Life in Australia: A Journey of Growth and Adaptation
Join me, Ritu, as I share my journey from a small town in Rajasthan to US to now life in Australia. This presentation will take you through the ups and downs of my experiences, the challenges of adapting to new cultures, and the personal growth that came with each move.
Early Life and Education in India
Growing Up in Kota
I am Ritu from Kota, a small town in Rajasthan, where I lived and grew up in a tight-knit, partially joint family.
College Life & Teaching
I had simple dreams – to enjoy life and study well. During college, I did tutoring to earn some pocket money, and even after completing my post-graduation, my love for teaching continued.
A New Chapter Begins
With my modest dreams, life took an unexpected turn when I got married and moved to the USA. As a dependent visa holder without a job, I started a new life learning new things. I could never have imagined how much my world would expand.
Life in the United States
New Experiences
Adjusting to life in the USA brought new challenges and opportunities. With more free time, I explored new interests:
- Long walks
- Writing blogs
- Visiting libraries
- Learning from YouTube
Life Changes in America
Early Days of Adjustment
The Library: My New Haven
The local library became my sanctuary, where I discovered new interests and spent hours exploring knowledge through books and digital resources.
Finding Peace in Movement
Long walks became my daily ritual, giving me time to reflect while exploring my new surroundings in America.
Building a Life
Creating New Traditions
Our life settled into a comfortable rhythm of weekday routines and weekend gatherings, creating new memories with family and friends.
Return to India
After six years in America, we made the bold decision to return to India. This meant leaving behind our comfortable routines and peaceful lifestyle, while preparing to embrace the familiar energy of home. The transition wasn’t just about moving belongings – it was about carrying forward valuable experiences into our next chapter.
Return to India and Career Growth
Tutoring Center
Established a successful tutoring center in India.
Cue Math Teacher
Joined Cue Math as a teacher, expanding my skills.
Plans for Expansion
Was about to open a math and science lab before another move.
Was about to open a math and science lab before another move.
Initial Return & Personal Growth
My journey back in India brought both personal and professional growth, leading to unexpected new opportunities.
Rekindling Teaching Passion
After returning to India, I reconnected with my passion for tutoring, which gave me a sense of purpose and independence.
Domestic Life & Daily Routine
Life settled into a comfortable routine as I managed our household – cooking meals, preparing lunch boxes, and maintaining our home.
Professional Achievements
My professional journey flourished as I built my own tutoring center and joined Cuemath as a teacher. I was even preparing to open a math and science lab.
Unexpected Move to Australia
Just as everything was falling into place, we faced a pivotal decision: moving to Australia for PR (Permanent Residency). Though the prospect of change was daunting, we embraced this new opportunity.
The Move to Australia
Initial Struggles
Felt cranky and disheartened, struggling with the change.
Settling In
Gradually adjusted to daily routines and explored local areas.
Finding Opportunities
Volunteered at son’s school and started TAFE courses.
Career Restart
Began tutoring and applying for jobs with local experience.
Life in Australia
Initial Struggles and Adaptation
Life in Australia was initially tough. I felt very cranky as I believed my personal growth had stalled. I found myself hating the situation, trying to ignore it, and feeling disheartened and lost.
Finding Daily Rhythms
Time, however, waits for no one. As life gradually settled into a routine, I focused on daily tasks like dropping the kids at school and managing household chores. I spent a lot of time reading product labels, visiting the library, exploring shops, and discovering local attractions.
Simple Pleasures
My favorite activity in any country is sitting in coffee shops, watching people, and listening to interesting conversations. Though I prefer tea, I love the atmosphere of small coffee shops – the brewing process and the aromatic smell are deeply appealing. After dropping the kids at school, I would often treat myself to these peaceful moments.
Community Involvement and Education
I seized the opportunity to volunteer at my son’s school as a primary ethics volunteer, which taught me so much about the local culture. Following others’ advice, I enrolled in TAFE courses.
Professional Journey
I missed my well-established career back home, and not earning made me feel empty. As I adjusted to life here, friends suggested I try tutoring or after-school care. I started helping children with their studies and earned good money. I also joined purpose-driven organizations as a volunteer, including the Raise Foundation and Story Factory.
Career Success
These experiences gave me valuable insights into the workplace and helped me understand how to apply for roles effectively. I soon
learned that local experience is essential for any job in Australia. Through my volunteer work, I began applying for positions. While completing my course, I received access to a free coach and an 8-week job support program. All these efforts culminated in securing a customer service position with a government agency just before COVID-19, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Professional Growth in Australia
Volunteering
Joined Raise Foundation and Story Factory as a volunteer.
Job Support
Utilized free coaching and an 8-week job support program.
Government Job
Secured a customer service role in a government agency before COVID-19.
Personal Achievements and Lifestyle
Published Author
Published three books of Hindi poetry.
Early Riser
Adopted the 5 AM challenge for a more productive life inspired by Robin Sharma 5 am challenge!
Work-Life Balance
Enjoying more free time after work hours in Australia.
Cultural Observations in Australia
Health-Conscious Culture
Smaller food portions and focus on fitness and natural beauty.
Social Dynamics
Making friends can be challenging, with a tendency for last-minute cancellations.
Women's Empowerment
Women appear more confident in Australian society.
Diverse Weather
Sydney can experience all four seasons in a single day.
Reflections on Adapting to New Cultures
“Moving to any place and getting used to it most likely depends on the phase of life you moved and the reason you moved. I realize to be in flow state will help to grab the opportunity.”
Adapting to new cultures is a journey of personal growth. It’s important to stay open to new experiences, pursue your passions, and keep dreaming. Success doesn’t follow a set path, and there’s nothing to lose by embracing change.
Future Aspirations
Continue Writing
Publish more books
YouTube Channel
Establish “2amom” channe
Personal Growth
Keep learning and adapting
As I continue my journey in Australia, I’m excited about the future. My experiences have taught me that life is full of opportunities for those who are willing to embrace change and keep dreaming.
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