Introduction
I still remember the days when I was fascinated by the simple, peaceful lifestyle of monks. As a child, I dreamed of becoming one. But like many parents, mine wanted a different future for me — they wanted me to study hard and become a doctor.
After completing high school, I was faced with a major decision — what to study next. I was confused between forestry, commerce, and science. With my sister’s guidance, I chose science and completed my higher secondary education. Then, I started preparing for medical school (MBBS). Unfortunately, my name wasn’t listed on the scholarship program, and studying medicine privately was too expensive — around £32,000 at that time.
So, once again with my sister’s advice, I turned toward engineering. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2015 and began working as a civil engineer in 2016. After five years of working in Nepal, I decided to pursue higher education and came to the UK for my MSc in Engineering Management.
Once I landed in the UK, my reality shifted. To support myself and pay tuition fees, I had to take on jobs that were completely different from my academic background. These jobs — though far from engineering — taught me invaluable lessons about life, humility, and resilience.
Laundry Operative — My First Job in the UK
My first job came through a friend, just a week after arriving. Before that, I had a one-night shift through an agency — scanning product quantities in a warehouse. I still remember that cold December night vividly. My friend and I had no food or water, no idea what to expect, and worked through the night shivering in the freezing air. Yet, I didn’t give up. That night, I earned my first pound — and it remains one of my proudest memories.
A week later, I started working as a laundry operative. The shifts were 12 hours long — from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. — standing the whole time with only short breaks. My job was to load bed sheets, duvet covers, towels, and pillowcases into industrial machines. We were expected to meet a target of 100 items per hour. Most of my coworkers were from Bulgaria and Romania, so English wasn’t commonly spoken.
After a while, I realized my English wasn’t improving, and I wasn’t learning anything new. So, I decided to push myself. I used to visit shops in the city, asking random questions about products — not because I needed them, but just to practice speaking English and get used to the British accent.
Working at EG Group
After the laundry job, I got a job as a customer assistant at a petrol station of EG Group. The shift was eight hours long, standing at the counter, checking bills, and assisting customers. It wasn’t too difficult, but it gave me something far more valuable — confidence. Talking to customers every day helped me improve my English and communication skills tremendously.
Later, I even got an opportunity to become a supervisor. It was a proud moment, a sign that my hard work and discipline were being recognized. Unfortunately, due to visa restrictions, I couldn’t continue in that role. I needed an employer who could sponsor my visa, so I had to quit and look for another opportunity. It was disheartening, but I moved forward, determined to make the best of every situation.
Restaurant Jobs — Lessons in Humility and Hope
Through a friend, I later found work as a kitchen porter in a Bengali restaurant. The job was physically demanding, and we weren’t allowed to stand idle — there was always something to clean or prepare. Among my coworkers were a doctor, a software engineer, an MBA graduate, and me — a civil engineer.
Sometimes, while washing dishes, I would ask myself, “Is this really why I came here?” But one night, I opened my diary and wrote:
“Whatever I’m doing now is just the beginning. This is not my ending. I will end where I want to.”
That sentence became my motivation. When I used to work in Thai restraunt, I started learning more about the kitchen, and over time, I learned how to cook as well. During the summer, when one of the chefs went on holiday for a month, I got the chance to step up and help. I applied everything I had learned and contributed from my side. The owner noticed my dedication and began to trust me deeply — not just for my skills, but for my work ethic.
Later, I also worked at a Thai restaurant as a dishwasher, takeaway packer, and chef’s helper. I even helped several Nepali brothers and sisters get jobs there. Those experiences taught me leadership, teamwork, and how to stay humble no matter what work I was doing.
Working as a Health Carer
Eventually, I became a health carer — a job I took primarily to secure my visa and living in the UK. Many people underestimate this profession, but it’s one of the most emotionally rewarding jobs I’ve ever done. Caring for elderly individuals taught me patience, empathy, and gratitude. Many of them reminded me of my grandparents.
Within a year, I was promoted to Senior Carer, where I was responsible for providing medication like a nurse. I even received proper training for it. Essentially, I was performing the duties of a nurse — but still earning a carer’s salary. Despite that, I was proud of my work and the trust placed in me. It taught me that true value isn’t always measured by money, but by the difference you make in someone’s life.
Through this job, I learned that life is precious, and we take nothing with us in the end. So why hold on to jealousy, hatred, or greed? Being around the elderly made me more compassionate, grounded, and grateful.
Even while working in care, I continued preparing myself to return to my engineering field — learning new skills and staying focused on my long-term goals.
Conclusion
Sometimes, I still wonder if the decisions I made were right or wrong. But I’ve come to believe that everything happens for a reason. Each job — from the cold warehouse to the busy restaurant kitchen, from the petrol pump counter to the care home — has shaped me into who I am today.
Whatever job I do, I always try to learn and grow from it. That mindset has never changed. My job titles may differ, but my attitude, mindset, and work ethic remain the same. I continue to learn, contribute, and evolve — both for myself and for the employers who trust me.
Now, I’m working to return to my engineering career. I’m upgrading my skills and actively searching for opportunities in my field.
Life doesn’t always follow a straight path. It bends, tests, and teaches. But each turn carries meaning — to prepare us for something greater.
When I look back now, I don’t see struggles — I see growth. I don’t see failures — I see resilience. My journey in the UK has taught me that no job is small, no experience is wasted, and no effort goes unnoticed.
Every sleepless night, every challenge, and every lesson has prepared me for the next step of my journey. And deep down, I know — this is just the beginning of my story.