In this episode of Desperate Times, hosts Sakshi and Varun engage in a deep conversation with Shaunakk about his remarkable journey from the hospitality industry in India to a marketing career in Germany. They explore the challenges of reinventing oneself in a new country, the impact of personal loss on career choices, and the cultural shocks faced while adapting to life in Germany. Shaunakk shares insights on the importance of language, the realities of the hospitality industry, and the lessons learned through his experiences. This episode is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion in one's career. In this conversation, Shaunakk shares his journey from a small town to a bigger city in Germany, discussing the cultural shock and challenges he faced in his early career. He reflects on the inspiration he drew from advertising legends like Piyush Pandey and the impact of creativity in marketing. The discussion shifts to the difficulties of navigating the job market in Germany, the mental health challenges associated with job hunting, and the importance of personal growth during desperate times. Shaunakk emphasizes the need to adapt to changing circumstances and the value of dreaming big, while also acknowledging the struggles faced by many immigrants in their pursuit of success.

Takeaways

• Shaunakk transitioned from hospitality to marketing in Germany.
• Personal loss can be a catalyst for major life changes.
• Working in hospitality provides invaluable life lessons.
• Language proficiency is crucial for career advancement in a new country.
• Cultural shocks can significantly impact the adaptation process.
• The importance of networking and mentorship in career development.
• Marketing requires creativity and adaptability.
• Work-life balance varies greatly between cultures.
• Experiencing different industries can broaden one's perspective.
• Resilience is key to navigating career transitions. Cultural transitions can be challenging but rewarding.
• Gratitude for opportunities can shape one's career path.
• Inspiration from industry legends can ignite passion.
• Creativity in advertising is essential for impactful messaging.
• Job hunting can be mentally exhausting and requires resilience.
• Personal growth often comes from navigating difficult times.
• The job market can be influenced by global events.
• Maintaining mental health is crucial during job searches.
• Adapting to change is necessary for success.
• Dreaming big can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Sound bites

"Marketing is not rocket science."

"Job hunting is a full-time job."

"Desperate times shape you."

Chapters

(00:00) Reinventing Yourself: A Journey of Change

(16:32) Navigating the Learning Curve: From Hospitality to Marketing

(20:16) The Evolution of Marketing Education

(21:16) Navigating Life in a New Country

(26:44) Coping with Culture Shock

(30:43) The Impact of Influential Figures in Marketing

(34:06) The Struggle for Creativity in Advertising

(41:34) Adapting to Change in Marketing

(43:02) Job Hunting Challenges in Germany

(45:29) The Struggles of Job Applications

(48:02) Finding Balance in Desperate Times

(52:09) Cultural Insights and Travel Opportunities

(55:20) Personal Stories of Desperation and Growth

What happens when you spend years behind a hotel front desk, handling some of the wildest guests and late-night stories… and then decide to pivot your entire career?

In this episode of the Desperate Times Podcast, we sit down with Shouvik — someone who made a bold shift from hospitality to marketing and moved from India to Canada in the process.

He shares what it’s really like to start over in a new country, why transferable skills matter more than you think, and the unforgettable experiences that only the hotel industry can offer.

🎙️ Whether you’re dreaming of a career pivot, moving abroad, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this one’s for you.

Music Credits:♪ Marshmallow (Prod. by Lukrembo)Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7KYdqVND4o&ab_channel=LuKremBo

That sinking feeling when a major festival like Diwali or a birthday passes, and you’re oceans away. We know the feeling. Homesickness isn't just missing home; it's a deep, desperate emotional impact that peaks during cultural celebrations. Join us as we get vulnerable about the pressure of cultural expectations from afar and how to find connection and community when you're navigating a new world. (Warning: Contains honest talk about emotional breakdowns and comfort food disasters.)

In this candid episode of Desperate Times, we explore why big festivals and milestones intensify the ache of being away. We discuss the intense guilt and pressure that comes with missing important traditions, and why it's crucial to acknowledge the feeling—remember, "It's okay to feel homesick."

We share our most desperate coping mechanisms—the good, the bad, and the slightly pathetic—and what it takes to form a supportive community in a new land. This conversation is about accepting change as an inevitable part of life and realizing that embracing it is the only way to build new, meaningful traditions right where you are.

• 
  

  Takeaways

  1. Cultural expectations can create pressure during festivals.
  2. Homesickness can intensify during significant cultural events.
  3. Emotional breakdowns are a natural response to feeling out of place.
  4. Finding connection in new environments is crucial for well-being.
  5. Coping mechanisms can help manage feelings of loneliness.
  6. Community support plays a vital role in emotional healing.
  7. Embracing change can lead to the formation of new traditions.
  8. It's important to acknowledge and express feelings of homesickness.
  9. Navigating cultural differences requires patience and understanding.
  10. Change is an inevitable part of life that can bring growth.

  
  

  Chapters:

• (00:00) Navigating Homesickness During Festivals (The Post-Durga Puja/Pre-Diwali Pressure)

• (06:39) When the Holidays Hit: Coping with Birthdays and Cultural Expectations

• (12:08) Celebrating Diwali and Thanksgiving in a New Land (Embracing Change and New Traditions)

• (19:06) Outro and Final Thoughts: Why "I just had a massive breakdown" is sometimes the first step to healing.

• 
  

  If you are counting the days and time zones until you can go home, you are not alone. Hit the like button and leave a comment below sharing your best (or worst!) homesickness coping mechanism.

  
  

  Subscribe to Desperate Times for more real talk on the messy parts of life.

  
  

  #Homesickness #DiwaliAbroad #CulturalShock #ExpatLife #CopingMechanisms #DesperateTimes #EmotionalImpact #CommunitySupport #NewTraditions