Ivette Barragan

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I am an Ecuadorian who has been living in Dubai for over 14 years. I became the trailing spouse, leaving behind my career, everything I knew, and my country to pursue my husband’s career. At that time, I had two daughters aged 2 and 6. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't too hard either. I moved with great expectations: a better education for my daughters, a place that is the dream destination for every traveller, and a city full of possibilities.

 

I did what I had to do for love, sacrifice, or whatever it may be called. I cared for my family, becoming a housewife and a devoted mother to my children. While they were growing up, I managed to have a side business as a freelance event planner to feel like I was advancing in my career. I ended up in the hamster wheel of every woman. I was not accomplished enough to be a good mom or a success in my professional life. The guilt of leaving my family and not working enough became an issue. I was running all the time, but my body began to resent it, and I started having stress-related health issues. So, I quit my freelance business, but still, I didn't feel great. My mind was my worst enemy, telling me that I was nothing without a career, that I was just a mom. My mind used to say that I was my traitor, the killer of my dreams of youth.

 

After a long conversation with a good friend, we started a podcast. Our main goal was to create something where we could work together on our issues and find some way of achievement. It didn’t matter at that time if only one person would listen. We just wanted to create some solace. The podcast became an outlet for me to find myself in a better way, working towards what I wanted to improve as a woman at this time. I slowed down and took more ownership of my mental and physical health. I’m still working on it.

 

Now, I’m on a different path in my life, completely different from what I wanted in college—finding a new place where all my talents and gifts are put into service. As expat women, we must create a new life in a different place, language, and culture. We must build a home from scratch, constantly challenge ourselves to be out of our comfort zone, learn fast, and adapt quickly. We must create new connections and relationships, grow, and raise kids, support our husbands, and advance our careers. Everything is daunting and stressful, but we must do it. My job is to help you on your path and let you thrive on the way to becoming a woman ready for every challenge and goal you set in your life.

 

With me, you can delve deep into your feelings and thoughts. I will be the person who supports you with warmth and appreciation. I won’t give you advice, but I will be the listener, the person who will ask questions for you to discover yourself in other ways. It’s never too late to take care of ourselves. It’s never too late to transform. I look forward to meeting you and seeing the new possibilities for being yourself.