Unpack
In August 2012, I packed my bag for one last time to leave my home and hometown. I was leaving home to pursue my engineering in a college situated in a distant city. The thought of living away from home was exciting and liberating to my teenage mind. I could finally boast to my high school friends about my plans of moving to a different city.
Although I was not content with the choice of college, it was the best option I got after amicably reaching a consensus with my parents. I couldn't complain much as I had performed poorly in all engineering exams which gave me the lower hand in negotiating where I wanted to study and which city I wanted to live in.
With the freshly baked snacks to be eaten and shared with future roommates when hungry - packed by mom, a small bundle of money to be kept handy for urgent need - handed by dad, and a to-do list to be followed in college - made by me, I was ready to board the train to knowledge, friendships and experiences.
In April 2016, I packed my bag for one last time to leave the hostel in college. Four years of college came to an end and it was time for me to bid adieu to the place.
Although for some reason I was one of the last students to vacate.
The hostel rooms which were once filled with energy and laughter were now abandoned and suddenly felt eerie. The corridors which used to be the centre of late night activities and conversations were now left empty, dark and dull. The hostel warden who was once the most hated person among fellow hostelers was now a friend. The food in the canteen which was once a nightmare and tasted miserable was now surprisingly enjoyable. The familiarity of four years was superseded by strangeness in the last days.
In the four years, I succeeded and failed, was motivated and distracted, had new experiences and missed opportunities, acted wise and acted immature, was mentored and missed mentorship. The place had so much more to offer - lessons to learn, friends to meet, relationships to build.
I went for one last walk across the campus before I finally stepped out to take on my next adventure.
With a degree in engineering, a job as a software engineer and a treasure full of memories, I was ready to embark on the journey to career building.
In December 2018, I packed my bag for one last time to leave the apartment in Bangalore. I had been sharing the apartment with three other friends/colleagues and I was leaving to move abroad for a work assignment.
In the first two years of my career, I had the opportunity to work with some great minds. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work in a greenfield project in the very beginning of my career which provided a strong learning environment. I was surprised by the amount of trust my team had bestowed on me - the junior most in the team at that time. It encouraged me to work hard and stay humble. We celebrated each others' success and supported each other in difficult times.
When I realised that it was time for me to take up new challenges, I spoke to a few managers in the company and shared my resume with them. Luck favoured me one more time as my resume landed with a project manager who had an opportunity at a client location. After a few meetings my travel to the Netherlands was confirmed.
I announced the news to my family and friends. I could not go home before traveling but I knew my parents were happy for me even though they wouldn't see me for a long time. To friends, I had to throw a customary party.
With a stamped passport, some essential winter clothes and a head full of dreams , I was ready to travel to the city of bikes and canals.
In July 2020, I packed my bag for one last time to leave the house in the Netherlands. After several failed attempts, my booking in one of the repatriation flights to India during the lockdown was confirmed.
The eighteen months that I spent abroad were one of the most challenging and rewarding times. While it was rewarding to have an international exposure in my professional life, it was equally challenging to navigate work across different teams. While it was rewarding to work with some of the smartest minds, it was challenging to work with people who had different interests.
I was fortunate enough to have met a few people who were colleagues initially but quickly became friends who helped me both professionally and personally to a great extent.
Before covid hit Europe I was able to take time off work and travel to a few countries. Some I visited solo and others with a friend. I enjoyed exploring new places especially without the GPS but with a city map and local's help. It was only when I found myself completely lost or the friend annoyed by my boycott of technology did I resort to internet.
I took the decision to return to India when I was no more enjoying my work. I also decided to make a switch to a different company after returning.
With some souvenirs and chocolates, memories of lifetime and the focus on what next, I was ready to get repatriated.
Every time I packed my bag, life led me to unpack to new beginnings. Each one more challenging than the previous but with a larger opportunity to learn and grow. There were times I packed to move on with life and others to move forward. The times I have packed to move on, although few, were led by setbacks. The times I have packed to move forward, were led by new opportunities.
With every unpacking I got introduced to new people. Some inspired me along the way, some with whom I wish to cross paths again and others became lifelong friends. With every unpacking I also got to discover myself. I discovered the potential I could reach, the limits I can push myself to and the weaknesses I should work on.
I wish I get to pack my bag throughout my lifetime for both personal and professional reasons. I just can’t wait to experience what unpacking leads to next.
