Lessons Learned: How Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Dubai Shaped Me
Moving to a new city often signifies leaving behind the familiar comforts of home, yet for Thejaswini Reddy, such transitions have acted as pivotal milestones for personal development and independence. From childhood in Bengaluru to independent living in Hyderabad and professional growth in Dubai, Reddy’s experiences emphasize the profound lessons that each city has imparted. By sharing her journey via social media, she has inspired many to view life experiences in different cities as vital components of their own growth.
Bengaluru: A Gateway to New Experiences
Reddy’s transformative journey began in her birthplace of Andhra Pradesh, where her education was rooted in a Telugu-medium school. Everything changed when her family moved to Bengaluru when she was just ten years old. Reflecting on this transition, she remarked, “I did not learn how to be an adult until I moved to a new city and had to do my own laundry.” Bengaluru opened the door to a vastly diverse world, full of languages, cultures, and lifestyles. For Reddy, this shift was more than merely changing addresses; it was about expanding her worldview at an age when her previous experiences were predominantly influenced by village life.
She fondly expressed how Bengaluru provided her with a perspective far beyond her small village. This realization highlights the impact that a change in environment can have on a young mind, enriching it with new communities, languages, and cultural paradigms that form the foundation of one’s understanding of the world. Such exposure can dramatically reshape an individual’s outlook and personal identity, fostering adaptability and resilience.
Hyderabad: Embracing Independence
The next significant chapter of Reddy’s life unfolded in Hyderabad, where she took her first job and embraced the reality of independent living. Having longed for a taste of life away from home — a longing rooted in her lack of hostel experiences during college — she seized the opportunity to move. In Hyderabad, she tackled daily responsibilities such as grocery shopping, laundry, and even joining a gym. These might seem like trivial tasks, but for her, each one represented a stepping stone toward adulthood.
Reddy noted that managing her own household routines helped her cultivate a sense of autonomy. From making choices to handling daily chores, she learned the importance of being self-reliant and organized. This journey into independence not only prepared her for future challenges but also instilled confidence and self-awareness that would prove invaluable in her later endeavors.
Dubai: The Power of Networking
At the age of 31, Reddy made another bold move, relocating to Dubai with her husband after leaving a steady job in India. This transition presented its own set of challenges, particularly in her job search. She quickly learned that despite sending numerous applications, many went unanswered. “I literally applied to every job there was on the job portal, and I was only ghosted,” she revealed.
However, perseverance paid off when a job opportunity arose through a professional connection she had nurtured years prior. This experience reshaped her understanding of career growth and networking. Reddy discovered that relationships and connections often play a crucial role in uncovering job prospects, shedding light on the intricacies of professional landscapes that many overlook.
Reflecting on her journey, Reddy summarized what each city contributed to her life: “Bengaluru showed me the world beyond my small village in Andhra. Hyderabad taught me adulting through groceries, laundry, and the gym. And Dubai taught me how networking actually works after getting ghosted on job applications.” Her story has resonated with many on social media, prompting discussions about how transitions—whether local or global—can illuminate personal growth, confidence, and understanding of opportunities. In essence, Reddy’s experiences illustrate how diverse environments can profoundly shape who we become.
