Indian woman Ananya Joshi leaves US after job hunt struggles, shares emotional farewell | Watch Video

PTC Web Desk:  Indian graduate Ananya Joshi, who had been documenting her job search journey on social media, has bid an emotional farewell to the United States after failing to secure a suitable role. On September 29, she shared a tearful video on Instagram, capturing her departure and describing it as the “hardest step” of her journey.

In her post, Ananya Joshi reflected on her years in America, calling it her first home as a financially independent adult. “By far the hardest step in this journey. Even though I seemed to have accepted my reality, nothing could have prepared me for this day. America was my first home as a financially independent adult and that will always be special to me. Though short-lived, I really appreciate the life you gave me. America, I love you,” she wrote.

A 2024 Northwestern University graduate with a master’s degree in Biotechnology, Joshi worked at a biotech startup under the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. However, after being laid off during a company-wide downsizing, she began urgently searching for a new position.

Back in June, she had written on LinkedIn: “I’ve been laid off from my previous role. There’s some urgency to this as my STEM OPT clock is ticking, and I need to secure a role within the next month to remain in the US.” Despite months of effort, she was unable to land a role within the visa timeframe.

While her departure sparked empathy from many followers, some online users criticised her for flying first class on her way out. Still, Joshi hinted at optimism for the future, suggesting in recent posts that she may explore opportunities abroad, possibly in Dubai.