Summary
Highlights
Paula, living in Florida, shares her experience. Despite having a good job, a house, and her family with her, she states that if she could go back, she wouldn't migrate. She highlights the significant difference in stability and the constant uncertainty she now faces, unlike in Colombia where she felt secure in her career and finances.
Paula recounts a poignant story about her brother advising her not to migrate. Tragically, he passed away in Colombia, and she couldn't attend his funeral, emphasizing the emotional cost of being away from family. She also touches on the challenges of legalizing in the U.S. and the difficulty of returning once you've left.
Paula shares the story of meeting her husband at 18 and building a life together from nothing. They worked hard to become professionals while raising their children, with Paula pausing her studies multiple times due to family commitments and relocations. She eventually completed her master's degree while working as a nanny in the U.S.
Paula explains her long-held dream of living abroad, even though she and her husband were financially stable in Colombia. Her husband supported her dream, even though it meant leaving a 20-year career. Upon arriving in the U.S. with her entire family, Paula took on various jobs, including a 'Mother's Helper' and babysitting. Despite the change in status, she initially felt happy and excited about the new possibilities.
Paula describes the emotional toll of leaving her children to care for others and a particularly difficult work trip to Miami. This led her to seek an office job. She experienced several transitions, encountering difficult work environments and people. She emphasizes the importance of professionalism and continuous learning, including practicing English for job interviews, to overcome imposter syndrome and excel in her career.
Paula, an administrator by profession with a master's in human resource management from Spain, now works as an HR specialist for a resort chain. She proudly recounts winning an 'Applause Award', an award where employees nominate a colleague who has made a significant positive impact. She attributes this recognition to her warm nature and genuine desire to help others, demonstrating that her Colombian essence has been a valuable asset.
Paula discusses the stark differences in labor laws. In Florida, there's no mandatory job security, health insurance, or paid holidays, making being an employee a 'bad business.' This lack of protection leads to constant uncertainty but also easy access to credit, making material rebuilding easier than in Colombia, where saving requires a substantial down payment.
Paula, who also holds Spanish citizenship, reflects on her future plans. She and her husband don't want to grow old in the U.S. and are considering moving to Spain once their immigration process is complete. She laments the emotional sacrifices of migration, particularly the distance from family and the realization that new relationships are often based on convenience rather than genuine support.