For decades, the “American Dream” has inspired people from around the globe. But the reality of chasing it often turns out to be far more complicated. That struggle recently came into sharp focus after an emotional farewell video by an Indian woman went viral, resonating deeply with international students and professionals who face similar challenges. Ananya Joshi, who completed her master’s in Biotechnology from Northwestern University in 2024, started her career in the US on an F-1 OPT visa at a biotech start-up. But when the company downsized, she lost her job. With her visa period running out and the job market tightening, she found herself racing against time to secure a new role. Despite sending out applications, attending interviews, and networking for months, Joshi couldn’t land another opportunity. Eventually, she made the difficult choice to leave the States. In her farewell video, filmed on her journey out, she called it “by far the hardest step in this journey," and admitted that nothing could have prepared her for the goodbye. Joshi has since moved to Dubai. On Instagram, she wrote, “America was my first home as a financially independent adult and that will always be a special thing to me. Though short lived, I really appreciate the life you gave me. AMERICA, I LOVE YOU.” Watch the video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya 🐬 | Relatable Adult Life (@ananyastruggles) This wasn’t her first time opening up about her struggles. Earlier in May, she had posted about losing her first job less than a year after starting. “As a person on a temporary visa, my situation becomes far more complicated after this and I need to come up with a backup plan ASAP,” she said, adding that she wanted to focus more on creating content and sharing her experiences online. “Please don’t come at me with ‘I’m sorry.’ Say congratulations because I just got set free from the anxiety of an impending tragedy.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya 🐬 | Relatable Adult Life (@ananyastruggles) Also Read | ‘I was happier earning Rs 18,000’: Indian woman in Dubai says life in Bengaluru with modest pay was better Her farewell sparked a wave of reactions online. Many empathised with her pain. One user wrote, “Watching your video had me in tears, because it reminded me the time last year I left states, the ache, the tears. I can understand how tough it must be for you. Picture abhi baki hai mere dost.” Another assured her, “Better days are coming. Please don’t be disheartened and don’t give up. You will thrive.” But not everyone was sympathetic. Some pointed out that her video was recorded inside a business-class cabin, calling her portrayal of struggle tone-deaf. One comment read, “Left the American dream to pursue Dubai dream and weeping in a first class, such a tough life.” Another added, “Oh to cry in an Emirates business class flight to go from America to Dubai. Living the dream I see. Hope my kids will be as privileged as you are today.”
