopes of proving myself in this new world. For someone like me who had never been away from his family not even traveled beyond Delhi in India it was a major decision, let alone I am the only son in the Family. Leaving all this I was ready to face the world and managed to share accommodation with a friend of mine.
Next step was to search for a job to be able to manage my expenses; I walked on foot with my resume according to Australian Standards from one shopping centre to another from one gas station, car wash to another. I posted millions of resume on Jobs websites.
1 April my first job in a Gas station was quite a relief which paid of my expenses like grocery, travel and accommodation. No wonder it didn’t last for long time as I had a break one night where I was almost put on ground for cash. Not fully used to the working environment in Australia where break in are common I left the job on ground of safety as my employer wouldn’t pay for compensation –remember I am still on student visa.
This is was the first I realized what it is like to be with out a Job in Australia with no cash, no support nothing but the will power to go on. With my will and never say no attitude I found my second job at Kmart as a casual customer service representative. Life was a bit smooth while working in Kmart until my casual hours were slashed because I was 23 years old and they could get some one younger for less hourly pay then me. No wonder I had to find a second job as a Pizza Del person which was fun because I used to get free pizzas drink once I used to finish work. So my life revolved around university and work all the time. I applied for my Permanent Residency in May 2004 which was delayed not to mention all the expenses associated with.
So life actually went like this for almost 4 years doing 2 jobs, working 7 days a week, from 7 in the morning until 10 pm.I was habitual now to work all day. I loved it working and earning $$$$.It was like “Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gum” which kept me going and still does. No matter I am Australia Citizen, I still believe Life in Australia is a Journey full of learning, experiences and fun.Remeber it would be a struggle because I am just the first generation here.
Now I am married working ,running my small business and looking forward to help and support all new comer to this New Countery.This concept of Indian connection was developed by myself following my struggle to find genuine support when he arrived in Sydney as a student in Year 2002.I have found that my biggest struggle was to find cheap Accommodation and a Job in Sydney. I learnt the hard way!!!
I in my span of 8 years, found many students struggling in finding jobs. Not only that student didn't even know where to look for cheap alternative for accommodation, furniture and all the basic needs....I have helped those students and it has worked!
I have, over the years, cared for hundreds of Indian students in his own home and has a large international "family" as a result.
I began my career as an Electrical Design Engineer but quickly moved into Information Technology after my successful completion of Masters of Information Technology from University of Technology,Sydney.While Building a successful IT career I have also started many small businesses based in Sydney company name Smarttech Solutions,Techlogic and Indianconnection.
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