So if you actually know me or follow my blog then you know that I packed up my life and moved to Bangalore just over 2 months ago from Barcelona for a new job as a chief officer at a services company. I was so excited. The interviews back in March were things of chemistry and – from what I thought at the time – destiny. And they were. But in a much different way than what I ever could have imagined.
You see, last week I went from losing the one job I moved around the globe for to literally being hired again somewhere else…all within the span of 4 hours. No joke…I was told that I had 30 minutes to leave my job without any severance ….yet the universe was there looking out for me. Okay, haha, maybe not the universe but my new BFF India was looking out for me…along with a few real human friends too…so for that I say I love you! Thank you, beautiful universe, amazing India, and lovely friends!!!
When I moved here the idea was that the company I went to work for would be opening up offices in 14 new countries over the span of the next two years, which made my profile a good fit to help penetrate those markets. However, the strategy of the company changed recently so my profile is simply no longer a good fit. Over the past month I have concentrated on work meant for a more junior profile, making it quite obvious that I was hired too soon for the needs of the company. When I got the news that I was going to be let go, I immediately began my usual job search routine, and that is where fate and destiny played their wild card in my life.
C’est la vie, as my sweet French mates say. Or as Mom says, “everything happens for a reason.” When one door closes another one opens. And what a fabulous door opened for me! Only two short hours before my job ended, a buddy who I see around at parties rang me out of the blue for the first time. His friend needed help with PR and marketing for two different projects and he asked for my LinkedIn profile. A few minutes later I received an invite to meet them after work at Ice in the Taj to learn more about these projects. The description I was given was really vague but one of the keywords that caught my attention was “Cricket” … which sounded very “when in Rome” for here in India so – hell yeah – I went. And thank goodness given what happened two hours later with work, eh?
Turns out that I have been given a really FUN opportunity to help out with a diverse and exciting assortment of projects and businesses – two of which I have started on already. But I will just tell you about one right now…and in a vague way so as to not mix the funky old job story with the fab new job announcement. As of last week, I am now working with a franchisee of a regional cricket league and his team, which has been without PR support since the league started. Well, the team has a couple of great agencies helping with events and promotions but there hasn’t been someone dedicated to building the brand and that is where I have happily stepped in.
I have a lot to do in a short amount of time. The player auctions take place in 10 days and then the league starts up the 1st of September. Basically, it’s a dream job, guaranteed to be a TON of work with long hours but fun as hell, with parties and events and promotions happening non-stop! Bring it on!! I mean, who wouldn’t want to support the brand and initiate PR activities for an Indian cricket team? And having front row seats to a world where it doesn’t matter if you are young or old, rich or poor, what religion you are or if you are a man or woman. Cricket breaks down all boundaries and unites people. I love that. Now what I don’t love is that the only blondes I saw were the team cheerleaders but I suppose we can baby-step that topic…I guess Rome wasn’t built in a day 🙂
For the next few months I am living the PR dream in India. How lucky am I??? I need to sort myself out some super sporty trainers, sunglasses and tracky bottoms because I doubt my typical dresses and heels are going to work out well for me at the stadium!! haha!
You know what? The best part of this whole transition was when I was faced with the harsh reality of changing jobs I never once thought about moving back to Barcelona or L.A. For that I can proudly say that India is now my home. The mosquitos are really pissing me off lately and I still detest the horn honking with a passion. But I can’t imagine being anywhere else than Bangalore today.
XOXO from Bangalore
yep- thats my sister! thats how we roll.
🙂 thanks, sis… You really need to plan a visit please please…and please smuggle in some wine with you! I am dying over here, it’s either $40 a bottle for something yummy or “hair on your chest” wine 🙁 big kiss xo
Wow! A lot has happened in very less time..
And once again you’ve proved that I’m absolutely right for thinking you’re one of the awesomest people I’ve been lucky enough to meet.. 😀 If I’d been you, I’d probably have freaked myself out crazy, had I found myself unemployed in a foreign country. You on the other hand, walk out with confidence and land a bigger, better, and funkier new job within hours! Says a lot about your confidence and ability to make friends.. 🙂 🙂
By now, you must have figured out that Cricket is more or less a religion in it’s own sense here in India. It’ll be great fun, I’m sure. And even if it isn’t, I have no doubt that you’ll find the best things about it, and make it a new adventure for yourself.. 🙂
All the best with the new venture! I’m pretty sure you’ll rock it.. 😀 😀
I swear we need to get you published soon so you can inspire the masses and help others like you have been helping me for the past 2 months 🙂 Thanks so much!! To be honest, everything happened so quickly I didn’t have time to freak out. But on top of that I am also very aware — and very lucky — that the expat population is quite low here when you compare it to cities like Barcelona or London, for example. So I figure that would work to my advantage if I really needed to start passing around my cv 🙂
Plus I know that when the money runs out that my lovely new friends here will keep me fed, which is a really good feeling when I am so far away from my home and family. Big hug, have a great rest of the week…. hey, and when the league starts I’ll ping you and see if you want to come 🙂
Very intense events but happy that it all went well! And it is true, sometimes fate has its mysterious ways!
Thanks for reaching out 🙂 yes, things are definitely not working out as planned but they are definitely working out for the best…truly I can’t believe the events of the past week. Can’t wait to actually roll up my sleeves and dig in 🙂
Hey Angela,
So many things happened in so less time. The news caught me unaware. I wish you all the luck and lets see if we can catchup sometime.
SAM
Thanks, Sameer. I realy appreciate it. Caught me unaware too but in the end it appears that everything will turn out just fine 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck as well, go kick some ass in the tech vertical 🙂
Build that brand baby!
You go girl!
hehe, thanks!! How freaking fun is this going to be, eh?? 🙂
Great post beautiful! I’m so glad it worked out. But I gotta say that your momentary employer acted like class-a schmucks. They should be ashamed of their unethical behavior. You are so the bomb and I am so happy and proud of you! 🙂
Thanks, honey. The thing that bothers me the most is that they essentially left me stranded in a foreign country, with about 10 days of cash, no means to pay my bills next month or support Alina because this whole move has PERSONALLY cost me about $25,000 which left me with no saving and essentially in debt still. And the worst part… they were supposed to pay for my relocation, including Alina’s ticket to India but we still had not purchased her ticket. So she is stuck in Spain until I can afford to fly her over 🙁
That’s even worse and should be illegal. You know it kills me that their crappy behavior touched Alina… If I ever hear from Guru I’m sure it will be a less then enjoyable experience for him. In the end I’m so glad that the Cricket gig came along so fast…
Kick ass stuff. But this kind of employer behavior is not normal, even for India…..I would love to see a post from you about how cricket matches up to its evil cousin, baseball, according to you.
PS – I personally like baseball and follow dodgers, was there when ethiers had his streak, but prefer cricket any day 🙂
OMG I can’t wait to start writing about cricket from behind the scenes, not from the stands 🙂 This is really going to be a fun few months for me!! Thanks so much for the comment and nice words. –ang
This has been quite shocking………..WTH
Whats the justification, where is the notice. How on earth could they do this…………Its unethical, illogical hiring an expat and stranding you out there with nothing…………I am surprised you let me go so easily….
Hi, yeah, I considered legal action but it’s not my style and I figure that everything happens for a reason. But I am still struggling with having no cash…it’s not fun.
Hey…
thts so sad………ive just emailed you something, just reply when your free….
Hey Angela, just read your article on your new job. Seems very intresting 🙂 Im really intrested in getting into the cricket industry. Would love to know more about your job. How do i get in touch with you?
-Aby.
Hi Aby, not sure how much help I can be but you can contact me by email if you wish, address is on my About page 🙂 Hope you’ll keep reading the blog … cheers, angela