Graduated, started a job, now crossing fingers for an H1B

So -- this is it.

Been working for a couple of weeks now after a melange of events that included graduation, out-of-state vacation trips with my parents and my boyfriend, relocation to another state, and lots and lots of packing. I cannot emphasize enough how stressful packing and unpacking can be -- I've been in two temporary apartments in two weeks, and it's really, really awful.

How can Americans be okay with this nomadic lifestyle?! I'm just not used to it.

I've received my first paycheck, and I still have to find a long-term apartment, buy my own car and start another checking account. Depending so much on checks (to purchase a car, to pay apartment deposits) is another thing to get used to.

I'm really proud and happy that I've finished my MBA in flying colors - academic honors, no debt, some extra money after all the vacation expenses. I spent a little more than Php2.5M of my own money; the fellowship plus the money I earned from my internship and my part-time job took care of the rest of my expenses.

I'm a living testament that, yes, it is possible to get your MBA abroad without incurring debt or relying on your family for financial support. Of course, there was a pretty steep price for me to pay - and it started way before I set foot in America, from my very first paycheck.

Now, I'm ready to move on to the next stage. Hopefully, this time next year, I'll have the good news of having an approved H1B work visa. And from there -- who knows?


Thank you very much for supporting my blog and reading my posts. I'm signing off for now,  but will be available to answer questions. Just shoot them at my email pinaymba <at> gmail <dot> com. Thank you once again, and good luck to all Filipino MBA applicants!