It was my 20th day in Abu Dhabi. Till now I didn't get reply from any company. Now everyone was depending on references. I was never comfortable with using references, it just doesn't feel right. My Bhabi's family friend the one I mentioned in my previous blog as cool, smart, competitive and optimistic person came to my rescue. He discussed with his friend, who also was his ex-roommate regarding me and that I am looking for a job. His friend called me for the interview the next day. He was the Manager of the company. On the day of interview i.e on 5th March 2017, my brother was accompanying me. The inteview was at 8.30 am, the location was a 45 minutes journey by taxi. We got stuck at one point because it was a warehouse zone, so I hesitantly called the Manager and I was amazed by his humbleness, he clearly guided us with the directions , it was 9.00 am by the time we reached the head office, I could see only warehouses. I was expecting a big fancy building. I reached the interview venue. Even though it was a warehouse but inside, there was a big office. It was the centralized Head Office of a Group and I was about to get interviewed to get a job in one of the companies.
When I entered the office with my brother, the office boy made us sit on the Sofa and gave us water. I saw an Indian person in his late thirties sitting in his cabin talking with some other person while I was heading towards the sofa. After a while, he called us inside. I was prepared for this, I was carrying all my documents.The interviewer was the Manager of the Company, who was that bhabi's family friend's friend and the same person I talked with on the phone. This was my first face to face interview in UAE and I was nervous because already 20 days were passed with only ten days in my hands to get a job.I could see my CV on his table. I was a fresher, no experience and nothing impressive on my CV but still the interview went smoothly. Before leaving, the Manager told me to prepare a business plan on a topic which he told he will email me.
Interveiwers have this skill of keeping their facial expression calm and composed, you can never tell what the interviewer is thinking or expecting. This, I am telling by personal experience. In India I got interviewed many times, there I was looking for Chemical engineering Jobs, there used to be 3-4 rounds. In all the companies I made it to the last round that is to the HR round, clearing the General test, Aptitude test, Technical Test, General Interview and then Finally the HR. I always loved the HR round. My interviews used to be great as per my opinion but I always got rejected, never knew why?I used to cry everytime I got rejected. This time I was not trying to predict the interviewer's expression. I was not keeping any high expectations, I was mentally prepared for any decision. We reached home. Waiting for his email and reply. Next day I received an email from the interviewer with a topic. I did my research on internet the same day, after working for whole day I prepared the Business plan and the next day(7th March) till night I emailed the plan to him. Unsure what will happen next. All I can do was just wait but time was running out. My Job search was at its peak, we were trying everywhere, open to all the opportunities.
Next day, my brother also talked in Administrative department of his company so that they can let him know if there is any vacancy. One of his colleagues responded and I had a telephonic conversation with him. He was the Manager of a big store and was planning to start up his own company in India. He asked me few general HR questions and then immediately he came to the main point. It was sudden for me to digest what he asked me next. He asked me," Are you confident enough to manage a whole company?", I’ll be doing the investment in you & in the company, you will be preparing the business plan, the estimated investment for that company and will overview the complete execution of the plan, can you do that?". This was a very serious question for me. It's an opportunity anyone would wish for. I was wondering, has he even read my CV. Managing a company is no joke. I answered him, " If given the opportunity and with proper guidance I'll definitely give my best and can run a company". To this he said," Okay, if you don't get a job here, give me a call, I will consider you for a job in Mumbai " and after some general talk, exchange of information,the call ended. Even today when I think of that conversation I couldn't tell the value/significance of that telephonic interview. Did I messed up/was he trying to politely say no to me/was he even serious?" I don't know but then I never called back/he never called me back.
In the meantime I also got interviewed by one of my brother's acquaintances, he was running a Vedic maths coaching classes. My brother thought maybe we should try this also, my teaching experience will be an advantage. After my brother came back from office, we went to meet him. The person I met there was an expert in Vedic maths- Techniques that are taught to solve maths problem faster, playing with numbers is fun. I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn something new. I was open for everything, I was like a molten material ready to take any shape, willing to learn everything but then again why would anyone will pay/spend their time on me, giving training to me,because I am the one who needs the job, they don't need a teacher/an employee. The man was in his fifties. People with experience always guide you by sharing their valuable experiences. He was very clear that there was no vacancy for me but he did give me his precious time and some useful advice and tips. He adviced me on different options to get a job in UAE. Infact he suggested me to start something of my own in a freehold zone. Freehold zones are places in UAE, the owner of such an estate/properties enjoys free ownership for perpetuity and can use the land for any purposes however in accordance with the local regulations.He said," If you don't get a job, start something of your own and then you will be the one giving jobs to other people but for that you will need to apply for "Azad visa". Azad visa means a visa to be purchased from a company not to work in that company but to work independently. It has its boon and bane. It was a great advice but I couldn't understand why everyone is telling me to directly take a big leap. I always believed that we should start slow, working on our basics and building a strong foundation. I mean when you are fresher, you have no idea about the market, about the outer world, about managing people, about management, there are many other things such as accounting, finances,designing etc. It is agreed that these work will be done by that concerned department person but managing them is the main thing. If for example an accountant present a report then we should be able to understand it. This takes time and experience.Are they missing the point that, I was just a teacher with 2 years experience and an Engineer by qualification with no actual industrial/corporate experience after graduation. This is what my CV was showing. So what is it that is making everyone put such high level of faith, trust and confidence that I can do what they are expecting without any prior experience. What were they all trying to explain? Even tough I enjoyed talking and meeting people, learning from their experiences. I was getting no where. Last five days of my visit visa was left.
In these last 10 days, we were trying so hard, everyone was in tension. The tension ultimately showed effect on my health. My return ticket was booked for 14th March. On the night of 10th March with 4 days in hand, I finally prepared myself for the worst, my head was hurting me, the pain was so intense, the whole night I couldn't sleep, I was shivering, I was cold and was having fever. I didn't tell anybody about the headache,cold and fever.In between the night I was applying vicks on my neck and forehead for some relief because of that I was able to sleep for some 2-3 hours in the morning when suddenly a phone ring woke me up. The day was 11th March, 7.00 am. The call was from the Manager of the company who I sent the business plan. He asked me to be present at the office at 8.30 am for trial. He told me that they will see my work for 4 days in the normal working hours. I was happy, because there was still hope. My bhabi saw the state of my face and my health and she said, " Don't go, tell them you are not well, How can they call on such short notice?". Concern for me from her part was overwhelming but now I cannot miss this final opportunity. I got up and told her," Don't worry, I'll take medicine and then I will be just fine". Breakfast was not getting down from my throat, some how I got ready within half an hour, took my medicine and took taxi to go to the interview location. I was unsure how am I gonna handle the taxi journey, in usual days I feel nauseaous travelling in taxi, what will happen today, when I am not in my good health. My brother was accompanying me. To shrug the nauseous feeling, I plugged in the headphone and was working on my breathing to calm myself. That 45 minutes taxi journey was seeming like life time. The time was going slowly. We reached the location, my brother left me there and went for his work and in the office after some waiting, I was summoned in the Manager's office. He welcomed me and then explained and gave me work to prepare some plans and some formats on one of the computers there. First day was a little confusing, everything was new, I didn't even know how to file a paper, it was a different type of file. One sir tried to help me, but manager told him, "Let her do, don't help". This is what I wanted, I always prefer people who instead of helping, teach me how to do that thing. Helping is one time remedy, it makes the person dependent and lazy, teaching or learning on the other hand is for life time. I didn't feel like I did any work, it was like I am net surfing. Till 5.30 pm I completed the work assigned and left for home. This continued till 14th March. Everyday I was assigned some new work. I was learning and growing. Everyday I travelled by taxi, it was expensive. I didn't had bus card then and was left with no other option.On 14th March 2017, I reached office at the same time, completed the assigned work and had a normal chat with the Manager where he explained me in brief my job description and verbally we discussed about salary and other things such as company quota, visa and other procedure. He said, "We will look for company quota and as soon as we have one we will send you the visa"(Not sure how long it will take). I left office early that day, at 3.00 pm because I had my flight at night. I bid my goodbye to everyone and left from the office with a positive note (My mind was filled with some queries but I didn't have time). My bags were already packed. I was ready to head back to India.
When I reached home, I explained and told my whole conversation with the Manager to my Bhaiya- Bhabi and the Manger's friend who referred me. Everyone was confused, did I get the job or not? because they didn't give me any offer letter, it was just a verbal discussion and as a proof I had nothing with me that showed that they are hiring me. Some people said trial in UAE is common, companies keep candidates for trial till their visit visa ends, get their work done from them and when candidate's visit visa ends they say yes or no based on their performance. An official document was not handed to me by company, which was considered as a disadvantage in my case. I am heading back to India without knowing for sure whether I am hired or not. What will I tell my parents? Did I get the job or not? We all were hoping that that verbal conversation was final and fixed and soon they will call me or email me the offer letter. Till then I decided not to disclose anything to anybody. Once everything is finalized then only I'll inform my friends, relatives and acquaintances about my job. I left my brother's place at 9.30 pm on 14th March for the airport accompanied by my bhabi, their daughter and the friend who referred me. He is my saviour and in the process I earned a really great friend. I owe him a lot but all he asked is a party if I am back in Abu Dhabi for work (that is so kind).They left me at the airport. Again I could not express my feelings like how grateful I am for their love, support and efforts. All I can say is" Take care " and I just left. This one month brought a lot of changes in my life, I made and earned some simply amazing bonds and relations for lifetime, met positive, experienced, knowledgeable and humble people. All in all, it was a roller coaster ride with lots of things in my treasure such as great experience, sweet memories, strong emotions and connections.
I landed in Mumbai, India on 15th March and followed by a 5 hour train journey, I was finally home. That five hour journey to home from Airport also was full of unexpected stories and incidents but at the day end I was sitting safely at my house. I was feeling good. I messaged my brother and bhabi. My family members were happy and were asking me about my experience and finally they asked me that question, the answer for which I didn't have." Did you get the job?". I said," I don't know, but I am hopeful about the last interview which I gave, where they verbally discussed with me everything and told me that once company has quota, they will send me the visa". Although I was not confident and convincing, but my family believed me and suggested me to be prepared for any decision and told me to simultaneously look for job in India(if in case that company in Abu Dhabi will reject me saying, they don't have quota"). Next day I messaged company's Manager informing him about my safe journey back home and I started asking him queries which I had and couldn't clarify because of time limit in UAE. He told me to do attestation of my highest degree from both Indian embassy and from UAE essential for the visa pocess. I had no idea how to get it done and from where to start. I asked for his guidance and help. He initially said, "You should have done this attestation process before coming on Visit visa''. He patiently replied to all my questions and told me to immediately send my Educational certificate for attestation, as this process takes time. He told me there are agents who does document attestation , try contacting them.Take internet's help. I did as he said, On the same day (16h March), I searched for a company that does document attestation, contacted the agent and sent my document copies and Original degree through courier. Next day they received the courier, the day was Friday and immediately on Saturday, I transferred the advance money(Agent's fees) so that it will be get done soon. The attestation agent told me it will take 7-8 of working days so Saturday-Sunday is out of picture. I understood 7-8 working days means almost 2 weeks. Till 30th March I didn't get any reply from the agent, my patience was wearing off. I was worried because what I sent was my original degree. So I expressed my fear and doubt to the agent. He said" Don't worry Madam, the attestation from given below Indian departments is done and the document is now in Dubai for foreign affairs.You can expect your attested degree till 5th April 2017
On the very next day(31st March) the agent sent me the photo of my attested degree and told me to transfer the remaining amount immediately. I was happy and relieved. I immediately transferred the money and messaged him my proper address where he can courier the document. I told him to send me the courier receipt so that I can track the status.He didn't sent me the receipt so, next day on 1st April, I started conversation with him by casually asking, whether he received the money or not and again requested him to send the receipt. He sent the courier to me on 1st April and told me that I'll get the courier on 3rd April. One thing was bothering me why the agent is not sending the courier receipt even after my request atleast I 'll track the status, my mind was stuck at that point. 3rd April I waited patiently but I didn't receive any courier. I messaged the agent again in the evening then he finally sent me the Courier compay name and the courier no.I tracked the status and it was showing dispatched, then where is it? everything was getting on my nerves. I calmed myself and decided to wait for one more day. On 4th April, I waited till 5.00 pm and I was about to give up when I heard a knock on my door and you can imagine how relieved and happy I was when the person at the door was the courier man. I realized how much I bothered the agent during this whole time, so I immediately dropped him the Thank you message and his response was "😆 Thank God".
This part was done. I thought the rest process would be easy, unaware that the other procedures are "the baap of the attestation process".
I immediately informed and emailed my attested documents to the Manager. He said he will contact me soon. From that day(4th April) onwards we were in continuous touch. I was clarifying all my doubts one by one and he was patiently guiding me. While clarifying my doubts, I realized and was now confident that my talk with the Manager was no joke, they are hiring me. I can trust him on that. The realization that I have got a Job and is just completing the formalities was a relief. Still my parents were suggesting me to look for job in India, they were not fully convinced, reason being the same, till now, I didn't get any official paper from the company and all we did is spend money till now.My job quest in India was going on simultaneously and with every pasing day my parents were telling me to try harder, to apply for more jobs and attend interviews even when I was sure that I have got a job in Abu Dhabi(I was confident but to respect my parent's views and suggestion, I was applying for different companies in India).I even attended a Job Mela and got interviewed there for a wine industry. I got selected and they called me, but I politely rejected it, telling them I am waiting for my visa.
On 7th April, the Manager assigned me one task so that I will get involved in the office work beforehand and can utilize my time learning something new while waiting for Quota and other process, he told me to prepare a Strategic Pointer Report. He sent me the excel sheet with pointers in the afternoon. My job was to do the research and elaborate the points and submit a report. Whatsapp was our only source of communication so to discuss thoroughly about this new task, we got connected on Skype. I got started on my newly assigned task immediately after talking with the Manager on Skype. Did my research, worked till mid night and finally was able to finish and submit the report to the Manager the next day in the morning till 8.30 am(8th April). He seemed happy with my work pace . The points which I didn't understand, I asked him and we discussed those details on Skype. I sent him the updated report. He gave me one more task, he emailed me 2-3 half finished reports and told me to prepare one final report (which needed more research and time)
I was doing work from home and my mother was worried for me beacuse I was working on my Laptop the full time, sometimes even forgetting to eat . My mom used to remind me about food everytime. She told me," You are not even sure whether you have got the job or not and you are working so hard, how hard you will work if you get hired. This is not the way to work, you should not stress to complete the work when there is no time limit, for now I am here to remind you of food and health, who will take care of you there,if you behave the same way. Never force yourself to finish something which is not urgent and always take care of your health first, work can be done later".
Her worry for me is natural after all it is a mother's heart. Mother's pure and selfless love, words and touch heals everything, you forget all your tiredness, pain, worry. She is the world for me. In her presence, I find only peace and happiness. To calm her down, I told her that I will not behave the same if I get hired.
To everyone's relief, finally the company sent me Employment contract on 9th April. Now I had a legal document, my parents were happy. Without any further doubts, my parents and everyone told me to focus on this job and my preparation started. I started my research on the procedures to be followed. In case of doubts, my saviour was my Manager. When I look back a year ago, I laugh reading the messages I have sent him, asking so many questions. I was so naive. Next few days went on research and planning. Already the documents were attested, the next procedure was Medical test. On 15th April I did my Medical Test in GAMCA Center, Mumbai. On 17th April, Sir sent me visa appointment message. I got my Medical reports the next day and it was "FIT". Next and Final step was Visa stamping for which I needed to go to UAE Embassy in New Delhi. I was facing difficulties getting train tickets, we hired an agent but he was delaying every time, this wasted a lot of our time so we took matter in our hand and booked our tickets online of 1st May 2017(0.05am). In this time i.e from 17th April to 30th April, I was kept busy by my Manager because he assigned me more tasks. My family decided that my elder sister will be accompanying me to Delhi. We were excited for our journey.We planned in such a way that the train ticket which we booked will drop us to Delhi in the morning, so that we will do our visa stamping till aftenoon and can leave the same day in the evening or night whenever the work is done. No need to worry about staying in hotel or finding accomodation.We didn't book the return ticket because we didn't know how much time the visa stamping procedure will take. The plan worked. The train journey was full of fun. When we sisters are together we don't need anyone, we are just perfect travel partners. We enjoyed our journey a lot and reached Delhi on 2nd May at 5.30 am. The Embassy was easy to find, we easily got taxi ro the embassy. The embassy was yet to open but there were already many people in queue. We gathered all the information from the watchman and all our procedure got finished till 2.00 pm afternoon( In UAE embassy women are given first preference otherwise it normally takes atleast two days). We left the embassy, booked our return ticket on laptop and luckily got tickets for the night train to Mumbai the same day.
Now we had enough time in our hands, we first ate something. We were in Delhi, before the journey itself we were planning of shopping in Delhi, so we utilized that time doing whatever we planned. My sister loves shopping and her taste in clothes is great. She already did her research on shopping spots, so we straightaway went to Saroj Nagar Market, Delhi- It is a famous shopping spot where we can get fancy clothes at afforable price. We did a lot of shopping. I usually don't show interest in shopping but first time in life I enjoyed shopping. After shopping for so long, still we had enough time. We thought we will wait at the train station so we took a rickshaw and at that moment we came up with a plan, we asked the rickshawala to take us to the famous nearby spots before taking us to the train station and the rickshawala was so nice, he took us to so many historical places and on the way he showed us many monuments and government buildings, giving us information just like a tour guide. We didn't get down from rickshaw but it was an amazing experience. We saw India Gate, Red fort, Rajpath, Bhavans and many other tourist places in such a short time. Finally we reached Delhi station to head back home. We were very tired but it was worthwhile. We got our train, it was on the platform when we reached there. We reached Nashik safe and sound. This whole visa stamping process was exhausting, time consuming and expensive. But we somehow managed and successfully completed the complete process by proper planning, help and proper guidance in limited budget.
Now, I was all set to go to Abu Dhabi. I was only waiting for our Manager's reply. He said ,"Don't waste your time and immediately book your air tickets". I was worried of accomodation so I asked him about accomodation. He said ," Don't worry about it, we will find accomodation for you, you just book your tickets". I booked my tickets. The flight was on 10th May 2017 at 10.30 pm. From 3rd May to 10th May, I was cherishing each and every momemt with my family. We start noticing small small things. Finally the departure day came. On 10th May, I bid farewell to my family at the airport, I stepped inside the airport to begin the new phase of my life, a new journey full of opportunities, hope and dreams. I landed in Abu Dhabi on 11th May(Thursday) at 12.35 am. My brother was there to receive me. After some sleep, I got freshen up and reached office around 11.00 am the same day(11th May 2017). In the office, everyone welcomed me, all my joining formalities were completed, I was introduced to the Managing director & to all my colleagues. Everyone made me comfortable. They gave me my working desk. On that day I entered the professional world.
One of my colleague already searched an accomodation for me, so after office we went to see the accomodation. It was a very small room but it was enough for one person. We all left for the day. I told my bhaiya-bhabi about the accomodation and we decided to shift my luggage the next day(Friday) which was our off day. In UAE, Friday is the week off. On Friday we did all the shifting, cleaning and arranging and after spending some time my Bhaiya and Bhabi went back home. I was alone in the room but I was happy waiting for the sun of my life to rise. From Saturday (13th May 2017) my regular job started.
This is my story about my experience when I was on vist visa and how my visit visa turned into an Employment visa- My journey from Visit visa to Employment visa.The experience is special to me because it gave me confidence, hope and belief in destiny and unseen divine power. It gave me an amazing family, friends and a mentor(Our Manager). From that day till now, I am only growing, learning new things, taking all the challenges and experiencing a whole new world.
" LIFE IS A SERIES OF THOUSANDS OF TINY MIRACLES, NOTICE THEM"
I noticed them and want you all to do the same, you will be amazed by the way life will surprise you.
Spoiler:Next time onwards my blogs will be stories of people, incidents, issues, events and emotions that I felt, that changed my perceptive, influenced my thoughts and brought changes in my life.
When I entered the office with my brother, the office boy made us sit on the Sofa and gave us water. I saw an Indian person in his late thirties sitting in his cabin talking with some other person while I was heading towards the sofa. After a while, he called us inside. I was prepared for this, I was carrying all my documents.The interviewer was the Manager of the Company, who was that bhabi's family friend's friend and the same person I talked with on the phone. This was my first face to face interview in UAE and I was nervous because already 20 days were passed with only ten days in my hands to get a job.I could see my CV on his table. I was a fresher, no experience and nothing impressive on my CV but still the interview went smoothly. Before leaving, the Manager told me to prepare a business plan on a topic which he told he will email me.
Interveiwers have this skill of keeping their facial expression calm and composed, you can never tell what the interviewer is thinking or expecting. This, I am telling by personal experience. In India I got interviewed many times, there I was looking for Chemical engineering Jobs, there used to be 3-4 rounds. In all the companies I made it to the last round that is to the HR round, clearing the General test, Aptitude test, Technical Test, General Interview and then Finally the HR. I always loved the HR round. My interviews used to be great as per my opinion but I always got rejected, never knew why?I used to cry everytime I got rejected. This time I was not trying to predict the interviewer's expression. I was not keeping any high expectations, I was mentally prepared for any decision. We reached home. Waiting for his email and reply. Next day I received an email from the interviewer with a topic. I did my research on internet the same day, after working for whole day I prepared the Business plan and the next day(7th March) till night I emailed the plan to him. Unsure what will happen next. All I can do was just wait but time was running out. My Job search was at its peak, we were trying everywhere, open to all the opportunities.
Next day, my brother also talked in Administrative department of his company so that they can let him know if there is any vacancy. One of his colleagues responded and I had a telephonic conversation with him. He was the Manager of a big store and was planning to start up his own company in India. He asked me few general HR questions and then immediately he came to the main point. It was sudden for me to digest what he asked me next. He asked me," Are you confident enough to manage a whole company?", I’ll be doing the investment in you & in the company, you will be preparing the business plan, the estimated investment for that company and will overview the complete execution of the plan, can you do that?". This was a very serious question for me. It's an opportunity anyone would wish for. I was wondering, has he even read my CV. Managing a company is no joke. I answered him, " If given the opportunity and with proper guidance I'll definitely give my best and can run a company". To this he said," Okay, if you don't get a job here, give me a call, I will consider you for a job in Mumbai " and after some general talk, exchange of information,the call ended. Even today when I think of that conversation I couldn't tell the value/significance of that telephonic interview. Did I messed up/was he trying to politely say no to me/was he even serious?" I don't know but then I never called back/he never called me back.
In the meantime I also got interviewed by one of my brother's acquaintances, he was running a Vedic maths coaching classes. My brother thought maybe we should try this also, my teaching experience will be an advantage. After my brother came back from office, we went to meet him. The person I met there was an expert in Vedic maths- Techniques that are taught to solve maths problem faster, playing with numbers is fun. I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn something new. I was open for everything, I was like a molten material ready to take any shape, willing to learn everything but then again why would anyone will pay/spend their time on me, giving training to me,because I am the one who needs the job, they don't need a teacher/an employee. The man was in his fifties. People with experience always guide you by sharing their valuable experiences. He was very clear that there was no vacancy for me but he did give me his precious time and some useful advice and tips. He adviced me on different options to get a job in UAE. Infact he suggested me to start something of my own in a freehold zone. Freehold zones are places in UAE, the owner of such an estate/properties enjoys free ownership for perpetuity and can use the land for any purposes however in accordance with the local regulations.He said," If you don't get a job, start something of your own and then you will be the one giving jobs to other people but for that you will need to apply for "Azad visa". Azad visa means a visa to be purchased from a company not to work in that company but to work independently. It has its boon and bane. It was a great advice but I couldn't understand why everyone is telling me to directly take a big leap. I always believed that we should start slow, working on our basics and building a strong foundation. I mean when you are fresher, you have no idea about the market, about the outer world, about managing people, about management, there are many other things such as accounting, finances,designing etc. It is agreed that these work will be done by that concerned department person but managing them is the main thing. If for example an accountant present a report then we should be able to understand it. This takes time and experience.Are they missing the point that, I was just a teacher with 2 years experience and an Engineer by qualification with no actual industrial/corporate experience after graduation. This is what my CV was showing. So what is it that is making everyone put such high level of faith, trust and confidence that I can do what they are expecting without any prior experience. What were they all trying to explain? Even tough I enjoyed talking and meeting people, learning from their experiences. I was getting no where. Last five days of my visit visa was left.
In these last 10 days, we were trying so hard, everyone was in tension. The tension ultimately showed effect on my health. My return ticket was booked for 14th March. On the night of 10th March with 4 days in hand, I finally prepared myself for the worst, my head was hurting me, the pain was so intense, the whole night I couldn't sleep, I was shivering, I was cold and was having fever. I didn't tell anybody about the headache,cold and fever.In between the night I was applying vicks on my neck and forehead for some relief because of that I was able to sleep for some 2-3 hours in the morning when suddenly a phone ring woke me up. The day was 11th March, 7.00 am. The call was from the Manager of the company who I sent the business plan. He asked me to be present at the office at 8.30 am for trial. He told me that they will see my work for 4 days in the normal working hours. I was happy, because there was still hope. My bhabi saw the state of my face and my health and she said, " Don't go, tell them you are not well, How can they call on such short notice?". Concern for me from her part was overwhelming but now I cannot miss this final opportunity. I got up and told her," Don't worry, I'll take medicine and then I will be just fine". Breakfast was not getting down from my throat, some how I got ready within half an hour, took my medicine and took taxi to go to the interview location. I was unsure how am I gonna handle the taxi journey, in usual days I feel nauseaous travelling in taxi, what will happen today, when I am not in my good health. My brother was accompanying me. To shrug the nauseous feeling, I plugged in the headphone and was working on my breathing to calm myself. That 45 minutes taxi journey was seeming like life time. The time was going slowly. We reached the location, my brother left me there and went for his work and in the office after some waiting, I was summoned in the Manager's office. He welcomed me and then explained and gave me work to prepare some plans and some formats on one of the computers there. First day was a little confusing, everything was new, I didn't even know how to file a paper, it was a different type of file. One sir tried to help me, but manager told him, "Let her do, don't help". This is what I wanted, I always prefer people who instead of helping, teach me how to do that thing. Helping is one time remedy, it makes the person dependent and lazy, teaching or learning on the other hand is for life time. I didn't feel like I did any work, it was like I am net surfing. Till 5.30 pm I completed the work assigned and left for home. This continued till 14th March. Everyday I was assigned some new work. I was learning and growing. Everyday I travelled by taxi, it was expensive. I didn't had bus card then and was left with no other option.On 14th March 2017, I reached office at the same time, completed the assigned work and had a normal chat with the Manager where he explained me in brief my job description and verbally we discussed about salary and other things such as company quota, visa and other procedure. He said, "We will look for company quota and as soon as we have one we will send you the visa"(Not sure how long it will take). I left office early that day, at 3.00 pm because I had my flight at night. I bid my goodbye to everyone and left from the office with a positive note (My mind was filled with some queries but I didn't have time). My bags were already packed. I was ready to head back to India.
When I reached home, I explained and told my whole conversation with the Manager to my Bhaiya- Bhabi and the Manger's friend who referred me. Everyone was confused, did I get the job or not? because they didn't give me any offer letter, it was just a verbal discussion and as a proof I had nothing with me that showed that they are hiring me. Some people said trial in UAE is common, companies keep candidates for trial till their visit visa ends, get their work done from them and when candidate's visit visa ends they say yes or no based on their performance. An official document was not handed to me by company, which was considered as a disadvantage in my case. I am heading back to India without knowing for sure whether I am hired or not. What will I tell my parents? Did I get the job or not? We all were hoping that that verbal conversation was final and fixed and soon they will call me or email me the offer letter. Till then I decided not to disclose anything to anybody. Once everything is finalized then only I'll inform my friends, relatives and acquaintances about my job. I left my brother's place at 9.30 pm on 14th March for the airport accompanied by my bhabi, their daughter and the friend who referred me. He is my saviour and in the process I earned a really great friend. I owe him a lot but all he asked is a party if I am back in Abu Dhabi for work (that is so kind).They left me at the airport. Again I could not express my feelings like how grateful I am for their love, support and efforts. All I can say is" Take care " and I just left. This one month brought a lot of changes in my life, I made and earned some simply amazing bonds and relations for lifetime, met positive, experienced, knowledgeable and humble people. All in all, it was a roller coaster ride with lots of things in my treasure such as great experience, sweet memories, strong emotions and connections.
I landed in Mumbai, India on 15th March and followed by a 5 hour train journey, I was finally home. That five hour journey to home from Airport also was full of unexpected stories and incidents but at the day end I was sitting safely at my house. I was feeling good. I messaged my brother and bhabi. My family members were happy and were asking me about my experience and finally they asked me that question, the answer for which I didn't have." Did you get the job?". I said," I don't know, but I am hopeful about the last interview which I gave, where they verbally discussed with me everything and told me that once company has quota, they will send me the visa". Although I was not confident and convincing, but my family believed me and suggested me to be prepared for any decision and told me to simultaneously look for job in India(if in case that company in Abu Dhabi will reject me saying, they don't have quota"). Next day I messaged company's Manager informing him about my safe journey back home and I started asking him queries which I had and couldn't clarify because of time limit in UAE. He told me to do attestation of my highest degree from both Indian embassy and from UAE essential for the visa pocess. I had no idea how to get it done and from where to start. I asked for his guidance and help. He initially said, "You should have done this attestation process before coming on Visit visa''. He patiently replied to all my questions and told me to immediately send my Educational certificate for attestation, as this process takes time. He told me there are agents who does document attestation , try contacting them.Take internet's help. I did as he said, On the same day (16h March), I searched for a company that does document attestation, contacted the agent and sent my document copies and Original degree through courier. Next day they received the courier, the day was Friday and immediately on Saturday, I transferred the advance money(Agent's fees) so that it will be get done soon. The attestation agent told me it will take 7-8 of working days so Saturday-Sunday is out of picture. I understood 7-8 working days means almost 2 weeks. Till 30th March I didn't get any reply from the agent, my patience was wearing off. I was worried because what I sent was my original degree. So I expressed my fear and doubt to the agent. He said" Don't worry Madam, the attestation from given below Indian departments is done and the document is now in Dubai for foreign affairs.You can expect your attested degree till 5th April 2017
- Notary Public – (Mumbai)
- Home department – (Mumbai)
- Ministry Of External Affairs – (Delhi)
- Embassy Attestation – (Delhi)
- Ministry Of Foreign Affairs – (Intended to use country) .
On the very next day(31st March) the agent sent me the photo of my attested degree and told me to transfer the remaining amount immediately. I was happy and relieved. I immediately transferred the money and messaged him my proper address where he can courier the document. I told him to send me the courier receipt so that I can track the status.He didn't sent me the receipt so, next day on 1st April, I started conversation with him by casually asking, whether he received the money or not and again requested him to send the receipt. He sent the courier to me on 1st April and told me that I'll get the courier on 3rd April. One thing was bothering me why the agent is not sending the courier receipt even after my request atleast I 'll track the status, my mind was stuck at that point. 3rd April I waited patiently but I didn't receive any courier. I messaged the agent again in the evening then he finally sent me the Courier compay name and the courier no.I tracked the status and it was showing dispatched, then where is it? everything was getting on my nerves. I calmed myself and decided to wait for one more day. On 4th April, I waited till 5.00 pm and I was about to give up when I heard a knock on my door and you can imagine how relieved and happy I was when the person at the door was the courier man. I realized how much I bothered the agent during this whole time, so I immediately dropped him the Thank you message and his response was "😆 Thank God".
This part was done. I thought the rest process would be easy, unaware that the other procedures are "the baap of the attestation process".
I immediately informed and emailed my attested documents to the Manager. He said he will contact me soon. From that day(4th April) onwards we were in continuous touch. I was clarifying all my doubts one by one and he was patiently guiding me. While clarifying my doubts, I realized and was now confident that my talk with the Manager was no joke, they are hiring me. I can trust him on that. The realization that I have got a Job and is just completing the formalities was a relief. Still my parents were suggesting me to look for job in India, they were not fully convinced, reason being the same, till now, I didn't get any official paper from the company and all we did is spend money till now.My job quest in India was going on simultaneously and with every pasing day my parents were telling me to try harder, to apply for more jobs and attend interviews even when I was sure that I have got a job in Abu Dhabi(I was confident but to respect my parent's views and suggestion, I was applying for different companies in India).I even attended a Job Mela and got interviewed there for a wine industry. I got selected and they called me, but I politely rejected it, telling them I am waiting for my visa.
On 7th April, the Manager assigned me one task so that I will get involved in the office work beforehand and can utilize my time learning something new while waiting for Quota and other process, he told me to prepare a Strategic Pointer Report. He sent me the excel sheet with pointers in the afternoon. My job was to do the research and elaborate the points and submit a report. Whatsapp was our only source of communication so to discuss thoroughly about this new task, we got connected on Skype. I got started on my newly assigned task immediately after talking with the Manager on Skype. Did my research, worked till mid night and finally was able to finish and submit the report to the Manager the next day in the morning till 8.30 am(8th April). He seemed happy with my work pace . The points which I didn't understand, I asked him and we discussed those details on Skype. I sent him the updated report. He gave me one more task, he emailed me 2-3 half finished reports and told me to prepare one final report (which needed more research and time)
I was doing work from home and my mother was worried for me beacuse I was working on my Laptop the full time, sometimes even forgetting to eat . My mom used to remind me about food everytime. She told me," You are not even sure whether you have got the job or not and you are working so hard, how hard you will work if you get hired. This is not the way to work, you should not stress to complete the work when there is no time limit, for now I am here to remind you of food and health, who will take care of you there,if you behave the same way. Never force yourself to finish something which is not urgent and always take care of your health first, work can be done later".
Her worry for me is natural after all it is a mother's heart. Mother's pure and selfless love, words and touch heals everything, you forget all your tiredness, pain, worry. She is the world for me. In her presence, I find only peace and happiness. To calm her down, I told her that I will not behave the same if I get hired.
To everyone's relief, finally the company sent me Employment contract on 9th April. Now I had a legal document, my parents were happy. Without any further doubts, my parents and everyone told me to focus on this job and my preparation started. I started my research on the procedures to be followed. In case of doubts, my saviour was my Manager. When I look back a year ago, I laugh reading the messages I have sent him, asking so many questions. I was so naive. Next few days went on research and planning. Already the documents were attested, the next procedure was Medical test. On 15th April I did my Medical Test in GAMCA Center, Mumbai. On 17th April, Sir sent me visa appointment message. I got my Medical reports the next day and it was "FIT". Next and Final step was Visa stamping for which I needed to go to UAE Embassy in New Delhi. I was facing difficulties getting train tickets, we hired an agent but he was delaying every time, this wasted a lot of our time so we took matter in our hand and booked our tickets online of 1st May 2017(0.05am). In this time i.e from 17th April to 30th April, I was kept busy by my Manager because he assigned me more tasks. My family decided that my elder sister will be accompanying me to Delhi. We were excited for our journey.We planned in such a way that the train ticket which we booked will drop us to Delhi in the morning, so that we will do our visa stamping till aftenoon and can leave the same day in the evening or night whenever the work is done. No need to worry about staying in hotel or finding accomodation.We didn't book the return ticket because we didn't know how much time the visa stamping procedure will take. The plan worked. The train journey was full of fun. When we sisters are together we don't need anyone, we are just perfect travel partners. We enjoyed our journey a lot and reached Delhi on 2nd May at 5.30 am. The Embassy was easy to find, we easily got taxi ro the embassy. The embassy was yet to open but there were already many people in queue. We gathered all the information from the watchman and all our procedure got finished till 2.00 pm afternoon( In UAE embassy women are given first preference otherwise it normally takes atleast two days). We left the embassy, booked our return ticket on laptop and luckily got tickets for the night train to Mumbai the same day.
Now we had enough time in our hands, we first ate something. We were in Delhi, before the journey itself we were planning of shopping in Delhi, so we utilized that time doing whatever we planned. My sister loves shopping and her taste in clothes is great. She already did her research on shopping spots, so we straightaway went to Saroj Nagar Market, Delhi- It is a famous shopping spot where we can get fancy clothes at afforable price. We did a lot of shopping. I usually don't show interest in shopping but first time in life I enjoyed shopping. After shopping for so long, still we had enough time. We thought we will wait at the train station so we took a rickshaw and at that moment we came up with a plan, we asked the rickshawala to take us to the famous nearby spots before taking us to the train station and the rickshawala was so nice, he took us to so many historical places and on the way he showed us many monuments and government buildings, giving us information just like a tour guide. We didn't get down from rickshaw but it was an amazing experience. We saw India Gate, Red fort, Rajpath, Bhavans and many other tourist places in such a short time. Finally we reached Delhi station to head back home. We were very tired but it was worthwhile. We got our train, it was on the platform when we reached there. We reached Nashik safe and sound. This whole visa stamping process was exhausting, time consuming and expensive. But we somehow managed and successfully completed the complete process by proper planning, help and proper guidance in limited budget.
Now, I was all set to go to Abu Dhabi. I was only waiting for our Manager's reply. He said ,"Don't waste your time and immediately book your air tickets". I was worried of accomodation so I asked him about accomodation. He said ," Don't worry about it, we will find accomodation for you, you just book your tickets". I booked my tickets. The flight was on 10th May 2017 at 10.30 pm. From 3rd May to 10th May, I was cherishing each and every momemt with my family. We start noticing small small things. Finally the departure day came. On 10th May, I bid farewell to my family at the airport, I stepped inside the airport to begin the new phase of my life, a new journey full of opportunities, hope and dreams. I landed in Abu Dhabi on 11th May(Thursday) at 12.35 am. My brother was there to receive me. After some sleep, I got freshen up and reached office around 11.00 am the same day(11th May 2017). In the office, everyone welcomed me, all my joining formalities were completed, I was introduced to the Managing director & to all my colleagues. Everyone made me comfortable. They gave me my working desk. On that day I entered the professional world.
One of my colleague already searched an accomodation for me, so after office we went to see the accomodation. It was a very small room but it was enough for one person. We all left for the day. I told my bhaiya-bhabi about the accomodation and we decided to shift my luggage the next day(Friday) which was our off day. In UAE, Friday is the week off. On Friday we did all the shifting, cleaning and arranging and after spending some time my Bhaiya and Bhabi went back home. I was alone in the room but I was happy waiting for the sun of my life to rise. From Saturday (13th May 2017) my regular job started.
This is my story about my experience when I was on vist visa and how my visit visa turned into an Employment visa- My journey from Visit visa to Employment visa.The experience is special to me because it gave me confidence, hope and belief in destiny and unseen divine power. It gave me an amazing family, friends and a mentor(Our Manager). From that day till now, I am only growing, learning new things, taking all the challenges and experiencing a whole new world.
" LIFE IS A SERIES OF THOUSANDS OF TINY MIRACLES, NOTICE THEM"
I noticed them and want you all to do the same, you will be amazed by the way life will surprise you.
Spoiler:Next time onwards my blogs will be stories of people, incidents, issues, events and emotions that I felt, that changed my perceptive, influenced my thoughts and brought changes in my life.
