Dhana

Success rarely looks like what you imagined.

Sometimes it means working at an off-license store to build character.

Sometimes it means going back home to move forward.

My story begins like most international students'. I thought I had it figured out. I didn't.

Getting a part-time job was probably the first challenge that came my way. From afar, it looked so simple. While others seemed to land jobs easily, I struggled. Like really struggled.

And most people don't talk about the loneliness. Living far from home meant dealing with relationship misunderstandings and personal battles. Many nights, I felt completely alone in this massive challenge I was facing.

I worked wherever I could. A warehouse. A restaurant. An off-license shop for £6.50 an hour. No one tells you about those sleepless Saturday nights dealing with hostile crowds when you're dreaming about studying abroad.

Then came my 'bulb' moment. I realised why I was here.

I wasn't here to jump from one survival job to another. I had come to build a career.

So I made the hardest decision that I had to take. I quit my restaurant job, saved enough for three months, and threw myself completely into the full-time job hunt.

I didn't chase the big names like others. Instead, I focused on roles that fit my niche.

Personalised every cover letter. Tailored every CV. Made countless cold calls.

But nothing worked. Not one thing.

Eventually, I returned to India, torn between staying or finding a way back to the UK. Life felt so uncertain, and I was sinking.

But I held onto one thing. My goal. My goal of securing a full-time role.

That's when Unimad came into the picture. After talking with Shaki, I began rebuilding.

Fixed my LinkedIn presence. Built a proper portfolio. Connected with professionals.

Actually started showcasing my work.

Then something shifted.

Instead of me chasing opportunities, they started finding me.

Recruiters began reaching out.

Finally landed a remote role with a dollar salary and the freedom to work from anywhere.

It was THE breakthrough that made every struggle worth it.

Looking back, I wish I'd started earlier.

Everything - the part-time hunt, the networking, the profile building.

An early on part-time job could have given me the breathing room to focus on what really mattered which is my career goals.

So here's my advice: Start early. Don't wait. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to build something meaningful.

Because sometimes, success means taking the long way home.