An Expat’s Story

As my husband and I stood in front of our new apartment, debating whether to make an advance payment, his phone rang. We exchanged a glance, knowing this call could change everything. He answered, and I listened anxiously as he talked about a job offer in Germany. The word hung in the air, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. For me, it meant leaving behind my career and friends in India. But as I looked at my husband, I saw excitement in his eyes. At that moment, I made a silent promise to embrace this opportunity.

Arriving in Germany was a whirlwind, especially with a five-month-old daughter in tow. My husband had been there for three months, getting things ready for us. But settling in wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped, especially with the new mom gig. Finding a place to live was a mission. We sifted through tons of listings, until we finally found our dream apartment. It was right in the heart of the city, with tall ceilings and everything we needed nearby, grocery stores, parks, you name it. It felt like a real win for our little family.

But then came the real work; furnishing the place. With an empty apartment waiting for us, my husband decided to take matters into his own hands. In India, we’d have hired help for this stuff, but here, it was just us.I was blown away by his skills as he put together furniture and even installed a modular kitchen. By the time we got there, our new home was cozy and inviting, thanks to his hard work. It was a relief to finally settle in, knowing we had a comfy space to call our own.

And then came the real challenge: running the house. Despite being married for seven years, I’d never really had to deal with household chores. Back home, everything from cooking to cleaning was either outsourced or taken care of by my mother-in-law. But now, here I was, feeling like I’d been thrown into the deep end of a swimming pool without knowing how to swim.

Navigating the transition from a thriving career to the role of a stay-at-home mom in a new country can be incredibly challenging. It’s a whole new world of responsibilities, from caring for a child to managing household chores, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and question your identity and worth. The societal expectations, particularly in countries like India, can add another layer of pressure, making it seem like your value is tied solely to your career. It takes courage and resilience to embrace this new chapter of life, to set aside career aspirations temporarily, and to find fulfillment in the everyday joys of motherhood. And to all the moms out there who are navigating similar challenges, you are more than enough. Your dedication, love, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed, and you are doing an incredible job. You are shaping the future generation with your love and care, and that is a truly rewarding endeavor. Embrace this journey, cherish the moments, and remember that your worth is not defined by societal expectations but by the love you give and the lives you touch.