July 22, 2024
During a digital marketing internship with Cultural Infusion, Sweta Joshi shares her personal story of moving from India to Australia and discovering the strength of women, whether single or married, who prioritise family. Learning new skills, facing life’s challenges with determination and finding inner peace along the way were key to her growth.
Roots in India, Journey to Australia
Relocating to Australia marked a significant shift in my life. Despite my strong ties to India, the encouragement from my siblings, who were already settled as Australian citizens, led me to embark on a fresh adventure. Saying goodbye to my aspirations in fashion design, my beloved home and my Indian heritage was a major choice that transformed my path. Embracing this change meant not only adjusting to life in Australia but also uncovering a different side of my identity.
Crossroads of Culture and Profession: From Indian Fashion Designer to Australian Assistant Nurse
Experiencing Australia was a unique opportunity, but finding a job as a fashion designer with my Indian degree in Adelaide was tough. After three months, I decided to become an assistant nurse. Two months later, I got my certificate and driver’s licence, and started job hunting.
Eight months into my Australian journey, I landed my first job, in the small town of Oberon in the New South Wales tablelands. I had to work a certain number of hours and live in a rural area for two years due to my visa requirements.
The population in Australia was smaller than what I was used to in India, and being an assistant nurse for two years was an amazing experience. I built close relationships with elderly residents and worked extra shifts to spend more time with them. I also saved money by taking in a Japanese roommate from Sydney. Transitioning from fashion designer to assistant nurse was transformative, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and blend my cultural heritage with my profession.
Reflections on Recovery: Finding Harmony Between Family and Work
Each month, I would travel to Sydney to see my family. It always felt like a special journey because I was alone, learning more about myself and my strengths while driving through the hills and seeing kangaroos on the road. Safety was crucial for me as a single woman, but I felt secure knowing that the Oberon police were vigilant. The trip from Oberon to Sydney felt like a transition from a traditional to a modern world.
However, after returning from Sydney, I would immediately return to work. The busy schedule eventually affected my health, causing weight loss, hair loss and a back injury that kept me in bed for four months. After several physiotherapy sessions and light work, I recovered well. Despite the challenges, I knew that my trips to Sydney were necessary for my mental wellbeing. The time spent with my family, exploring new places, and reflecting on my life during those long drives helped me recharge and find clarity in my thoughts.
As I recovered from my health issues, I realised the importance of finding a balance between work and personal time. I began prioritising self-care and setting boundaries to ensure that I did not neglect my wellbeing in pursuit of professional success.
Finding Stability in Bathurst
After finding a new job in the small city of Bathurst in the New South Wales tablelands, I was able to have more control over my schedule compared to my previous casual job. The 47-kilometre commute between Bathurst and Oberon for night shifts between two facilities was manageable and helped me cover my expenses. Securing a permanent casual position in Bathurst led me to make the decision to permanently leave Oberon and settle in Bathurst. This transition was a significant change from living in the small town of Oberon.
Throughout these changes, my family always supported me, even though they had to travel 200 kilometres to help with moving or support my health.
Navigating Health Obstacles and Career Transitions
I moved to Sydney after receiving my permanent visa and worked there for a year before returning to India to visit my parents. Unfortunately, my mother fell ill during the pandemic and needed multiple surgeries. I used my nursing skills from Australia to care for my mother for the next one and a half years until she fully recovered in 2022. I brought my parents to Australia and landed a nursing job in Sydney, quickly moving up to the position of house manager within two months. When my mother’s health issues resurfaced, we went back to India for treatment, prompting me to transition to a career in digital marketing for more flexibility in remote work.
Embracing Cultural Diversity
I’m currently getting comfortable in Adelaide, close to my family. I’m excited about the opportunity to volunteer at the new Vaishnav Sangh Haveli (temple) and connect with the Indian community. Growing up in both India and Australia has shaped my perspective on cultural differences. Australia offers great job opportunities, a supportive work environment, and a vibrant Indian community that makes me feel comfortable.
The Professional Shift from India to Australia
I really love India, and my time in both countries has taught me a lot. In India, I did well in business, but in Australia, I’ve learned and grown a lot by immersing myself in the culture as an employee. Australia values work-life balance, which is different from India’s longer work hours, helping me understand how to balance work and personal life better. Australia has a strong job market, but India offers great business opportunities, affordable training and labour for businesses, which I haven’t found in Australia. As a single woman, I feel safe and supported in Australia. It’s been a fulfilling journey connecting these two different worlds.
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