A moment that changed me: I gave up my job – and found my self-esteem
When I moved with my partner to Washington DC, it was months before I was granted a work permit. At first, my confidence took a hit. Then I felt liberated to start a new life
When my boyfriend asked if I would move with him from London to Washington DC in December 2017, I said yes right away. He had been offered a job there and I would need a spousal visa to join him, so we decided to get married. It felt like an adventure. We were young, child-free and had no real responsibilities. I was a freelance journalist and could plausibly work from anywhere, so why not Washington? Why not somewhere new?
I didn’t realise until we arrived, but the terms of my visa meant I wasn’t allowed to do paid work until I acquired the proper permit, which would take months. In the meantime, I was in limbo. At first, it felt like an extended holiday. But about six weeks in, the implications hit home. I accompanied my husband, who was a foreign correspondent, to a work-related drinks event at a bar near Capitol Hill, where everyone other than me seemed to have an impressive job title.
Continue reading...Topics
-
A moment that changed me: I forgot about love – then found the man of my dreams
World - The Guardian - November 13 -
A moment that changed me: My miscarriages were devastating – but an orca gave me comfort and hope
World - The Guardian - October 30 -
A moment that changed me: I first heard Oasis at 14 – and they gave me the swagger to come out
World - The Guardian - October 23 -
A moment that changed me: a kind stranger saved my life – and changed my attitude
World - The Guardian - Yesterday -
DNA firm holding highly sensitive data 'vanishes' without warning
Top stories - BBC News - November 9 -
I didn’t mind my unusual first name – until I found out it could cost me dearly | Torsten Bell
World - The Guardian - November 2 -
'My cancer was found as I was about to give birth'
Top stories - BBC News - November 14
More from The Guardian
-
US and Israel reject ICC warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest as number of countries signal they will abide by it – Middle East live
World - The Guardian - 25 minutes ago -
Putin says Russia fired experimental ballistic missile into Ukraine
World - The Guardian - 20 minutes ago -
Trump says Matt Gaetz will have ‘wonderful future’ after attorney general pick withdraws amid scrutiny – live
World - The Guardian - 24 minutes ago -
Merkel: I mistook Trump for ‘someone completely normal’
World - The Guardian - 2 hours ago -
British lawyer is fifth person to die in suspected methanol poisoning in Laos
World - The Guardian - 38 minutes ago