From Mangalore to the Unknown

Post-pandemic life was a whirlwind. I had just stepped into a new chapter—married to the love of my life and blessed with a beautiful daughter who instantly became the center of our little world. We lived modestly in Mangalore, in a small nuclear setup, where I worked as a schoolteacher. Financially, it was tight, but emotionally, those were some of the most fulfilling days. We laughed, struggled, and lived fully, even with little.

But slowly, something started to shift. The politics within the school staff began to weigh heavily on me. My passion for teaching started to fade. I felt I was meant to do something more, something different. With no next job in hand, I made a risky decision—I resigned at the end of the term in 2022.

That period after leaving the job was filled with uncertainty. I was home, unsure of what came next. I gave some public Islamic talks, continued learning, and tried to remain grounded. But deep inside, I knew I needed to take a leap. So I enrolled in a web development course. A six-month program—I pushed myself to complete it in just two. I had no time to waste.

And then, I made one of the boldest decisions of my life. I borrowed money to get a visa to Qatar. Not the ideal route, but it was the only way I saw. With my heart pounding and a borrowed future on my back, I flew to Qatar during the iconic FIFA World Cup 2022.

Qatar – A Job, A Risk, and A Sudden End

When I landed in Qatar, it wasn’t just hope I carried—it was borrowed money, sacrifice, and a dream that this move would change everything for my family.

Alhamdulillah, I did get a job — a full-time role as a Digital Marketing Executive. It wasn’t a glamorous position, but it was something real. I gave it my all. For a while, things felt like they were finally moving in the right direction.

But my visa had a fixed shelf life: only one year. As the end of that period approached, my company asked me—politely but clearly—to find another job before it expired. It wasn’t personal, just business. But it left me standing at the edge of uncertainty again.

I took the blind risk…

That’s when I met a Qatari man who was planning to launch a start-up. He offered me a job—something informal, but with promises of growth. Around the same time, I also received a call from one of the biggest companies in Doha. When they asked if I was available, I turned them down right away. Looking back, I realize how foolish that was.

I did receive a salary for two months at the start-up, but it was much lower than I expected—just a 5% hike from my previous job’s pay. It was disappointing, but I kept holding on, hoping things would improve.

However, the start-up never really took off. There was no proper structure, and soon after, my visa situation became critical.

With my legal stay expired and no stable job in hand, I felt trapped. I had no choice but to leave Qatar and return to India.

It was a heavy moment. I didn’t know what to do next—I just wanted to escape the uncertainty and pressure. I was back where I started—except now with more questions, more lessons… and more debt.

Back to Mangalore – When the Fire Rekindled

Returning to India after Qatar wasn’t easy.

I had left with dreams. I came back with empty hands, an expired visa, and the heavy burden of starting over — again. But I wasn’t the same person anymore. Something inside me had shifted.

In Qatar, I learned a crucial lesson that would shape everything ahead:

“To be important in a room, you must bring something to the table that no one else can replace.”

This wasn’t just about skills. It was about deep, proven value.

Back in Mangalore, I didn’t waste time sulking. Quietly, I took a job as an SEO specialist in a local company. With full focus, I began learning and refining my craft, immersing myself in the inner workings of the web — not just what’s visible on the surface, but the mechanics behind it. Along the way, I discovered how even the smallest optimizations could lead to significant results.

Slowly, I started becoming that person in the room — the one who knew things others didn’t. The one people turned to when they needed answers. I grew into a role of responsibility and was promoted to lead the SEO and web development team. The department became tightly linked to my efforts, and when I decided to resign, it was clear how difficult it was to find and train a replacement who could fill my shoes.

Throughout this journey, my wife stood by me like a rock. She didn’t just believe in me — she acted on that belief. Quietly, daily, persistently, she applied to jobs across the GCC on my behalf.

Months passed. Then, one day, a call came from Jeddah.

I had made it to the interview round. And soon after, I got the offer.

Arrival in Jeddah — New Beginnings and the Road Ahead

After months of waiting, interviews, and hope, the day finally came. I flew to Jeddah in June 2025, stepping into a new chapter filled with both excitement and uncertainty.

Jeddah isn’t just a city to me; it represents dreams fulfilled, hard work rewarded, and a chance to grow spiritually and professionally. This city, near the Holy Cities, holds a special place in my heart and the hearts of millions who seek a fresh start or a renewed connection with their faith.

Moving here wasn’t just about a job — it was about answering a call that was always there, even if I hadn’t fully recognized it before.

I’m sharing my journey here on The Jeddah Blog — not just as a story of moving places, but as a testament to patience, resilience, and faith. This blog will be a place where I combine my experiences in digital marketing, Islamic reflections, and the everyday realities of life in this incredible city.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope my words inspire you, whether you’re chasing your own dreams, struggling through setbacks, or simply curious about life in Jeddah.