If you had told me a few years ago where I’d be today, I probably would have smiled politely and assumed you were exaggerating. Back then, my reality in Poland looked very different from what it does now. I was just another international student trying to survive, adapt, and find my place in a completely new environment.
My journey started in one of the most common ways for students like me—working behind the counter at McDonald's. It wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t easy. Long hours on my feet, fast-paced shifts, and constant pressure became part of my daily life. But that job taught me something important early on: no work is small, and every experience builds discipline.
From there, the hustle didn’t stop—it evolved. I started delivering food for UberEats, riding through cold evenings and unpredictable weather. I worked in warehouses, handling physically demanding shifts that drained my energy. I took on roles in different restaurants, adapting quickly to new environments, new teams, and new expectations. Each job came with its own challenges, but also its own lessons.
At the same time, I was balancing my university studies. Being a student is already demanding, but combining that with multiple jobs made life feel like a constant race against time. There were days when I felt completely exhausted—physically and mentally. Still, I kept going because I knew why I started.
But there was another side to this journey that most people didn’t see.
In the small gaps between my shifts and classes—when others were resting—I was building something quietly. I knew that if I wanted a professional career, I couldn’t rely only on my university degree. I needed more. I needed skills that would actually open doors.
So I started upskilling. Aggressively.
When I should have been sleeping, I was studying. Late nights became normal. I spent hours taking online certifications, learning new tools, and diving deep into areas that weren’t even part of my academic curriculum. There were moments when I questioned myself—wondering if all this effort would ever pay off. It felt overwhelming at times, almost impossible.
But I kept going.
Not because it was easy, but because I believed it would be worth it.
Slowly, things started to change. My knowledge grew. My confidence improved. Opportunities that once felt out of reach began to feel possible. And then, one day, everything shifted.
Today, I can say with full honesty and gratitude that I am working in my absolute dream job at EY.
Even now, when I sit and reflect on this journey—from working service jobs and warehouse shifts to entering a professional career—I find it difficult to map out a perfect “strategy” or step-by-step formula. It wasn’t linear. It wasn’t predictable. There were setbacks, doubts, and moments of uncertainty.
But I know one thing with complete clarity: I didn’t do this alone.
Every step of this journey was guided by the Almighty. And behind me, always, was the quiet, powerful support of my mother’s prayers. That unseen strength carried me through the hardest days—the days when I felt like giving up, the nights when I was too tired to continue, and the moments when nothing seemed to make sense.
To anyone reading this who is currently working frontline jobs, standing long hours, doing warehouse shifts, or struggling to balance work and studies—this message is for you.
Your current situation is not your final destination.
It may feel like you’re stuck. It may feel like your efforts are invisible. But every skill you learn, every hour you invest in yourself, and every sacrifice you make is building something bigger—even if you can’t see it yet.
Keep upskilling. Stay consistent. Be patient with yourself.
Progress doesn’t always come quickly, but it always comes to those who refuse to quit.
One day, you’ll look back—just like I am now—and realize that the struggle wasn’t holding you back. It was preparing you.
And when that day comes, you won’t just appreciate the success—you’ll understand the journey that made it possible.