Lost in London writes:
I am so depressed and I really need guidance and hope. I lived in the United States for 21 years. Some years with a work permit and some years without. I worked in finance and made the kind of money that allowed me to save, help my relatives out and provide for my needs.
I worked like crazy - sometimes 10-12 hours a day, sometimes seven days a week. But it was worth it because my boss was fair in compensating me for my hard work. It all came to a stop when I received a letter from the INS scheduling me for an interview for my permanent residence. You could say it was the day I had been waiting for and I was so excited, but things did not turn out as I had expected and I soon found myself with the threat of deportation.
Needless to say I was so hurt and angry because I paid taxes and worked hard. Instead of being deported, I just decided to leave the country - what they call voluntary departure- and since I carry a European Union passport I moved to the United Kingdom. I have been here almost a year now and it is just not working out. I went from making $60,000 to 13,000 pounds ($26,000) a year. I can barely support myself - everything is so expensive! I have been trying to hold on and tell myself that things will get better but it is getting harder and harder every day. I have been reading all kinds of books like The Secret, The Passion Test, 5 Wishes and Notes from the Universe just to keep hope alive. I am willing to work hard but I just need your advice and input to get me through the rough times.
Dear Lost,
I know you may feel like you've bounced from one extreme to another, but eventually things will level out and you'll feel like you're back on solid ground.
Moving from one country to another does require a period of adjustment, spiritually and financially. It's a big change, especially when you weren't fully prepared for it. It seems like you've got a little residual culture shock going on, which isn't helping with your salary cut.
Things will get better, but it is going to take some time. Keep reading those books, because they will help you to keep the faith - in yourself. That is the one thing that you must hold onto in order to achieve success.
For all intents and purpose, you have started over. That means that there is nowhere to go but up. As long as you keep working toward you goals, you will reach them. Sometimes it takes a little longer for things to fall into place, the way we'd like them to, but eventually they do fall in place.
While I can't hand you a quick fix, I do see that you will be changing jobs sometime between now and June. That will be your first tangible proof that the Universe is listening, and all of your efforts aren't in vain. But, it is your efforts that get the ball rolling. Don't shy away from doing something new - I actually see you working in either advertising or marketing. The challenge does you good, and it's definitely paying better than what you have now.
Stop thinking in terms of what you had, what you lost and what should-have-been. None of that matters now, and none of that can be changed. What you need to hold on to is that you created success in your life before - therefore you have the tools and power to do it again.
Good luck,
Red
Ext. 9226