Social media divided over ‘Privileged Struggle’
-
Ananya Joshi shares emotional farewell from the US on Instagram, sparking mixed reactions online
Ananya Joshi, an Indian woman who had been documenting her months-long job search in the US, left the country after being unable to secure a suitable role. On September 29, she posted a tearful video on Instagram capturing her departure, expressing gratitude to the US and calling it the hardest step in her journey. She reflected on her time as her first home as a financially independent adult, stating that the experience would always hold a special place in her life, reported indiatvnews.com.
-
Joshi graduated from Northwestern University in 2024 with a master’s in biotechnology, worked at a biotech startup under the STEM OPT program, and was recently laid off
-
Despite her efforts to find a new role, she eventually decided to leave the US, potentially seeking opportunities in Dubai
The video, showing her departing on an Etihad first-class flight, drew both sympathy and criticism from social media users. Many applauded her resilience, while others highlighted the contrast between her “privileged struggle” and the challenges faced by ordinary workers. Comments ranged from playful teasing to pointed critiques about her first-class travel, with users remarking on the irony of “weeping in luxury” while pursuing a new job abroad.
The STEM OPT program allows international students on F-1 visas to work temporarily in their field of study for up to 12 months, but Joshi’s situation underscores the urgency and pressures faced by many on temporary work visas when layoffs occur.
