The Achiever's Spotlight: Sara Rehmaan

Hey Fam!

Back when I worked full-time as a content specialist while at the same time pursuing an MBA specialising in Human Resource Management, I was told I could establish quite a fulfilling career as a recruitment specialist because of my ability to empathise with people.

“You are soft-spoken, a great listener, and have the curiosity of a cat. You speak well, too. Would you ever consider working as a recruiter?!” One of my colleagues asked on our way back home.  

 “I guess not!” I answered precisely.

“Why not?!”

“It’s not the career I imagined for myself growing up.”

“I understand that, but you should be open to the possibility at least…”

“Hmph!”

Call me crazy or strong-headed, but after I started working as a content specialist, I could never imagine working as something else. Sure, I was pursuing a business degree, taking classes between work hours, and staying up late to finish my deadlines and assignments. Heck, I even funded my degree, spending a major chunk of my salary on it, and yet, pursuing a career in HRM, leaving content felt somewhat… daunting. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around it.

Perhaps, I didn’t have the hindsight to see I was obstructing my own growth by not choosing to flap my wings just because I had become accustomed to my comfort zone.

Comfort zone can be pretty lethal, right? Believe me, my friend, I have experienced its destructive nature and advise you against it. Put yourself out there and challenge yourself.

If you wish to study medicine after spending the last four years studying law because you don’t enjoy it anymore, pat yourself on the back for dreaming BIG and go for it. What’s that? You’d fail? I wouldn’t say that!

Trying and challenging and struggling to be a better version of yourself is all that matters. And those who try, what a life of valor they live! I say put yourself out there, even if it means starting from scratch. Surround yourself with those who root for you and turn away from the voices that don't.

You owe it to yourself to live your life on your terms and that’s a damn beautiful life to live. Wouldn’t you agree?

The Achiever’s Spotlight: Sara Rehman

I had the opportunity to speak with Sara Rehman, an early childhood educator who studied Design and went on to pursue a career in early childhood education after moving to Australia. Her unique transition to early childhood education didn’t only give me a fresh perspective on how I should approach my professional life in Australia as an expat, but also, I hope it will give you something to think about when considering moving to a new place, state, country or even…transitioning to a new career!

She runs a blog, where she shares how fun early childhood education can be when you’re a bit artsy and enjoy spending time with children.

Find out more about her story as we discuss her life in Dubai, and life after moving to Australia! Let’s go!

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Pakistan but spent my entire life in UAE. I call it my home; it's where my heart is.

When did you move to Australia?

I moved to Australia in 2019 a few months after I got married and have been here ever since. I love Australia, its beauty mesmerises me every single day.

Hi Sarah, it is lovely to meet you! Please introduce us to your world, who is Sarah exactly?

Hi World! Meet me, a wanderer, sensitive soul, and people person. I'm a great listener and can spend hours listening to people's stories. Considering Australia is home to all kinds of people coming from different backgrounds, one needs to learn to co-exist with those with unique perspectives. 🩷I believe my listening skills have helped me not only learn about others but also about the world at large.

Today, I live in Australia with my beautiful family of three, my husband, daughter, whom everyone likes to call ‘mini-me’, and I.

I have done bachelor’s in design from Dubai. After I moved to Australia, I wanted to explore early learning, so I enrolled myself in the Diploma of Early Childhood and there has been no going back ever since. I've thoroughly enjoyed the crossover of design and early childhood education and how it has shaped my career over the course. I am an ‘artsy early childhood educator’ now, which, not going to lie is quite a fulfilling career to pursue in Australia.

Other than that, I have an incredible group of friends here. I love hosting my friends and family, and hanging out with them, especially now as a mother. I feel our mum group is my biggest support system.

1- Tell us more about how you ventured into early childhood. Was that something you were always interested in?

It might sound cliche but this stems from my childhood, from the times when I used to put my youngest sister to sleep. I remember I used to love playing with children, I loved holding them, caring for them, talking to them, dancing with them, and pretty much, doing everything with them. The feeling was almost, always there.

When I finished studying design and felt like I didn't want a career in that, coming to a new country (Australia) offered me a chance to pursue my dream career. It paved the way for me to rethink my decision and consider transitioning to a career I felt I belonged to instead of settling for something I didn’t enjoy anymore.

2- What are some tips you can give to those wanting to dip their toes into early childhood education?

Australia is the land where dreams do come true. There are numerous opportunities for everyone here. The best part? You don’t need years of formal education to thrive in a particular field. Unless you’re a health professional, you don’t have to spend 4 years studying for a degree only to find out your heart lies somewhere else, and because you’re knee-deep in debt, you can’t consider transitioning to a new career.

To start a career in Early Childhood, you could enrol in a certificate III or IV to get your formal training for the roles you’ll be applying for in the future sorted. The best part is that you can start working while you're still enrolled in your program, too. Another perk of starting a career in Early Childhood Education is that it’s not much of a struggle to enter the market as the sector is vast, and there’s almost, always an opening for a new role.

3- That sounds pretty awesome! You say you are an artist at heart. How do you channel your creativity into your now profession?

I feel like somehow you always end up bringing your skills to your work. As an artist, I have a knack for bringing my creativity into whatever I do. Besides, for you to be a good early childhood educator, you need to be a bit creative and artsy. Fortunately, enough, the transferrable skills I learned and polished in design school came in handy when I transitioned to early childhood education. For the record, I now work in an atelier (art room) in an early learning centre which perfectly fits me; it kind of ticks all the boxes.

4- Do you miss Dubai?

Dubai has always been in my heart; I have made some beautiful memories there. I also really appreciated its Muslim heritage, having beautiful mosques. I could hear Adhan five times a day, which is something I miss a lot here.

Besides that, I miss the food. Also, Ramadan in Dubai is like no other. Dubai is where I truly discovered myself as I spent a major chunk of my childhood there. All my high school best friends live(d) there; it was my home.

5- Would you ever move back there?

Honestly, as much as I miss Dubai every day, Australia grew on me rather quickly. I have always admired nature, and Australia preserves it like no other country, not even Dubai. Australia offers me peace and serenity and I cannot be happier now that I have a life and my family here.  

I may want to move back someday but maybe for a few years or perhaps, I might just keep moving back and forth between Australia and Dubai, ha ha, lol! A few years here and a few there. I mean I don’t know, I love both countries now!

7- What was culture shock like when you first moved to Australia?

People going out without their shoes on was a funny one, other than that I have loved the culture here.

8- Ha ha ha, I cannot agree more with you on that! How did you cope with homesickness when you moved to Australia?

I have always been clear on what I want from life. I believe in celebrating life as it comes. We keep waiting for something to happen, forgetting that life stops for no one and that it is happening right now in this very moment as we speak. If we don’t actively choose to celebrate it every day, we will wait for too long, and honestly, that was the key to finding happiness in this new home despite missing the life I had built back home.

But that doesn’t mean I didn’t have my rough days. There were surely days when I felt homesick, but because of my husband, Saad, and his friends planning trips now and then, I got the chance to travel to Western Australia and meet new people, making new friends and memories. I am a social butterfly, so I naturally enjoyed spending time with my new friends. But I would say, kudos to Saad and his friends because they didn’t let me be homesick for too long!  

For those of you who feel homesick and lonely, I would suggest you go out, socialise, meet new people, make friends, and find new spots to explore. There is just so much beauty surrounding you in Australia that you cannot help but be attracted to it. Breathe in, relax, and remember to keep pushing yourself to feel better again. It is definitely a work in progress, but I believe, we always have an option, a way to feel better again. Just remind yourself to add some sunshine to your days and you’ll be fine in no time.

Insightful! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Sara! I wish you and your daughter the best of luck in your future endeavours!

Sara: Thank you so much and you’re welcome, I enjoyed reliving my journey. Thank you for the opportunity!

Mariam: My pleasure!😉 

My Favorite Video (This Week)

How to Stop Wasting Your Life by Ali Abdaal

Ali is a doctor turned entrepreneur and now an author! His whole ideology is centered around the fact that you become more productive when you enjoy doing what you love. If you have been finding it tough to staying productive, this video should be able to help you!

Share Your Story

Want a fellow expat to learn from your journey? Share your story in response to this email and I would be elated to feature it in the next issue of The Achievers.

Quote of the Week

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See you next week!